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UK reviews 2002 (rescheduled)
 

Out of our minds in Greece

This was the first time I saw Deep Purple live, I missed the chance to see them the previous times they visited us so I wouldn't lose them again now.

We were so excited about the whole thing and were at the Lycabettus Theatre by 19:00. After a walk at the front of the stage and a quick look at the guitars and drums, we got ready for the big moment. The fans were from 15-50 years old, many metalheads and all very excited.

To tell you the truth, I was a little worried about Don Airey and whether he could take the place of Jon Lord. I knew that Steve would be fantastic and the other guys too. The crowd was looking forward to starting the gig and all started to sing Black Night. Luckily the weather was good and the night seemed to be just fantastic.

At about 21:30 the guys started with Fireball and the fans went crazy. Ian Gillan was great and Don was really good. After that came Woman From Tokyo, one of my favourite songs, and Don showed again that he matches DP. The third song was Mary Long in which Ian Gillan was awesome.

After a very quick break so that Gillan could explain some things, Ted The Mechanic, a little bit heavier than the other songs, was an amazing song for most of the fans. The next song was Lazy. When I heard Steve playing the intro of Lazy it took me back to Ritchie Blackmore's stuff. Morse was so good, I think we must consider him one of the best rock guitarists. He has gigantic stage presence and very very much energy. He enjoyed very much the solos of the songs, and he was very good together with Roger Glover.

Then the (new) song Well Dressed Guitar, which reminded me of the classic DP tracks. After those outstanding songs we could take a break with one of the best songs When A Blind Man Cries and enjoy Gillan's voice for a few minutes. The old time classic song Space Truckin' was very good and after that was Perfect Strangers one of the best songs of the gig. The excitement of the fans was unbelievable and Gillan was surprised too.

After a couple of songs, including Speed King, came on Smoke On The Water. The Lycabettus hill was on fire, we were out of our minds, and it was a very good experience that will take me many months to forget. The first part of the gig was over.

After five minutes, Roger started to play Black Night and then the other guys burst onto the stage. Hush and Highway Star are the songs I'll never forget from this gig. The last DP gig for the tour was over.

I must not forget to mention the solos. In the drum solo Paicey was excellent and showed that he is one of the best drummers. Don surprised us, he played two Greek songs, the traditional Zorba and Ta Paidia Toy Peiraia, then Star Wars and many classic tunes. Steve with his guitar solo played Sweet Home Alabama the solo of the ' Stairway To Heaven and many more.

Deep Purple were fantastic and we hope to see you again guys. Finally don't forget that the Greek fans will always be with you.

P.S.
I hope my throat will recover soon.

Billy Zografos

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