Deep Purple

LG Arena Birmingham

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Deep Purple

Rock legends, best known for songs like 'Smoke on the Water' (that one even you can play) and 'Black Night' (which is actually more enjoyable to play, because if you change the rhythm slightly you've got the Dead Kennedys' 'Let's Lynch The Landlord'). Purple have split up about a hundred times, mostly because of legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore's refusal to work with equally legendary vocalist Ian Gillan. At the moment, Gillan's in and Blackmore's wearing a silly hat and pretending to be medieval. Behind Gillan are longtime bandmates Roger Glover (bass) and Ian Paice (drums), along with Blackmore's replacement Steve Morse and Johnny-come-lately keyboard wizard Don Airey. Currently touring their surprisingly fresh and non-dinosaur-like new album Bananas.»