Deep Purple announces release of 'Splat!'; new album coming July 3, 2026

Deep Purple has just announced the release of the hard rock band's forthcoming album Splat!, set for release July 3, 2026. I am really looking forward to this album. Read a review of one of my favorite hard rock shows ever when Deep Purple and Blue Öyster Cult performed on the same bill in Costa Mesa, CA in 2014...Robert Kinsler

ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM OUT JULY 3 ON earMUSIC “MUSIC FOR THE END OF HUMANITY (…BUT NOT AS GRIM AS IT MAY SEEM)”   PRE-SAVE THE NEW ALBUM HERE Pictured above: Album Cover DEEP PURPLE will release their new studio album SPLAT! July 3 on earMUSIC.  The band—Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride—has once again teamed up with renowned producer Bob Ezrin (KISS, Pink Floyd, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper) and together, they have crafted an album that draws on the sound and attitude that has always set DEEP PURPLE apart from the rest. SPLAT! is the heaviest DEEP PURPLE album in many years, with the band playing together in the studio—the way DEEP PURPLE have always recorded. Pre-order starts today; click HERE.   “I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with ‘Highway Star,’ ‘Smoke on the Water,’ and ‘Lazy,’ the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73,” says frontman Ian Gillan. He adds: “Where we are now with this incarnation of DEEP PURPLE feels very much like a very ‘now’ version of DEEP PURPLE as it was in the seventies.”   At the heart of SPLAT! is an idea conceived by Gillan. Rather than treating the end as destruction, the album imagines it as transformation: SPLAT! explores the end of humanity not in any crude apocalyptic sense but as a metamorphosis beyond physical existence. L-R: Ian Paice, Don Airey, Roger Glover, Ian Gillan, Simon McBride   Photo Credit:  Olaf Heine   Additional details about the album concept will be revealed in the weeks leading up to its July 3 release. New music from SPLAT! is on the way and DEEP PURPLE invite fans to follow the journey at DEEP PURPLE and earMUSIC on socials.   To celebrate the release, DEEP PURPLE will continue their extensive 2026 touring schedule with no fewer than 86 shows across 28 countries on three continents.   With more than 120 million albums sold since forming in 1968, DEEP PURPLE have long secured their place in rock history. Rather than simply preserving their legacy, they continue to extend it, driven by the same spirit that defined their earliest work.   Ian Gillan sums it up: “DEEP PURPLE is in a great place right now.”   Track listing (CD/2LP): Side A 1.  Arrogant Boy 2.  Diablo 3.  The Rider 4.  The Lunatic Side B 5.  The Only Horse In Town 6.  Sacred Land 7.  The Beating Of Wings Side C 8.  Guilt Trippin' 9.  Scriblin' Gib'rish 10. Jessica's Bra Side D 11. Third Call 12. My New Movie 13. Splat!   SPLAT! will be available July 3 in multiple formats:   ·      Limited Box Set, containing: o  2LP Gatefold (180g) o  12-page vinyl-sized booklet o  CD Digisleeve o  3 exclusive 10-inch vinyl records featuring live recordings from the DEEP PURPLE Tour 2024 o  Exclusive 7-inch single featuring the bonus track “GUINNESIS” (not included on the studio album and available exclusively in the box set!)   ·      CD (Digisleeve)   ·      2LP Gatefold (black, 180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Transparent Yellow 2LP (180g) + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   All LP editions include a rich 12-page LP-sized booklet with illustrations and all song lyrics – available exclusively with the first pressing.   Further exclusive items are available via the official artist store, including:   ·      Limited 2LP Picture Disc + 12-page vinyl-sized booklet   ·      Limited Cassette   ·      A strictly limited canvas signed by all band members and limited to just 199 copies worldwide   ·      Additional apparel and merchandise items   ACCESS THE NEW ALBUM HERE   Follow DEEP PURPLE Facebook   Instagram  YouTube     TikTok       X   Follow earMUSIC Facebook   Instagram  YouTube     TikTok       X   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 120 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 have 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 was responsible for creating many of the defining rock albums of the early ’70s, 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 have continued to release No. 1 albums and tour globally since forming in 1968, with little rest. DEEP PURPLE have stayed true to their musical roots, drawing from an eclectic mix of styles to create a distinctive sound that defines the band today and, 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 ranges widely in age and background—something the band has readily embraced. DEEP PURPLE’s recent studio album =1 (2024) followed their worldwide chart-topping albums Whoosh! (2020), inFinite (2017) and NOW What?! (2013). 2026 sees the release of their brand-new album SPLAT!  On these 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.   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.   MAD IN EUROPE TOUR DATES 11 JUN 2026 – Espoo, Finland – Espoo Metro Arena 12 JUN 2026 – Tampere, Finland – Nokia Arena 14 JUN 2026 – Kristiansand, Norway – Dirty Old Town Live – Odderoya Amfi 18 JUN 2026 – Clisson, France – Hellfest – SOLD OUT 20 JUN 2026 – Meppen, Germany – Emsland Open Air 24 JUN 2026 – Mönchengladbach, Germany – SparkassenPark 27 JUN 2026 – Coburg, Germany – HUK Coburg Open Air, Schlossplatz 28 JUN 2026 – Ulm, Germany – Klosterhof Wiblingen 02 JUL 2026 – Vigo, Spain – Conciertos de Castrelos, Auditorio Castrelos 04 JUL 2026 – Gredos, Ávila, Spain – Músicos en la Naturaleza 05 JUL 2026 – Pamplona, Spain – Navarra Arena 07 JUL 2026 – Valencia, Spain – Jardines de Viveros 09 JUL 2026 – Marbella, Spain – Starlite 10 JUL 2026 – Cádiz, Spain – Tío Pepe 13 JUL 2026 – Montreux, Switzerland – Montreux Jazz Festival 16 JUL 2026 – Pisa, Italy – Pisa Summer Knights – Piazza Dei Cavalieri 17 JUL 2026 – Este, Italy – Este Music Festival – Castello Carrarese 19 JUL 2026 – Munich, Germany – Tollwood Festival   SPLAT! WORLD TOUR DATES 04 AUG 2026 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater 06 AUG 2026 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Botanic Garden 08 AUG 2026 – Clearwater, FL – The BayCare Sound 09 AUG 2026 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Casino 12 AUG 2026 – Wantagh, NY – Jones Beach Theater 13 AUG 2026 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center 15 AUG 2026 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre 17 AUG 2026 – Laval, QC – Place Bell 18 AUG 2026 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre 19 AUG 2026 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre 21 AUG 2026 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob 22 AUG 2026 – Salamanca, NY – Seneca Allegany Casino 24 AUG 2026 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheatre 25 AUG 2026 – Highland Park, IL – Ravinia 27 AUG 2026 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino 29 AUG 2026 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre 31 AUG 2026 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome 02 SEP 2026 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre 04 SEP 2026 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley 05 SEP 2026 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre 06 SEP 2026 – Highland, CA – Yaamava Theatre 08 SEP 2026 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 10 SEP 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Planet Hollywood 11 SEP 2026 – Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Amphitheater 12 SEP 2026 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center 29 SEP 2026 – Sofia, Bulgaria – 8888 Arena 01 OCT 2026 – Cluj, Romania – BT Arena 02 OCT 2026 – Budapest, Hungary – Laszlo Papp Arena 04 OCT 2026 – Bratislava, Slovakia – Tipos Arena 05 OCT 2026 – Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle 07 OCT 2026 – Prague, Czechia – O2 Arena 08 OCT 2026 – Lodz, Poland – Atlas Arena 10 OCT 2026 – Belgrade, Serbia – Stark Arena 11 OCT 2026 – Skopje, North Macedonia – Boris Trajkovski Arena 13 OCT 2026 – Athens, Greece – Telekom Centre Arena 16 OCT 2026 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion 17 OCT 2026 – Milan, Italy – Unipol Forum 19 OCT 2026 – Barcelona, Spain – Sant Jordi Club 20 OCT 2026 – Madrid, Spain – Movistar Arena 22 OCT 2026 – Paris, France – Adidas Arena 23 OCT 2026 – Antwerp, Belgium – Lotto Arena 25 OCT 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena 26 OCT 2026 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena 28 OCT 2026 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum Arena 29 OCT 2026 – Gothenburg, Sweden – Scandinavium 31 OCT 2026 – Leipzig, Germany – QI Arena 01 NOV 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Sporthalle 03 NOV 2026 – Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle 04 NOV 2026 – Berlin, Germany – Uber Arena 06 NOV 2026 – Frankfurt, Germany – Festhalle 07 NOV 2026 – Nuremberg, Germany – Arena 09 NOV 2026 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome 10 NOV 2026 – Strasbourg, France – Zénith 12 NOV 2026 – Bordeaux, France – Arkéa Arena 13 NOV 2026 – Nantes, France – Zénith 15 NOV 2026 – Lyon, France – LDLC Arena 18 NOV 2026 – Newcastle, UK – Utilita Arena 19 NOV 2026 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro 21 NOV 2026 – Birmingham, UK – BP Pulse Arena 22 NOV 2026 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena 24 NOV 2026 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo 25 NOV 2026 – London, UK – Royal Albert Hall 05 DEC 2026 – São Paulo, Brazil – Suhai Hall 08 DEC 2026 – Santiago, Chile – Movistar Arena 10 DEC 2026 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Movistar Arena 13 DEC 2026 – Monterrey, MX – Arena Monterrey 16 DEC 2026 – Guadalajara, MX – Arena Guadalajara 19 DEC 2026 – Mexico City, MX – Estadio Fray Nano Tickets are available at www.deeppurple.com.

New music: Deep Purple, Sparkle*Jets U.K., The Fabulous Thunderbirds

A trio of top-tier music makers are back with wonderful new albums.

Artist: Deep Purple

Title: =1 (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Deep Purple, Rainbow

Tell me more: Deep Purple's newly-released album =1 is at once a celebration of the British hard rocker's groundbreaking career and a band focused on the future. Indeed, the current lineup of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and new guitarist Simon McBride collectively deliver potent performances across the 13-track Bob Ezrin-produced masterwork. Early standouts on the album include the taunt opener "Show Me," fiery "A Bit On The Side" and driving "Portable Door" (the latter featuring some dazzling lead guitar and organ work courtesy of McBride and Airey respectively). The bluesy "If I Were You" (showcasing Giillan's signature vocals), bewitching "Pictures of You," the sweeping rocker "Lazy Sod," lovely "I'll Catch You" and prog rock closer "Bleeding Obvious" entice on the last part of the album. The bonus DVD features the documentary "Access All Areas" allowing viewers to catch the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers backstage on tour and providing an exclusive look behind the scenes at the band. =1 is available now in a number of formats including a CD+DVD digipak (the version reviewed in this column), several limited edition 2LP vinyl versions, and a limited edition box set that includes CD+DVD, digital, 2LP black Gatefold, a collector's T-shirt, guitar picks and more! Information: ear-music.net.

Artist: Sparkle*Jets U.K.

Title: Box of Letters (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Brian Wilson, The Zombies, Pugwash, Fountains of Wayne

Tell me more: Sparkle*Jets U.K.'s Box of Letters is a euphoric listen, a disc that features Susan West (vocals, guitar), Michael Simmons (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jamie Knight (bass) making a triumphant return on their first album of mostly original material in more than 20 years. After opening with an inspired cover of the Zombies' "This Will Be Our Year," Sparkle*Jets U.K. proceed to explore the far-flung corners of their sonic universe with a diverse mix of infectious songs ranging from the melodic rocker "Good Bye X 3" and aptly-titled Beach Boys-minded "I Can't Wait for Summer" to the harmonious alt rocker "Love Burn," dreamy "Little Circles," rollicking "Box of Letters" and jaunty closer "Hey Grandma." And just listen to the genre mash-up "Princess Needy," with its magical mix of chamber pop and disco stylings. The fact that West's punchy song craft and vocal approach works so well with Simmons' melodic and artful approach as as singer-songwriter brings an added dimension across Box of Letters. Simmons' rich and detailed production is the other key part of the bona fide success of the outstanding Box of Letters. Information: BigStirRecords.com. 

Artist: The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Title: Struck Down (Stony Plain Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Kim Wilson, Billy Gibbons

Tell me more: What do Bonnie Raitt, Elvin Bishop, Taj Mahal, Keb' Mo', Mick Fleetwood and ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons have in common? All appear on the Fabulous Thunderbirds' eagerly-awaited return Struck Down. With singer-songwriter/master harmonica master Kim Wilson at the helm, the band delivers 10 terrific tracks sure to please blues aficionados. Leading off with the aptly-titled mid tempo "Struck Down By The Blues" (featuring Canadian blues guitar player Steve Strongman) the album showcases a wonderful mix of material. The buoyant Cajun-mining "Don't Make No Sense" finds Wilson singing and playing his blues harp with zeal amidst a sonic backdrop highlighted by Terrance Simien's accordion work. The Texas-flavored blues rocker "Payback Time" is bolstered by Gibbons' signature guitar and vocals. Other standouts on Struck Down include the acoustic blues gem "Nothing In Rambling" (featuring Keb' Mo', Raitt, Mahal and Fleetwood), the driving and instantly infectious "Won't Give Up," fiery "Whatcha Do To Me" (the latter featuring Bishop on guitar) and spirited "That's Cold." Wilson turns in a particularly heartfelt vocal performance on the disc-ending ballad "Sideline." In addition to Wilson, the Fabulous Thunderbirds' lineup includes Bob Welsh (keyboards, guitar), Rudy Albin Petschauer (drums, percussion), Steven Kirsty (bass, saxophone) and Johnny Moeller (guitar). Information: fabulousthunderbirds.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Deep Purple releases new song and video 'Pictures Of You' out today, June 5

Check out the latest news on Deep Purple's eagerly-awaited album =1 and listen to the new advance track "Pictures Of You" too...Robert Kinsler

DEEP PURPLE RELEASES NEW SONG AND VIDEO FROM UPCOMING ALBUM ‘=1’. ‘PICTURES OF YOU’ OUT TODAY

Photo: Jim Rakete

New York, New York (June 5, 2024) – Following the success of their debut single ‘Portable Door’, Deep Purple has released ‘Pictures Of You’ today, the second song from their upcoming album ‘=1’. Listen to the new song Deep Purple’s latest song, ‘Pictures Of You’ is now available for streaming and as instant gratification track with all digital download pre-orders for ‘=1’. Additionally, the single is offered as part of a four-track bundle which features two previously unreleased live recordings from 2022 in Milan, Italy: ‘When A Blind Man Cries’ and ‘Uncommon Man’. For collectors, the excitement continues as the physical pre-sale of ‘Pictures Of You’ begins today. The single will be released on CD and 12” vinyl on June 28, 2024, with each format being strictly limited to 5,000 pieces worldwide, and each copy being numbered by hand. Accompanying the new single release, the official music video for ‘Pictures of You’ will premiere today at 05:00pm CET/ 04:00pm BST / 11:00am ET on Deep Purple’s YouTube channel. The first music video for ‘Portable Door’, featuring the band performing live on stage, quickly surpassed one million views. In this new video, fans will once again see Deep Purple in their element, performing together. Join the music video premiere 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 celebration of the new album, Deep Purple will perform more than 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1MORE TIME’ tour. With three consecutive No.1 albums in their back pocket and a resurgent new energy powering them forward, 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.

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.