Deep Purple have been a cornerstone of rock for over five decades, and their performance at Leeds First Direct Arena proved that they remain as powerful as ever. With a legacy that includes pioneering the hard rock genre and a body of work spanning seven decades, the band’s ability to innovate and enthral audiences is unmatched.
This wasn’t my first Deep Purple gig; in fact, it marked yet another chapter in a long history of seeing them live, stretching back to their iconic Fireball tour in 1971 at Newcastle City Hall. Back then, the band, led by the celebrated MKII lineup of Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, and Paice, were at their peak. I can still picture Jon Lord rocking his Hammond organ, Ritchie Blackmore’s theatrical guitar antics, and Ian Gillan’s hair-raising screams. That night is etched deep in my memory banks, and over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to see the band evolve through various lineups and tours.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the current lineup—Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride—brings the same energy and spirit, but with a fresh twist. Simon McBride, who replaced Steve Morse, has stepped into some big shoes, and he does so with confidence, injecting a new vitality into the band’s sound.
I had never seen opening act Reef before. I did not know what to expect but they did a pretty good job of warming the crowd up on the main attraction.
The set kicked off with the usual opener, “Highway Star.” From the very first notes, the crowd was captivated, with Gillan’s voice still packing an emotional punch and McBride’s guitar work proving he’s more than capable of carrying the torch for this legendary band. Simon McBride’s soloing on “Anya” was a standout moment. He’s a different kind of player than Blackmore or Morse, but his dynamic, fluid style added a fresh dimension to the song while respecting its legacy. Don Airey, a Sunderland native and a long-time member of the band, delivered a breathtaking keyboard solo that demonstrated why he remains one of rock’s finest musicians.
Sadly, we left before the encore in order to catch the last train home. Reflecting on the gig, it’s remarkable to think how much this band has meant to rock music and to me personally. From the fiery performances of the MKII lineup to the epic return at the Knebworth 1985 show, which even the rain could not dampen, to their 2011 orchestra-backed tour, Deep Purple have always delivered unforgettable live experiences. Indeed, the 2024 tour felt like a celebration—not just of the band’s past, but of their ongoing ability to evolve and inspire. The venues may have changed, and the lineup may have evolved, but the power of Deep Purple remains eternal.
Deep Purple’s legacy is secure, but performances like this show that they’re not just looking back—they’re still blazing forward, leaving a trail of awe-struck fans in their wake. Many thanks to Jan and Jackie for the photographs, to Laura for helping me with the blog and to Atlanta for helping me manipulate the site. I treated myself to a signed drumskin on the way out.
Postscript: I was lucky enough to attend the graduation ceremony at which Don Airey received an honorary award from the University of Sunderland, where I am an emeritus professor. I reminisced with Don about how I used to come to his house to practice guitar with his younger brother. We were both fans of Wishbone Ash and the band Home and played some of their songs together. Happy memories.
Vintagerock's Weblog. 
Posted by blazevaliantlyfc3a4bdc17 on February 7, 2025 at 6:51 pm
Never saw them live but I’m slightly different to most people in that my favourite album is Burn, the title track being my favorite Purple song. Apparently management wanted Glenn Hughes to just sing but he refused and that’s why David was hired. When you hear Glenn in the chorus he wipes the floor with David.
For drumming, You Fool No One, has to be top 10 of all drumming …
Paul
Posted by vintagerock on February 8, 2025 at 2:35 pm
I saw them on the Burn tour and they were fantastic. I saw Glen Hughes perform Burn at the Jon Lord tribute concert at the Albert Hall and he was fantastic. Peter
Posted by blazevaliantlyfc3a4bdc17 on February 10, 2025 at 7:11 pm
Daryl Hall – Can’t Say No to You
Paul
Posted by vintagerock on February 11, 2025 at 9:09 am
🙂
Posted by TerriersFan on February 7, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Deep Purple – a proper rock band! Such a pity that the train timetables meant that you had to miss the encores.
Roger 🤘👍
Posted by vintagerock on February 8, 2025 at 2:23 pm
Yes as you say they remain a classy rock band happy days Peter
Posted by Ned on February 8, 2025 at 7:52 am
Peter you are so lucky! What are you a professor of?
Posted by vintagerock on February 8, 2025 at 2:19 pm
I am Professor of Computing Ned Best wishes Peter
Posted by ciarant1step on February 8, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Hi Peter, great review as usual, and I loved the connection with Don Airey. Happy memories to be sure.
Posted by vintagerock on February 8, 2025 at 2:12 pm
Many thanks Ciaran yes I am good friends with Don’s brother best wishes Peter
Posted by treetopflier2009 on February 11, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Nice one Peter! I never saw the “classic” line up first time aroundbut we went to Birmingham NEC to see them on the “Perfect Strangers “tour and we also had a van load at Knebworth! It was indeed very wet that day! Those of us that were there have called it “Mudstock” ever since! Burn is a great song/album! I think different line-ups have different followers. One of my mates completely loves the albums with Tommy Bolin for example! I must admit I haven’t bought anything new by them since The House of Blue Light .
Take care my friend. Pete.
Posted by vintagerock on February 11, 2025 at 5:12 pm
I deeply regret not seeing the Tommy Bolin line – up. I wish I had gone to London or Manchester to see them. Great to hear from you Pete, my friend
Cheers Peter