Bad Brains, "I Against I" reissue out 7/26 from Org Music/Bad Brains Records

A truly groundbreaking and influential release from Bad Brains will be reissued this summer. Get all the details via the official media release below...Robert Kinsler

Org Music reissues Bad Brains’ legendary album I Against I on July 26, 2024 via LP, CD, Cassette

I Against I is the third studio album from Bad Brains, originally released in 1986 on SST Records, showcasing the band's unique fusion of punk rock, hardcore punk, reggae, and heavy metal influences.  The full-length remains influential to this day, inspiring countless bands with its innovative sound and uncompromising attitude. This reissue marks the eighth release in the remaster campaign, re-launching the Bad Brains Records label imprint. It will be available in vinyl, CD, and digital formats.  A "Punk Note" edition of the vinyl will be available with alternate package artwork from designer John Yates (Stealworks), as a nod to Reid Miles and Francis Wolff, and their amazing work at the Blue Note label.  In coordination with the band, Org Music has overseen the restoration and remastering of the iconic Bad Brains’ recordings. The audio was mastered by Dave Gardner and pressed at Furnace Record Pressing. . Track List: A1 Intro A2 I Against I A3 House of Suffering A4 Re-Ignition A5 Secret 77 B1 Let Me Help B2 She’s Calling You B3 Sacred Love B4 Hired Gun B5 Return to Heaven Vinyl Variants:  Standard Black (available widely) “Plutonium” Color (available widely)  “Punk Note” Edition on Black vinyl (available widely)  "Punk Note” Edition on Coke Bottle Clear (badbrainsrecords.com exclusive)  Exclusive vinyl variants are also available from Zia Records, Newbury Comics, Revolver, and Brooklyn Vegan.

New Bruce Cockburn U.S. Tour Dates announced in continuing support of critically-acclaimed album, "O Sun O Moon"

I had the opportunity to see Bruce Cockburn perform in Arizona on April 27, 2024 and his concert was terrific. His performance of material from his latest album as well as bona fide classics ("Wondering Where The Lions Are," "Pacing The Cage," "Last Night of the World" and others) was part of a truly magical night. His vocals and virtuoso guitar playing remains outstanding. Make sure to see him if you can...Robert Kinsler

New Bruce Cockburn U.S. Tour dates announced in support of critically-acclaimed latest album, O Sun O Moon 

Bruce Cockburn performing in concert
Photo credit: Daniel Keebler

“Trademark poignant lyricism and impeccable guitar work-10 out of 10” - Music Connection, Los Angeles

“Cockburn is an astonishing musician, performer, songwriter and political activist” – International Times

"One of our most important artists of the past five, now almost six, decades.” - Glide Magazine

5 stars - "This is an album you need to hear." -  Music Riot

 

WATERDOWN, ON – Universally-acclaimed singer/songwriter/guitarist Bruce Cockburn continues his worldwide tour in support of his latest album, O Sun O Moon, with the upcoming announcement of a new series of dates in the U.S. throughout the month of November. The new dates will be announced May 6th, with tickets going on sale May 10th.

 

In other Bruce Cockburn news, the master musician will be getting yet another new Honorary Doctorate of Music Degree on June 14. More information on that here:  https://www.wlu.ca/news/news-releases/2024/march/music-legend-bruce-cockburn-former-nhl-star-mike-richter-among-honorary-degree-recipients.html

 

The legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist, whose palette of honors and awards includes 13 Canadian JUNO wins, two Hall of Fame inductions, countless honorary Doctorates, Officer of The Order of Canada and recent inductee into Canada’s Walk of Fame spanning a 50+ year career, also recently appeared on the National Public Radio performance show, “Mountain Stage,” that began airing March 29th. Recorded on February 1^st at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, California, Cockburn was joined on stage that night by Colin Hay, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, Chuck Prophet & the Make Out Quartet and The Lucky Valentines. “Mountain Stage” with host Kathy Mattea airs on over 260 NPR Stations nationwide.

 

Bruce Cockburn’s most-recent album, O Sun O Moon, has generated world-wide acclaim and radio airplay. He’s enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while earning high praise as a prolific, inspired songwriter and accomplished guitarist. He remains deeply respected for his activism and humanist song lyrics that thread throughout his career. On all his albums Cockburn has deftly captured the joy, pain, fear, and faith of human experience in song.

 

Bruce Cockburn “O Sun O Moon" US. Tour Dates   

 

NOV 1 BROWNFIELD ME -  STONE MOUNTAIN ARTS CENTER
NOV 2 KEENE NH - COLONIAL THEATRE
NOV 3 EAST GREENWICH RI - GREENWICH ODEUM
NOV 6 FAIRFIELD CT - THE WAREHOUSE
NOV 7 NEW YORK CITY NY - CITY WINERY
NOV 8 MONTCLAIR NJ - OUTPOST IN THE BURBS
NOV 9 COLLINGSWOOD NJ - SCOTTISH RITE AUDITORIUM
NOV 11 ANNAPOLIS MD - RAMS HEAD ON STAGE
NOV 12 ALEXANDRIA VA - THE BIRCHMERE
NOV 13 CHARLOTTESVILLE VA - JEFFERSON THEATER
NOV 15 RICHMOND VA - TIN PAN
NOV 16 CHARLOTTE NC - NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE
NOV 17 DURHAM NC - FLETCHER HALL AUDITORIUM
NOV 18 CHARLESTON SC-  CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL

Visit Bruce Cockburn's official website HERE.

Review: 'Queen Rock Montreal + Live Aid' Showcases Queen at the top of their powers

In this column I review an upcoming title that is essential for any rock music lover's library...Robert Kinsler

Queen performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Artist: Queen

Title: Rock Montreal + Live Aid (Mercury Studios)

You might like if you enjoy: Queen, Freddie Mercury, Smile, Brian May

Tell me more: Following its record-breaking IMAX Event Cinema release worldwide in January 2024, the concert film "Queen Rock Montreal" is set for release via Mercury Studios on Friday, May 10. The concert film is being released as a double 4K Ultra High Definition package (the configuration reviewed in this column), as well as via several other configurations including a double Blu-ray, double audio CD, 2CD Limited edition and triple vinyl. A 3LP Colored Transparent Blue Vinyl package is available exclusively on the Queen Online Store at queenonline.com. The essential new title is a spectacular display of Queen captured at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec on Nov. 24 and 2, 1981 — the final concerts of the British rock quartet's "The Game Tour."  The 4K Ultra High Definition allows the viewer to watch the concert film in its original full-from aspect ratio or cropped to 16:9 widescreen; the state-of-the-art release also features optional high-dynamic-range (HDR) for both aspect ratios. 

Freddie Mercury, left, with Brian May at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

Singer-keyboardist Freddie Mercury, guitarist-vocalist Brian May, drummer-vocalist Roger Taylor and bassist John Deacon were at the height of their collective powers when they were captured for this film (which was originally released in movie theaters in 1984); as detailed in the liner notes that are included with the title: "As would be expected of Queen, they took the form of the concert film to a new level, becoming the first group to shoot an entire show in full cinema format 35mm." The digitally remastered sound and visual quality on "Queen Rock Montreal" is extraordinary and the 96-minute concert includes a slew of the band's timeless hits as well as favorite album cuts. 

Bassist John Deacon at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

This writer was fortunate to catch Queen on "The Game Tour" when it came to Southern California in July 1980 and watching this film transported me back to the magic and power of that night. Highlights on the film include the night opening punk-styled take on "We Will Rock You," soaring "Play The Game," powerful "I'm In Love With My Car" featuring Taylor on lead vocals, tender "Save Me," crowd-pleasing "Under Pressure" and "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Although known for its melodic and winning radio hits, the band's hard rocking instincts were fully on display via killer runs through "Keep Yourself Alive," "Tie Your Mother Down," and "Sheer Heart Attack." The band's emotional closer, "We Are The Champions," brought wonderful chills to this fan.

Roger Taylor performing at Montreal Forum in November 1981.
Photo credit: Queen Productions, Ltd.

As a bonus, the band's earth-shattering 21-minute performance at Live Aid on July 13, 1985 upscaled to high definition for the first time ever (including brand new stereo, 5.1 and Dolby Atmos sound mixes) and video footage of Queen rehearsing for that benefit concert is also included (a short interview with the band is also featured). The seldom seen performance from Mercury and May performing "Is This The World We Created...?" later at the event is also included. A wonderful 16-page booklet filled with colorful photographs from the concert film is also included.

Information: MercuryStudios.co and  queenonline.com.

Robert Kinsler

New Music: Colin Blunstone, Radio California, The Babys

In this column I feature a trio of eclectic, under-the-radar releases that are well worth adding to any music lover's library!

Artist: Colin Blunstone

Title: Less Is More (Symphonic Distribution)

You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, Sting, Colin Bunstone

Tell me more: Sixty years after the world first heard Colin Blunstone's glorious singing on The Zombies' breakout hit "She's Not There" the English singer-songwriter continues to thrill fans with his signature vocals. Now Blunstone has surprised with Less Is More, a digital-only EP of five one-take demos he recorded in December 2008. Blunstone — who calls the lyrics "little diaries" of things that happened to him or someone he knowns — delivers affecting performances to the accompaniment of his classical guitar on the selections. The confessional opener "Now I Know I'll Never Get Over You," tender "The Sun Will Rise Again" (the latter written for Blunstone's daughter), jazzy "Any Other Way" (a track that would be recorded by The Zombies' for their 2011 album Breathe Out, Breathe In), reflective "Feels Like Rain" and flamenco-flavored "Love Left A Long Time Ago" all shine on the wonderful release. Listen to the digital EP HERE. Information: colinblunstone.net.

Artist: Radio California

Title: Beauty & Heart (Holloway Productions)

You might like if you enjoy: Social Distortion, Old 97's, Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Tell me more: Southern California-based Radio California has long defied easy categorization on a string of compelling independent releases. On the outfit's latest album Beauty & Heart that freewheeling approach remains. Jesseo (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Steve Shoemaker (lead guitar), Jeff Williams (drums) and Dan Maker (bass) prove to be at the height of their powers and deliver 10 compelling songs. The punkish alt country opener "Beauty and Heart," yearning "You Have So Many Lights," hypnotic garage rocker "Double Checking" and rootsy "Plant My Feet" are early standouts on the disc. The wide-ranging album mines more nuggets on its last half with the spirited ear candy cut "Hello," rocking kiss off "Tolerate Me," edgy "Sidewalk" and thoughtful rocker "Angry." Jesseo's signature vocals project melancholy and power with equal nuance on one of my favorite albums of early 2024. The album is available via amazon.com (find the album using "Radio California USA" in the search field). Information: cdbaby.com or hearnow.com.

Lost Classics

Artist: The Babys

Title: Live At The Bottom Line, 1979 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The Babys, Bad Company, John Waite, Bad English

Tell me more: There were so many great rock bands in the mid and late 1970s, it's easy to overlook a key artist of the era. Leave it to a special previously-unissued recording featuring The Babys (Live At The Bottom Line, 1979) released by Omnivore Recordings in January to recall the collective power and magic of singer-songwriter John Waite, guitarist Wally Stocker, bassist Ricky Phillips, keyboardist Jonathan Cain and drummer Tony Brock. Recorded on the band's "Head First" tour, the concert recording features three new-at-the-time songs making their official debut. The crowd-pleasing opener "Head First," Bad Company-styled rockers "Give Me Your Love" and "Run To Mexico" (the latter bolstered by Wally Stocker's sharp lead guitar play), inspired "Every Timer I Think Of You" and a poignant reading of their 1977 hit "Isn't It Time" all shine on the wonderful 11-track live set. More than 45 years after The Babys were captured at The Bottom Line the magic of the performance expands the legacy of the British-American quintet. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Cult Favorite "UHF" makes 4K UHD debut with 35th Anniversary Edition from Shout! Studios

A true cult classic, exciting news that "Weird Al" Yankovic's "UHF" is coming to 4K UHD in early June 2024...Robert Kinsler

UHF 35th Anniversary Edition  Cult Favorite Beloved by Generations of Fans Makes 4K UHD Debut July 2, 2024 from Shout! Studios

For nearly five decades, multiple   Grammy ™ and Emmy™ award-winning musician and satirist "Weird Al" Yankovic has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his parodies of songs by the biggest stars in the musical universe, as well as his many appearances on television, film, and the concert stage. This July, his cult classic film UHF will make its 4K UHD debut as a two-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray 35th Anniversary Edition from Shout! Studios. The standard release includes a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, audio commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey, the retrospective panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2014, deleted scenes, behind the scenes footage, easter eggs, and more! Fans who order directly from Shout! Studios will have the option to purchase an exclusive edition of the release bundled with a plethora of new extras. Available in three different configurations, these editions include the two-disc 4K UHD along with various combinations of a site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, a TV remote stress squeezer, prism sticker of Weird Al, an enamel pin set, and a Spatula City fridge magnet. For more info and to pre-order, please visit ShoutStudios.com   In the cult classic UHF, "Weird Al" Yankovic is George Newman, a hopeless daydreamer who becomes the manager of a small TV station that's losing money as quickly as it's losing viewers. Before long he's programming shows like "Stanley Spadowski's Clubhouse", "Wheel of Fish", and "Raul's Wild Kingdom." But can Channel 62's new popularity save it from sinister forces? To find out... don't touch that dial! Starring "Weird Al" Yankovic (WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story), Michael Richards (Seinfeld), Kevin McCarthy (Invasion of the Body Snatchers), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Gedde Watanabe (Sixteen Candles), Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live), and more! UHF 35th Anniversary Edition Bonus Features 4K UHD: NEW 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative Audio Commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey BD: NEW 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative Retrospective Panel From San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Audio Commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey Deleted Scenes Behind-The-Scenes Footage Music Video Production Stills Easter Eggs Promotional Materials   Shout! Studios Exclusive Bundles  Deluxe Bundle: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, TV remote stress squeezer, Spatula City fridge magnet and an enamel pin set Bundle #2: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, TV remote stress squeezer, and a Spatula City fridge magnet Bundle #3: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al and a brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie About Shout! Studios Launched in 2003, Shout! Studios is a multiplatform media company specializing in film and TV distribution, development, and production. The company has evolved with the changing entertainment landscape to excel in all forms of content distribution, including theatrical, digital streaming, broadcast and in-flight licensing, physical media, and more. Shout! Studios owns and manages a large portfolio of contemporary and classic feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including Aardman Animations, ALF, The Carol Burnett Show, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, The Johnny Carson Show, the Roger Corman New Horizons Pictures Library, GKIDS, ITV Studios, LAIKA Studios, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson), and Sesame Street, alongside many others. Shout! Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties including anime, and the company releases genre and horror films and television shows under the Scream Factory imprint. Shout! Studios also produces, acquires, and distributes new films, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! TV and its family of FAST channels. Shout! Studios is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Studios, visit ShoutStudios.com

Vince Guaraldi's Charlie Brown release debuts at #5 on the Billboard Kids Albums chart!

I received this timely media release from MVD Entertainment Group this morning. Great to see how composer/pianist Vince Guaraldi's music continues to resonate so many years after his untimely passing in 1976...Robert Kinsler

We are thrilled to announce that It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown by San Francisco jazz legend Vince Guaraldi has debuted on the Billboard Kids Albums Chart at #5!

 

Lee Mendelson Film Productions (LMFP) released  - for the first time ever, from recently rediscovered tapes - the complete Vince Guaraldi soundtrack to "It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown," the timeless 6th animated Peanuts® special, from writer and creator Charles Schulz, director Bill Melendez and producers Melendez and Lee Mendelson. Originally the special aired in September 27, 1969 on CBS-TV.

 

The album includes the original recordings that comprise the cues from the Special across twenty-six tracks, plus another 6 alternative tracks that have never been released or heard before.

 

Guaraldi lovingly created the soundtrack for the summer camp adventure where Charlie Brown and his gang face off against the girls camp lead by Peppermint Patty. The large jazz combo album also includes the best rendition of Guaraldi classic, "Love Will Come (Nova Bossa)" as well as the first use of additional percussion in Victor Feldman.

 

The recording features Guaraldi (piano), Monty Budwig (double bass), Jack Sperling (drums), Conti and Pete Candoli (trumpet), Frank Rosolino (trombone), Victor Feldman (percussion), Herb Ellis (guitar), Willian Hood and Peter Christlieb (woodwind), and John Scott Trotter as the orchestra leader. The soundtrack was produced by Sean and Jason Mendelson and restored and re-mastered by Vinson Hudson.

Deep Purple releases 'Portable Door,' first song and video from upcoming new album "=1"

Check out the hard rocking new track from Deep Purple courtesy of the newly-posted official music video and learn more about the legendary band's upcoming album =1 out July 19, 2024...Robert Kinsler

Deep Purple / Photo: Jim Rakete

New York, NY (April 30, 2024) – Deep Purple, following the announcement of their new studio album ‘=1’, releases the first single, ‘Portable Door’, today. The new song is now available for streaming and as an instant gratification track with all ‘=1’ download pre-orders. Listen to the new song

Accompanying the release, the music video for ‘Portable Door’ will premiere today at 05:00pm CET / 04:00pm BST / 11:00am ET on the Deep Purple YouTube channel (LINK). Produced by the Berlin-based agency Mutter & Vater and directed by Leo Feimer, the video showcases Deep Purple against the backdrop of the new album artwork, capturing the band in their essence as they share a stage and perform together. The enigmatic album title ‘=1’ encapsulates the band’s philosophy of unity amidst complexity, promising an album that resonates deeply with their five decades spanning hard rock legacy. Produced once again by iconic Bob Ezrin, ‘=1’ captures the purest classic Deep Purple sound, without relying on nostalgia. Access the new album In a recent interview regarding the sonic direction of their upcoming album, guitarist Simon McBride shared insights, saying: “The new album will reflect what the five of us create in the rehearsal room. Many of the songs, like ‘Portable Door’, were written in the first sessions and literally came together in 5 or 10 minutes. It all was so easy and natural.” Frontman Ian Gillan, highlighting the organic nature of Deep Purple’s song writing, added: “Throughout Deep Purple’s history, our best songs have always been those that were written in no time at all. We’ve played what felt good and developed songs as we have always done.” In celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1 MORE TIME’ tour. With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket, this is Deep Purple at their pinnacle. ‘Now WHAT?!’ (2013), ‘inFinite’ (2017), and ‘Whoosh!’ (2020) have sold over one million copies worldwide, making Deep Purple one of the most successful rock bands currently active. The latest studio album, “Whoosh!”, reached #1 on the album charts in 7 countries and charted in the top 10 in another 12. ‘=1’ will be released on July 19th via earMUSIC as Ltd. CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g) and Ltd. Box Set (CD+DVD Digipak, 2LP black Gatefold, 3x exclusive 10” vinyl editions feat. live recordings from Deep Purple’s 2022 tour, exclusive Collector’s T-shirt, 2x exclusive guitar picks, 1x exclusive art print, 1x exclusive lanyard, and the chance to win a Golden Ticket giving access to every show on the Deep Purple ‘=1 MORE TIME’-tour). All LPs include a rich 12-page LP sized booklet – exclusively in the first print run! The bonus DVD features the approx. 60min documentary ‘Access All Areas’ joining Deep Purple backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes. Further exclusive items are available via the official album store: Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, strictly limited canvas signed by all band members – limited to 150 items only and various other merchandise items. =1 MORE TIME TOUR DATES: Aug. 14 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live Aug. 15 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Event Center Aug. 17 – The Woodlands, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Aug. 18 – Durant, OK @ Choctaw Casino – Grand Theater Aug. 19 – Fort Worth, TX @ Dickies Arena Aug. 21 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center Aug. 22 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill Aug. 23 – Tinley Park, IL @ Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre Aug. 25 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage Aug. 27 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre Aug. 28 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion Aug. 30 – Camden, NJ @ Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Aug. 31 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center Sept. 1 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Sept. 3 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater Sept. 4 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Broadview Stage at SPAC Sept. 6 – Bethel, NY @ Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Sept. 7 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live Sept. 8 – Scranton, PA @ The Pavilion at Montage Mountain Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com.

About Deep Purple There simply aren’t enough superlatives to properly acknowledge the contribution Deep Purple has made to rock music. Having sold more than 100 million albums and filled global arenas for decades, there’s little wonder that the respected British radio station Planet Rock named the group the '5th Most Influential Band Ever’. The band were also presented the ‘Legend Award’ at the 2008 World Music Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Deep Purple truly are ‘rock royalty’. With a body of work spanning seven decades, Deep Purple has helped pioneer and define the hard rock genre while progressively moving into new areas, both keeping their sound fresh and attracting new fans to the legions who have remained loyal since the band’s inception. The celebrated MKII line up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Ritchie Blackmore were responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early 70’s, including ‘Made In Japan’, universally accepted as one of the most important and influential live albums of all time. Known as one of the hardest working bands ever, Deep Purple has continued to release No.1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. In 2007 (almost 40 years after being formed), the band performed 40 dates in France to an award-winning audience, and they continue to spend much of their year on the road selling out arenas across the globe. Deep Purple has stayed true to its musical roots taking from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today, but which in turn, has created a legacy that very few bands could ever hope to replicate. The band has written and produced so many “classic,” well- known songs, that its audience range widely in age and background – something the band has readily embraced. Deep Purple’s recent studio album, ‘Whoosh!’ (2020), followed their worldwide chart-topping albums ‘inFinite’ (2017) and ’NOW What?!’ (2013). 2024 sees the release of their brand-new album ‘=1’. On all albums, Deep Purple joined forces with producer Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the likes of KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper. Furthering their collaboration with Ezrin, in 2021 and during the pandemic the band recorded a collection of cover songs from their own homes (normal for most bands nowadays, revolutionary for a band that records everything together in the studio), creating an eclectic and celebratory history of their roots in music, in the shape of ‘Turning To Crime’. In 2022 came the sad news of Steve Morse’s departure due to personal circumstances. Moving forward, Deep Purple sought out the masterful skills of guitarist Simon McBride and played the year out in style, exciting crowds with a new energy and excitement. Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride continue with renewed vitality, pushing the boundaries of hard rock to audiences around the globe, proving that Deep Purple are very much here to stay.