Septuagenarian Classic Rock and Where There is Smoke, There is Still a Fire

★★★★☆ (4/5)

**DEEP PURPLE PERFORMING AT LEEDS FIRST DIRECT ARENA**
**PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST**

Deep Purple’s concert at Leeds First Direct Arena, was a masterclass in classic rock. As one of the most influential bands in rock history, they’ve had a career spanning over five decades, and while their line-up has evolved, the energy and passion that define Deep Purple were as vibrant as ever. The Leeds audience, filled with long-time fans and a surprising number of younger faces, was in for a night of powerful riffs, soaring (at times) vocals, and raw, unfiltered rock.

The band kicked off the night with the classic “Highway Star,” immediately exciting the crowd, although at times you couldn’t really tell as this was an all seater, a sign of an ageing band I’m afraid. Ian Gillan, now 79 years, commanded the stage with charisma, showing off the vocal prowess that has made him one of rock's most legendary frontmen. While his voice has naturally mellowed over the years, his control, passion, and signature vocal grit were all intact. The audience cheered as he still hit some familiar high notes, and his performance of “When a Blind Man Cries” was nothing short of exceptional. Gillan’s performance set the tone for a night that felt like both a celebration of rock history and a heartfelt connection with these long time fans, some of whom are travelling from show to show.

Simon McBride, a good 30 years younger than the rest of the band, is Deep Purple’s latest guitarist, he has smoothly stepped into the role left by Steve Morse. His playing was technically stunning and imbued with a unique edge, showcasing both respect for the band’s legacy and a personal touch that added depth to each solo. During classics like “Space Truckin’” and “Lazy,” McBride’s intricate riffs and powerful solos are adding a fresh twist and new life to well-loved songs, energising the crowd and fitting seamlessly alongside the more seasoned members.

McBride’s guitar playing wasn’t the only fresh kick that Deep Purple have given their careers, their new album “=1” is their best for years and to prove it they play 6 tracks from it and they all fit seemlessly alongside their classics. “Lazy Sod” and “Portable Door” were standouts for me.

Keyboardist Don Airey was another highlight of the evening, delivering an extended solo that was both technically impressive and creatively daring. Airey’s piece moved from classical influences to heavy rock, and even incorporated a nod to local British folk music, drawing some applause. It was a touching tribute to the late Jon Lord’s legacy while showcasing Airey’s individual style.

The rest of the band played with the same intensity, especially bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice, who provided a rock-solid foundation. Paice, the only founding member still playing with the band, brought the same precision and power that defined Deep Purple’s sound back in the 1960s and 70s, proving that age has only refined his drumming prowess.

Occasionally, Gillan’s vocals were slightly drowned out by the instrumentation during the heavier numbers, but overall, the sound engineering in this arena managed to capture the depth and power of the band’s performance perfectly.

As expected, “Smoke on the Water” was a standout moment. From the first iconic riff, the entire arena seemed to sing along. Even those less familiar with the rest of Deep Purple’s catalog were captivated by the song's legendary status, and McBride’s faithful yet personalized interpretation received an enthusiastic response.

Visually, the setup was simple but effective—focusing on lighting that matched the music’s mood rather than overwhelming effects. They did have a huge video screen which helped magnify them for those seated towards the back tiers of the arena. This allowed the audience to focus on the band’s musicianship, which is where Deep Purple shine.

In the end, the show was a testament to their timelessness. With a mix of nostalgia and new modern flair, they delivered a show that was electrifying, passionate, and deeply satisfying. For fans old and new, it was a night to remember, proving that Deep Purple’s legacy is not only intact but still very much alive and kicking.