Deep Purple Digs Down to Display Their Dazzling Skills

12:29 September 25, 2019
By: Donald Rickert

It's impressive when a band that has been around since the late 60s has 3/5ths of the members from its hey day. The only reason why it isn't 4/5ths is because founding member Jon Lord died in 2012. Granted, noted guitar slinger Steve Morse has been in the band since 1994, taking over for the eccentric and reclusive Ritchie Blackmore.

The band appeared at the Saenger Theatre on Tuesday September 24 for their final tour-aptly named "The Long Goodbye." Blasting out of the gate with the fiery "Highway Star," Purple put the pedal to the metal and didn't let up. Other notable inclusions in the set were "Lazy," "Hush," and, of course, "Smoke on the Water."

Every band member got the spotlight at one point or another, and the superb musicianship in the band is undeniable. Paice, Glover, Gillan, Airy, and, especially, Morse were on top of their game-and it was readily evident and on display. The energy exuded from a group comprised of four septuagenarians, and a sexagenarian, is indeed impressive, as was the show. Seeing Deep Purple put on this type of show for their last tour is indeed sublime.

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