[% META title = 'Tour Reviews' %]
Fun
Deep Purple anchored the 14 July show at the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From fifth row almost center, the PA mix clear and powerful. The band had that attitude, that command of the material and the stage that showed the crowd that this is how it's done!
The set consisted of one new tune, but mostly of the 70s tunes (Speed King, Smoke, Space Truckin', Fireball, plus the encores Highway Star, and back even further for Hush). From the 80s were Perfect Strangers, and Knocking At Your Back Door, and from the Mark VII era, Ted The Mechanic (I'm writing this from memory - anyone have an exact setlist?). There were even some solo moments for Ian Paice, Roger, & Don.
Steve Morse has never sounded better as Purple's guitarist. I can't think of a better replacement for Jon Lord than Don Airey. While some keyboard parts had to be true to the original, Don also put his skillful mark on Purple's repertoire. They all appeared to be having quite a bit of fun.
It was truly a moving and powerful one hour 15 min. performance. Don't miss this USA tour!