one4review | On 15, Nov 2024

The legendary Deep Purple blow the bloody doors off in Glasgow for their final (ever?) show.

Since 1968, Deep Purple have done it all—hit singles, landmark albums, countless lineup changes, and musical explorations through psychedelic, blues, hard rock, and heavy metal. They remain a major influence on music and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Tonight, in Glasgow, they roll in with their “One More Time Tour,” which, if rumours are true, might indeed be their last ever tour—and potentially their final show. Fans, both local and international, have gathered with family and friends to witness this historic night.

The evening kicked off strong with support from late ’90s stalwarts Reef. While not the typical opener for rock legends like Purple, singer Gary Stringer’s powerful vocals and an energetic cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” quickly won over the crowd.

Deep Purple opened with “Highway Star,” the classic from their 1972 Machine Head album, revisiting it and other fan favourites throughout the set. Despite occasional criticism from the press, often comparing the band to their 1970s heyday, Purple’s performance tonight was a firm rebuttal to any naysayers—they were on fire.

Original members drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover, from the classic Mk II lineup, drove the band’s rhythm section with power and precision, keeping the fast original tempos. Ian Gillan’s vocals were spot on, showing his range and energy, while his rock god persona shone through. Keyboardist Don Airey and newer guitarist Simon McBride blended seamlessly into the classic Purple sound.

New song “A Bit on the Side” and the rarely performed “Into The Fire” followed in quick succession, before a riveting guitar solo from McBride. With his Christopher Walken-like looks and talent reminiscent of Northern Irish guitar legend Gary Moore, McBride proved a worthy addition. This led into a heartfelt tribute to the late Jon Lord, with Gillan reminding the crowd that “Jon is here with us tonight.”

The band continued with recent songs like “Lazy Sod,” which recently topped the Official Physical Singles chart, and “Now You’re Talkin’.” “Lazy” dazzled with its brilliant lighting and visuals, and Gillan thanked Glasgow warmly, reflecting on how fitting it was to close the tour here: “Things started in Glasgow, so it’s apt we should end it here.”

Deep cuts like “When a Blind Man Cries” and new song “Portable Door”—which has a vibe that could be from the Who Do We Think We Are era—added depth to the setlist, while the 1990’s “Anya” showcased the strength of Glover and Paice’s rhythm section.

The night had room for another new track, “Bleeding Obvious,” blending classic Purple riffs and a stellar guitar solo, before wrapping up the main set with “Space Truckin’” and “Smoke On The Water.” Here, Gillan was at his peak, both as a showman and vocalist.

The encore brought a final new song, “Old-Fangled Thing,” and singalong anthems “Hush” and “Black Night,” leaving the crowd euphoric. This wasn’t a simple greatest-hits tour or a nostalgic cash grab; it was a powerhouse show from a band still creating fresh material and delivering high-energy performances.

If this was indeed their final show, they’re bowing out on an incredible high, and putting their peers to shame. It may be a long time before the world sees anything quite like them again.

What a way to say goodbye!
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Reviewed by Steve H