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UK reviews 2002 (rescheduled)
 

Good year for Purple

And so the Purple bandwagon rolls forth unto Portsmouth, where the winding queue outside were treated to some 'pre-match' entertainment in the guise of some kids flying down the meandering steps of the Guildhall on a wooden mat! Inside, the hall was very compact, perfect really for the sound, and rather different to the huge NEC the night before.

Them Planets again proceeded to illicit a great response from the packed crowd, particularly with the newer number. A great collection of talent, and one I have really enjoyed on both legs of the British sojourn.

Then, the whooshing sound of Fireball whirled around the hall, and it was Purple time once more. I have to say that this band have got better and better every time I've seen them this year, and the enjoyment on their faces was plain to see. IG had a grin like a Cheshire Cat all through the gig, and his voice was as good as I've ever heard.

One thing I must mention is the stunning work by Roger Glover and Ian Paice throughout the tour, but on this night, they seemed to excel themselves. Let no one kid you, Paicey is by far the best drummer I've heard live. How does he do it?!

The sight of Jon Lord receiving rapturous applause at the end of the gig brought a tinge of sadness within me, but let me tell you, Don Airey is now Deep Purple's keyboard player, and what a player he is!

Thanks guys for some great gigs this year... and yes, the train went that a way again - YYYYEEEEEOOOOOWWWW!!!!

Craig Storey

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