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UK reviews 2002 (rescheduled)
 

30-year history with DP

A brilliant night had by all at the Guildhall last night. Ian and the band were on top form as usual and clearly enjoying life on the road. Ian reminded the audience that this was where Highway Star was first performed live 30 years ago, and clearly enjoyed being back at the venue where he also played with his own band in 1982.

I arrived early with wife and son (18), who is now also a big fan and we secured a front row position and waited in anticipation for a great evening of rock classics. The last time I saw DP was in February at Hammersmith, the last concert before rest of tour cancelled due to Ian's throat problems. He was clearly suffering that night although it was a thoroughly good concert, but I vowed to return to see Ian with his voice intact and on top form, and he didn't disappoint.

The band were really tight, not surprising considering how long they've been on the road, but you never sense that they get tired or bored as they are always laughing and joking between themselves and clearly enjoy playing live.

Nice to see Don Airey filling in very capably for Jon Lord, but it was great to see Lordy appearing on stage for Perfect Strangers, for which he got a great ovation.

I first saw DP in 1972 at Fairfield Halls, Croydon at the age of 15 and like most fans of similar age, I never imagined I would see them again still performing the rock classics 30 years later.

Keep on rocking boys, you are superb and get better with age.

Setlist:
Fireball
Woman From Tokyo
Mary Long
Ted The Mechanic
Lazy
Well Dressed Guitar
When A Blind Man Cries
Space Truckin'
Perfect Strangers
Speed King
Smoke On The Water

Encores:
Hush
Black Night
Highway Star

Adrian Marsh

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