![[hand]](/hs-pics/portraits/hands/mcbride5.jpg)
![[face]](/hs-pics/portraits/faces/gillan.jpg)
Newcastle: Tremendously cracking
Just a quick one to say I really enjoyed the Deep Purple gig at the Arena in Newcastle.
A few moments of uncertainty at times but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the gig and the band looked to be enjoying it – smiling at each other at any such moments of hesitation.
I think the chemistry is undoubtedly still there with this band – both in the studio and live – a brilliant combination of talent, musicianship and rock’n’roll spirit, it really is a joy to behold.
I’d maybe have preferred to see the band at the City Hall but having said that it’s just superb to see this greatest of rock bands again anywhere and this was a cracking gig for me.
I’d have liked to hear some stuff like Battle Rages On having had my appetite whetted by other reviewers, but it was a real treat to hear Machine Head in its entirety, including one of my all time favourites, When a Blind Man Cries – I never get tired of them playing this one.
Maybe I’m a Leo, Highway Star, Smoke on the Water, Pictures of Home etc – unbeatable stuff.
Great to hear Rapture of the Deep live, and I really liked the opening salvo of Fireball and Things I Never Said – what start!
Encores of a brilliant Hush and Black Night rounded things off in fine style. I thought Gillan’s voice was in really fine fettle and it’s tremendous to see this band rocking live. They are truly the greatest. Long may they continue.
Andy Atkinson
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing