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The Mule is back
Date: 03.12.2011
: Gerry Weber Arena
: Halle
: Germany
This was the second time I saw DP with the orchestra this year, first concert was in Gelsenkirchen this summer. I was really impressed about the gig in Gelsenkirchen, but this one last saturday was much more better – unbelievable good.
The orchester was perfectly involved now and it seems that they enjoyed any minute of the concert. And so did the band. As a lot of reviewers mentioned Don Airey is more and more a regular band member and he is truly on of the highlights now.
The big suprise to me was that they included The Mule into the programm, which also means the Drum solo by Ian Paice.
I have the same impression as a lot of reviewers: The get better and better….
Looking forward to see them again next November, and I would not complain if some new songs would be played then – from the 2012 record.
Unauthorized copying, while sometimes necessary, is never as good as the real thing
Good news!I hope the Mule will be back on the set list next year in Paris.Ian Paice didn’t play his solo last year – and I missed it so much.He’s so good..
December 5th, 2011 at 20:49The Mule was also played in the Gelredome in Arnhem. Good show!
December 5th, 2011 at 21:04Unfortunately it was not included in he show in Glasgow, my son who is also a drummer would have enjoyed it almost as much as I would have.
December 5th, 2011 at 21:31The studio version of the Mule is one of my favorite songs of all DP songs 🙂 glad to hear it is back….
December 5th, 2011 at 23:46I like this song lots………really good instrumental.
December 6th, 2011 at 12:11http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6KDkPVC-sU
December 6th, 2011 at 13:43http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6KDkPVC-sU
check this 🙂
Ian still rocks, what a fuc**** great drummer
December 6th, 2011 at 16:28The Mule is NOT a instrumental!!!!
December 6th, 2011 at 21:54Priest, the song is 5 minutes and 15 seconds long. There are 40 seconds of vocal verse in the song. So cut the guy some slack dude.
Cheers
December 7th, 2011 at 02:16I was there also at the show in Halle (I’m from Holland, but going to Halle was more convient than to Arnhem), and I must say, this show was absolutely fantastic! The band was in great form, and so was the orchestra. Everyone was playing so well, and it was clear to see that both the band and the orchestra were totally enjoying themselves! When the conductor of the orchestra played the violin in a kind of duel with Steve Morse, that was totally cool! I do think that DP seem to get better and better. Ian Gillan was in good voice, Roger Glover and Ian Paice were doing a great job, really great players, Don Airey was amazing, and Steve Morse, well, his playing is just totally awesome. After the show Don Airey was in the bar of the hotel next to the venue (I was staying there), and managed to have a brief chat with him. Nice guy. I had a fantastic time at the show, and will most definitely go see them again next year! If you go to You Tube and do a search for ‘Deep Purple orchestra 2011’, you will find a lot of video of the current tour.
December 7th, 2011 at 07:02Maybe they recorded the orchestra show to early – I saw Purple too at the Gerry Weber Stadion and I agree: the orchestra really rocks now!! Much more than it does during the Montreux show – and though Knocking At Your Backdoor is a good song for the strings in the orchestra The Mule with Ian’s drumsolo was a definite highlight of the evening.
December 7th, 2011 at 10:37So for now its: Purple see you next year …
More of Ritchie’s again?Can’t deny the man’s work overshadows the current line up after being gone 18 years? Sad that a a group this talented can’t get some new material out.
December 7th, 2011 at 13:15Ian Paice on the drums YES!
December 7th, 2011 at 14:00Yo tenia 6 años cuando escuche la Mula por primera vez, me impresiono mucho el sonido de la guitarra de Richie B. Y el solo de Ian Paice, y a mis 42 Años, sigue prendiendome, espero que en el 2012 regresen a MEXICO, con ORQUESTA. saludos a todos los seguidores del DP.
December 7th, 2011 at 17:46Although I like to hear him play, to me Ian Paice was at his best in the 70ies. The drum solos back then had more structure and dynamics.
December 7th, 2011 at 18:12Man………………. tough crowd on the web today!! @12 I wasn’t aware that Ritchie was the only member of the band 18 years ago?? and @15 Paicey was in his 20’s in the seventies, not too many if “any” drummers his age could do a tour schedule like the Purps do today much less crank out a F****** drum solo like he did when he was 25. Just sayin’, cut the boys a break they’re not gonna be around forever
December 7th, 2011 at 23:49Cheers (sort of)
Tommy H. @15,
Was that a statement right off the top of your head? Really? In the ’70s they were in their 20’s and in their prime. Each and every one of them. To make such an obvious remark is almost comical. They have been around since the ’60s. Now they are in their ’60s. They are consummate seasoned veterans that YES, are no longer in their prime, but I’d put them up against Anybody out there who is. Cripes!
Cheers
December 8th, 2011 at 03:58@ 16, 17:
Please pull back your guns and read carefully (no offence!). I was referring to structure and dynamics! I didn’t say he looks tired which he doesn’t by the way! I referred to improvisation in rhythm. I know how old they are and I watched Paice’s drum clinics where he’s is a lot better. Indeed I was blown away how much difference it made to hear him play alone. I thought: Man, is he getting better and better with age (!), or what?! There was so much more finesse. But live he always does the same and the more I watch it the more I can’t understand why people want to hear it again and again. When he was younger he tried to play different things.
December 8th, 2011 at 10:40@ 15 Tommy H. his comment was his opinion on what he prefers, there wasn’t anything else that I read into that comment at all. It is just what he likes, it is not a criticism, just what he likes! @16 Stoffer, of course Blackmore wasn’t the only member, that isn’t what Bigger Al @ 12 was implying as far as I was concerned! He simply states what so many already know, how I read into it anyway & that is that Blackmore was the ideas man big time, always was, who else came up with so many ideas? Of course any era of Purple with the Man in Black, is going to be the most popular, it is written into history forever. He just hits the right buttons it seems! If they want to tour as Deep Purple, they will always want to or be expected to, play songs from the Blackmore era, bring it on!
December 8th, 2011 at 11:49Tony Iommi & Jimmy Page were the same as far as ideas were in both Sabbath & Zeppelin. What these 3 guitarist’s brought to the table repeatedly for their respective bands is beyond belief! Those 3 famous British rock bands would have been nothing without their respective guitar players repeatedly coming up with riffs, melodies & arrangements! No it wasn’t only them at all, but man what would have it been otherwise! Both those above comments were valid comments, their opinions. There will always be fans who want certain songs played & other songs not played from whatever era, this is the way of things in popular music entertainment.
Regarding the drummers touring today & cutting it at that age around 60 or beyond, they are out there & gigging , I will mention 2 for now. Neil Peart from Rush plays for app 3 hours each night in concert & how intense is their music, not to mention his solos.
Alan White from Yes, in his 60’s playing complex music each night big time, no worries there it seems. Ian Paice stills plays wonderfully also, always has IMHO, a big influence on myself in my early days of learning to play the drums!
Lighten up chaps, after all, It’s Only Rock n Roll. Cheers.
I agree with the Zero this time @ 17, the Mark II line up of the early 70’s is the best of the best, Stoffer, just chill, can’t deny someones contributions to the band.
December 8th, 2011 at 13:01Love this song off the FB LP and I hope they keep it in the show in 2012. I would have liked to have heard a live version where they extended the guitar and keyboard solo parts, but it probably would have killed Paicey.
December 8th, 2011 at 15:37Hey stoffer
Funny how similar our statements are here. I had sent mine prior to yours being posted. They both showed up at the same time. Looks like that chance meeting in Chicago for the Purple Gig has some residual existence. What next? Maybe the next Purple show after the NEW ALBUM.
Cheers
December 8th, 2011 at 17:04I witnessed ie. The Mule last night and was blown away: Paicey is a true force
of nature, as a drummer I was humbled(again)!! Great gig in Helsinki,
pleasantly surprised by IG’s performance, Don Airey was the king of the
evening with his keyboard-mastery(inc. a snippet of Sibelius’s Finlandia again, nice touch) & allround musicianship. Had a
wonderful time(although the Finnish audience was quite cordial/lame in it’s response to the less known songs) & the wife absolutely loved her first DP-gig.
Yeah, the setlist was heavily based on MK II-material(nothing new
there), and I surely could do a bit less of Morse’s high end
twiddlytwiddly(nothing new there, HA), but very glad we went & the family enjoyed as well . So, I’m still feeling great about the gig & ordered
the new dvd but got to work tomorrow so it’s good night to everyone for now, take care people.
December 8th, 2011 at 19:45…and no Knocking at Your Back Door, would have loved to hear it! The
Orchestra deserves a special mention: ie. Rapture of The Deep was even more
majestic with the full support of the incredible musicians of the Neue Filharmonie Frankfurt, Yep!!
December 8th, 2011 at 19:55sad to see Ian Paice not giving his 100% during his solo…the clinics show a better “free” drummer…
December 8th, 2011 at 20:04and yes Gillan sings the Mule very well…
Whats up Tracy, very coincidental indeed..ha ha…and I am all in for the next Purple show promoting the NEW ALBUM………..
@ 20 Bigger Al…I do need to chill at times…that said, the studio version of The Mule is still one of my faves (no matter who the idea man was)
Cheers
December 8th, 2011 at 22:41Tracy Heyder (Zero the Hero) says:
Priest, the song is 5 minutes and 15 seconds long. There are 40 seconds of vocal verse in the song. So cut the guy some slack dude.
Cheers
December 7th, 2011 at 02:16
Mark :
Maybe Coronarias Redig is more of an instrumental. Always unsecure about that one : )
Someone wrote that they played the FULL live version.
December 9th, 2011 at 00:39I wish……
Tommy H @18 and MacGregor@19,
I was referring to the first sentence in his statement @15:
“Although I like to hear him play, to me Ian Paice was at his best in the 70ies.”
I still stand on my comment regarding. No big deal though, I just thought it deserved an injection. As far as a preference pertaining to the type of solo he performs, I obviously understand one having an opinion regarding that. But the statement “at his best in the ’70s” is the obvious thing I referred to. No biggie, just a clarification point.
Bigger Al @12 and 20,
@12-The last time I checked, Gillan, Paice and Glover were in the band during your ‘Blackmore’ period song reference. THEY ARE STILL IN THE BAND. They are 3/5 of the BAND. I prefer to call those songs the GILLAN, GLOVER and PAICE era songs. Those 3 along with Morse and Airey ARE DEEP PURPLE, and they play DEEP PURPLE SONGS. Plus, they actually are and have been playing songs from that era that Blackmore wouldn’t play. So we get more now than then. He moved on, the whiners should move with him.
@20-Though I appreciate you agreeing with me, you missed my point. I wasn’t referring the MK2. I was referring to ALL the Purple musicians being in their obvious prime back in the ’70s.
Cheers
December 9th, 2011 at 16:35SEE YA THERE STOFFER!!!!!
Priest, you are welcome to join us also. Might even aquire some After-Show passes for ya….(You probably won’t be interested though…Blackmore won’t be there).
Cheers
December 9th, 2011 at 21:21Saw the Purps in Stockholm last night, wasn’t really expecting much, but was actually impressed with what they came up with performance-wise… Didn’t think they had that kind of energy left in them.. thumbs up!
December 10th, 2011 at 19:58I could not even muster the will to go overhere, so……..
Btw, don’t forget not all my words are here to be found.
That leads to confusion and wrong conclusions ones as well but the biggest criticism I have about it is the inconsistency.
December 12th, 2011 at 09:18To the Zero: I didn’t miss your point,crystal clear, but have the courtesy of seeing mine,as well as many others who share the same opinion. We all are familar with who was in the band at a given time,we also know who was the creative force behind most of the music at a given time,no one is hacking on the band, just stating facts, I have heard the band giving Blackmore credit for the direction and music during the heyday,I know credit is due to the others as well,but like it or not,Blackmore’s influence is a major reason why they had the success they had,and why they are still touring to this day. Do I agree with what Ritchie did to the band in 93,course not, but whats done is done and everyone is better off. You fail to to recognize his contributions. Although clearly a dictator, Blackmore’s music stands the test of time,and in my opinion should be given credit for it, not being made a joke of for following his musical direction.He was an important equal part in what was I feel the best of the best.
December 12th, 2011 at 13:20Look, I would never discount Blackmore’s talent or influence on the band while he was a member. He is my favorite guitarist (alongside Gary Moore RIP). That is all fine and dandy, but again, we are dealing with a band of equal talent in their field that were also in the band then and are in the band now. He Isn’t. My point is that they are playing music that 3 of the members originated and if that is their choice, so be it. IT’s THEIR BAND, THEIR MUSIC, And THEIR PEROGATIVE. Yes Blackmore generally used his riffs as the foundation of the songs then. I’d like to make mention here that the Guitarist usually is the one whom does that. It’s the nature of the instrument. It plays the melody. Rarely does the drummer, bass player or singer do that. The guitarist usually sits and twangs out melodies all the time while jamming away. It’s the natural process of that instrument. Ritchie was exceptional to say the least, but he was surrounded by equally talented musos whom helped shape those melodies into the Purple songs we loved then and love now. Present Purple has every bit the right to play Present or Past Purple. They Are Deep Purple. Ritchie Was. He quit. I just tire of the constant reference to “Blackmore Songs”. I think the more proper reference would be signifying the MK instead. Makes it less of an obvious dig. I have no objection to those requesting more MK7/8 tunes in the set list. But when it is expressed as wanting more Morse songs than Ritchie songs, that makes it personal also. See my point. Just trying to soften the constant “Blackmore vs. Morse” issue. At this point, 17 years ‘since he’s been gone’, it’s time to accept what is rather than continue with the idiotic reference.
Cheers
December 13th, 2011 at 06:02`17 years later.`
While it´s often said I am stuck in the past or something like that I think may are victim to the present.
After all this is over what do you think in the decades to come.
In general Deep Purple will be remembered for what they were in the 70´s not anything else.
Yeah, we freaks will even remember the slightest crap of their history while we ´re almost slipping into oblivion ourselves.
You used the word personal.
I often wondered why on earth onne should experience it that way.
I don´t take slamming of RB personal, at best I m very annoyed or something like like that.
December 14th, 2011 at 10:35Priest:
Using the fact that Purple will be recognized for their explosion in the ’70s is of course a fact. As with any artist, their place in time from whence they came is their point in time that is most known. Look at Black Sabbath, a perfect example. Many albums after OZZY left the band were issued, with ground breaking efforts from amazing frontmen including, DIO, Gillan, Hughes, Martin, etc., yet the ONLY songs played on the radio are the early OZZY era tunes. As with Deep Purple, ask any person about Black Sabbath, and you will get the same reaction as with Purple. Iron Man, Paranoid, etc. Tony Iommi has been in the band forever. One of the most renowned RIFFmisters in the business, yet with all due respects, his band ‘Black Sabbath’ suffers exactly the same situation as Purple. Except for one thing, now that OZZY is back in the picture, they will definitely get a huge amount of publicity and maybe even some ‘present time’ airplay due to Him and his smart Wife keeping him in the Spotlight until this day, whereby the band will capitalize on the Exposure. Basically relating to what I expressed elsewhere about taking advantage of ANY media exposure is a Good thing. Shunting out the bread and butter that creates recognized success is popularity suicide. So, yes as far as the Masses, Purple and Sabbath and many others will truly only be recognized for their initial outbreak moment, but we all know there is much music that has come from these masters that is as good if not better, that has been released, but overlooked by said masses. I much prefer the DIO Sabbath era. It Never gets airplay. Just as with Purple MK2b, 2c, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Ritchie was in Purple up through MK3 and of course the two reunions of MK2, and MK5. Up through 1993. Purple is not known for any of that period past the original MK2. So does that mean their music sucked during that time? You are basing your argument on a popularity issue that has no weight on a musical issue. Right Place, Right Time is the reality. There is Purple music throughout their existence that is as good if not better than what they are KNOWN for. The same for Sabbath. If I based my music listening on what the Masses are aware of and know, I’d have a really small amount of music to listen to. Yes, all of US HERE are aware of ALL things Purple. And we all have our preference of which songs or sing or guitarist or album we like most. That’s fine and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s expected. But at the same time, to be aware as most of us are about the Music Business and the time and place factor being what it is, I find amazing how limited in logic many here are regarding their view of basing their point on Purple continually playing those songs from that era, IT’S BECAUSE THAT IS WHEN THEY EXPLODED INTO THE MARKET. Lack of proper promotion and exposure beyond that point helped them stay in that point in time as far as recognition. It’s that simple.
Cheers
December 14th, 2011 at 16:42A very long reply for a simple matter?
On one hand you like to say DP attract big audiences proves something.
Now you’re saying the masses opinion is not of impotance to your judgment what’s good or not..
We both love the Tony Martin led albums by Black Sabbath.
You appearantly feel The Morse led albums by DP are on a par with those classics with Tony M.?
To each their own, indeed.
I don’t think BS needs another exposure like this new reunion to get more recognition.
Like I said somewhere else bands like BS got elevated to cult status since the the early 90’s
TThat Familysoap helped them to get more attention, that’s true.
If you’re happy saying the Morse albums are on a par with the Martin albums, good luck to you : )
I d LOVE to see it the same.
It’s weird :
I was predominantly a Deep Purple fan but last year I had to recognise the fact that Iommi made more satisfying products for me than The Purps(Except for the not always shrieking Hughes who made fabulous stuff as well since 93).
Well, at least we both like to hear SUN GOES DOWN, old chap : )
December 14th, 2011 at 22:19If it’s such a simple matter, why do you have such a hard time grasping it? It’s not about comparing ‘what is better, equal or worse’ as far as the music. It’s about the fact that both bands are mainly known for their music as to when they were discovered….Early 70’s. Both bands have been around ever since. Both bands have gone through many line-ups with amazing players. Both bands ONLY get airplay from the songs of the Early 70’s. NONE of the later period line-ups receive any airplay. That along with the fact that their new releases are never promoted in the mainstream stores upon release. Unless you are major fan and do the research, you wouldn’t even know either band has been in existence since then. And again, I will state one more time….there has been plenty of music produced by both of these bands that is ‘up to par’ or beyond since their recognized moment in the early 70’s. Some fantastic albums. WE know it. But unfortunately it’s a big secret.
My point again: That is why they continue to play those ‘familiar’ songs. That is what the ‘masses’ know, and it would be plain stupid to not cater to the ‘masses’ while performing ‘live’. They are out entertaining those whom purchase the tickets. Most of which are seeing them for the first time. Most of which are doing so expecting to hear songs they are aware of. Most of them thought those songs were the last songs these bands made. Thanks to the lack of promotion that I have bitched about. It doesn’t really matter to us fans who haven’t skipped a beat and have been there all along, enjoying all of their music. But look how many missed out on the experience. We don’t lose, the band does.
Cheers
December 15th, 2011 at 16:19Thank you for telling me I have a hard time.
December 16th, 2011 at 01:24I wasn’t aware of that : )
Hey don’t worry Priest…I got your back. Always there to help.
Cheers
December 16th, 2011 at 19:53What about those Blackmore Songs then Tracy, HA! 🙂
December 18th, 2011 at 21:28“NONE of the later period line-ups receive any airplay.”
I don’t measure credibility and recognition based on how much and what radio stations choose to play.
December 19th, 2011 at 18:47@41..
Dude, do you realize just how much you contradict yourself? You have ALWAYS used the success of the Blackmore years as your leg to stand on, backing your argument about ‘Which Era is Better’ in your view. That success being the Charts which are related to Airplay. Generally low or no chart placement results in any airplay, which most of us less biased listeners realize has nothing to do with the quality of the music. ‘Right place Right time’ is the main catalyst to ‘success’ in the music business. Just look at who is at the top of the charts and what actually gets airplay. Case closed…..AGAIN.
Cheers
December 20th, 2011 at 01:47#41 The last time i heard a latter era DP song played on the radio would have to be ‘Any Fule K. That’ from Abandon and’ Ted’ from Perp. when they first came out, nothing from DP since. (they played them for a week tops). State of Airplay here in California…
December 20th, 2011 at 18:2842
You re distorting history again.
I NEVER look at chartsucces or radio airplay.
I ALWAYS base things on the ongoing use of OLD MK 2 material.
And if YOU really want or need to analyse things and rate succes based on sales …..
Morse, incl his own band and solo stuff, sold dipshit compared tp Blackmore.
Hell, I m afraid even BN sold more!!!
December 21st, 2011 at 13:47” Ritchie was exceptional to say the least, but he was surrounded by equally talented musos whom helped shape those melodies into the Purple songs we loved then and love now.
Present Purple has every bit the right to play Present or Past Purple. They Are Deep Purple.”
Do you know what?
I kinda could appreciate what they were end 90’s.
But that was when Paicey was not that tired and Ian still had a certain strenght and did not look like he just crawled out of his grave.
Oh my God, that bass/drums sound on the PUPENDICULAR tour was incredible. And unforgettable, like the lightshow of the HOBL tour.
Don Airey does do a great job but he is surely no Lord!!!
He improved a bit but still…..
Hell, every night he does the same studio version solo in Highway Star : (
I dont know what your idea of equal is but……
Ironically the only one who still delivers is Roger.
I could “endure” the PlainMan as long Lord was there and Gillan and Paicey were still on a certain level.
That still felt Purpllish OMHO.
MONTREUX 2011
I finally took a look on my soundsystem with big speakers et all.
The DVD we watched before that was Whitesnake’s Live In The Still Of The Night DVD.
Both we never saw on the system before.
The last one sounded and looked topnotch, the first saddened me.
I must admit in the end I decided I better enjoyed a fake performance instead of DP(….)
December 21st, 2011 at 23:54@45
Sorry but you are back to expressing your preference again. That is all fine. We all have one. Like Opinions. But, you have many times in the past used the Success aspect of certain songs to back up your MIB argument as to which MK is better. To deny that would be an out and out lie. That’s the problem with flip floppers. It’s hard to keep track of statements made when juggling whatever views used to support one’s argument. Again, here you go again with your obvious dislike for All things MK8. That is your prerogative, but it places you at the bottom of the Minority here regarding such a view. I suppose your opinion is more valid than the extreme majority here. Fake performance? How about Fake Fan?
Cheers
December 22nd, 2011 at 17:01@Purplepriest:
I kinda share the same opinion as in this matter that DP doesn’t really feel and sound like they used to do.
The songs are played in a much slower tempo, and inprovisation parts are not as strong as they used to be.
Tho I must say, I saw them back in 2006 and i saw them this year at the Gelredome and to me this year they where in better shape then 5 years ago.
As goes for Don, to me he’s a great guy and a wonderfull organ player, but I also share the same irritation of the fact that he always plays the same old studio Highway Star solo.
I mean come on i sing in a band myself and we cover this song and every night our organ player plays this solo differently, so it couldn’t be that hard.
I don’t know why Don stays so close to the studio stuff, but i would love to see him go crazy on his organ for once, i always have the feeling that he’s holding back for some reason.
Like he’s affraid to go beyond his own limits.
As for Steve, he has his moments, but overall he’s a great guitar player, and has found it’s place within the band.
But to me he kinda lost his way with soloing after Jon left, his solo’s where IMO better and variated more when he was stil playing next to Jon.
Also his solo’s lasted longer when Jon was stil in the band.
As for Ian, his voice doesn’t get any better, but doesn’t get any whorse either, and he’s still capeble of doing a lot of there old stuff these days.
I know he’s not as wild as he used to be anymore, but give the guy a break he’s 66 now, a lot of artist of his age already called it a day, he’s still standing there doing what he loves, and his singing isn’t anywhere near false or out of tune.
As for Paicey, he stil kicks ass, tho his playing is’nt as fast as it used to be, but same story as with Ian, what do you expect he’s 63 going 64, and he drummed for years now, and that’s just like dancing, or doing heavy atlectic sports, there’s a time when you are at your peak, but when you get older your body doesn’t get any better as a matter of fact, the way paicey’s still drumming now a days is incredible considering his age and the many years he spends on stage drumming his ass of, so once again, give the guy a break.
And Roger wel yeah it’s like you said, he’s stil the good old Roger, and i think he will be till the end, nothing to say about him, he hasn’t changed over the years, even age doesn’t get a hold of him it seems, he still looks almost as good as he did 25 to 30 years ago haha!!!.
But to me I thing we must be greatfull we still have these guys around,they could have cold it a day when Ritchie left, but they didn’t thank god for that.
Now at leat I stil have the chance to see them.
I,m only 22 so i never saw them back in the 70ties, 80ties or 90ties, only on DvD and via youtube.
Chears!!!!,
December 24th, 2011 at 12:49Thunderhawk!