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.
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