Soundz Rating: 7.5/10
The legendary hard rock band Deep Purple may have taken to a Dutch stage for the last time, though with bands of this caliber, nothing is ever certain. Founded in 1968, the band currently consists of four seasoned septuagenarians: drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey, vocalist Ian Gillan, and bassist Roger Glover, joined by the younger guitarist Simon McBride. The band was visibly enthusiastic, though the audience seemed initially hesitant to match the energy of these rock veterans.
Text: Marco Aarden and Photos: Kim Balster
The opening act was Jefferson Starship, a staple in rock ‘n roll since the 1970s. Despite going through various lineups over the years, their signature sound has remained intact. Hits like “Jane” and “Miracles” were delivered powerfully by current vocalists David Freiberg and Cathy Richardson. Classics such as “Sarah” and “We Built This City” also got the crowd going.
After a somewhat lengthy break, Deep Purple took the stage and greeted the audience with the iconic “Highway Star.” Guitarist Simon McBride quickly stole the show with his impressive solos, while singer Ian Gillan proved that his voice still carries that distinctive power and emotion. Although the band used only the front of the stage, the energy was palpable from the start.
Behind the band was a small seating area where members could relax while keyboardist Don Airey showcased his musical talents. Airey enthusiastically played several musical interludes, including “Tulpen uit Amsterdam” and a snippet of Focus’ “Sylvia,” which drew plenty of applause from the audience.
Deep Purple finally wins over the crowd
While the crowd initially started slow, they began to get lost in the show during “When a Blind Man Cries.” By “Anya,” the audience was truly warmed up, though this came near the end of the set. Still, everyone was waiting for the defining moment: the riff of “Smoke on the Water.” With this classic, the band closed the set, and guitarist McBride took his time to elevate the crowd to a peak.
For the encore, they began with “Old-Fangled Thing,” which flowed perfectly after the last song of the set. This was followed by “Hush” and “Black Night,” providing a fitting end to the show.
Deep Purple once again proved why they’ve been at the pinnacle of rock for over 50 years. The show was a celebration of their impressive career and resonated with both old and new fans. Three large LED screens handled the visual aspect, but it was truly the band that brought the fireworks. This performance was an homage to their legacy, reminding everyone why Deep Purple is among the greatest rock bands of all time.
