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Remembering Pyro

Klaus “Pyro” Porzia, 1958-2008.

Klaus “Pyro” Porzia passed away. He was a great photographer and a dedicated Purple fan. One of us, people who love this band. I have met Pyro on several occasions while following Purple tours in Europe. He was always there, every single show, always with his cameras.

His nickname came from an incident before one of the concerts, when he accidentally put out his cigarette in a pyrotechnic contraption on stage, with spectacular consequences. Ever since everybody called him Pyro. He loved that name.

Memorial wreath from Deep Purple at Pyro’s funeral.Steve Morse mentioned Pyro’s death in his latest note from the road and Roger Glover commemorated him on rogerglover.com. The band also have sent flowers to his funeral. They were the only musicians to do so. Nice touch on their behalf. The funeral took place on Friday, October 24, near Darmstadt, Germany.

You can see Pyro’s work at his Myspace page and in the artwork of recent Deep Purple and Gillan releases.

Rest in peace, Pyro.

Thanks to Michael Meier for the info and picture.



12 Comments to “Remembering Pyro”:

  1. 1
    Crimson Ghost says:

    RIP, he was close to the guys and won’t be “soon forgotten.”

  2. 2
    marcinn says:

    R.I.P Send us a picture from up there.

  3. 3
    Dubbe says:

    What a great band they are……..this is why deepest fans are so loyal to this band

  4. 4
    Danny says:

    RIP Pyro. DP forever mate.

  5. 5
    michael airey says:

    Just wanted to say, having met pyro on numerous occassions since working for the band in the last 3 years, RIP… It will be strange doing shows in Germany (especially) without seeing him and his lens both backstage and in the front row. My thoughts are with your family and friends. all the best Mike Airey

  6. 6
    Jim Manngard says:

    Klaus “Pyro” Porzia was a great friend! A great sound engineer, a great photographer and a real nice guy. He loved Deep Purple and he loved Blackmore’s Night. I knew him for over 15 years and he an amazing guy! Last time I saw Pyro was in Germany 9-13-2008. He looked great and was in a great mood. I knew him pretty well and I will miss him very much. God Bless him and his family and friends. RIP !!! Kind regards always!!! Jim Manngard.

  7. 7
    Eyal says:

    R.I.P.

    In Hebrew you say: Yanuah Al Mishkavo BeShalom ! that is the same meaning to Rest In Peace !!

  8. 8
    Bo says:

    To Dubbe:

    Just my words. DP are so special. No one can beat them on stage or off stage.

    Warm regards
    Bo

  9. 9
    stefan says:

    Keep fireing in the sky, Pyro…..R.I.P.!

  10. 10
    Sean "Shookie" Haggerty says:

    What lousy news to hear…………I was looking forword to seeing him this month, you were/are Ace!

    All my best to your loved ones and family,

    S

  11. 11
    Simone says:

    It still hurts that you are no longer with us. The time in which we had lived together just awesome.

  12. 12
    Gisela says:

    Pyro was my very best friend since we were young – I`m still so sorry!!! I´m missing you so much, “Dicker”.

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