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Ripening 2 reviews

Ripening 1

Berlin special

Arènes d'Avenches, Avenches, Switzerland
August 13, 2003

photos (go to "Album photo" and "Edition 2003 Mercredi")

As good as ever…
It was a pleasure to see Deep Purple again, this time in Avenches. The venue, a sold-out Roman arena with a castle in the background and a nearly full-orange moon was absolutely charming. The atmosphere was excellent throughout the whole show.
No surprise in DP set-list, as it turned out to be the one they've been playing lately. "Highway Star" is a perfect start for a show and I really enjoyed the two new songs from their forthcoming album "Bananas". "Haunted" is a powerful and beautiful ballad while the tune "I've Got Your Number" has a great cool-kind-of-funky-type rhythm with Roger & Steve doing the backing vocals. I just couldn't help humming the chorus even it was the first time I heard it…Can't wait for the 25th of this month to discover the other songs.
Big Ian was in a great form and, true to himself, kept saying "unbelievable". Steve's "Well-dressed guitar" was even better (if possible) than the last time I heard it and Don is remarkably fitting in the band. His pre-"Perfect strangers" medley was highly appreciated by a captivated crowd. Glover and Paicey were brilliant as usual (although I regret the absence of a drum solo…).
The highlight of the show was without a doubt "Smoke on the water" and while the band was receiving a long and well-deserved ovation at the end of the song, Ian disappeared backstage and came back with the one and only Claude Nobs from Montreux, "A friend forever" as Ian introduced him to the crowd. To share such a wonderful moment is just another proof of the band’s generosity and loyalty.
After "Space truckin'", it was already time for the encore and "Hush" and "Black Night" concluded a fantastic show.
The concert was bloody excellent, the sound good, the only negative point was that it was far too short…. Not only have these guys got great songs and are brilliant musicians, but they also perform with their heart and have fun while doing it. And that's a precious gift that they give us at every concert. That's why their shows are so special and why they've been around for years… Thanks guys!
Sandra Celant

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