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Reviews, Europe 2003

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T-Mobile Arena, Prague, Czech Republic
November 17, 2003

An American In Praha

I cannot write about this concert, without commentation about this city.

When I took the first step from the metro, I gapsed and tears welled in my eyes. I have never been to a more beautiful city. Walking along the mosaic sidewalks, occasionally tearing my upward gaze from the amazing architecture to watch where I was going, I realized that each sidewalk has a different pattern!

Natives and visitors looked quizzically at the American tourist taking pictures of the ground. I met and discussed politics, education, cost of living and the future transition from the Czech Crown to the Euro dollar with many. Occasionally I encountered a cold shoulder, due to my nationality. In the excitement of my journey, I had completely forgotten the anger with our president. A couple of people took much debate to win over, and to convince that though I am American, I do not neccessarily back the policy of my current government.

Praha is also for drunken foolery! One of the local favorites is Slivovice, a plum spirit that packs a punch. In winter months, they offer a hot wine, which is comparable to a Hot Toddy. It is a small city, so one can explore the historic sights in a couple of days. Most are multi-lingual, so it is easy to get around. In line for the doors to open to the show, I met a couple from Connecticut, USA, who were at the 2001 Toad's Place Dixie Dregs show, where the DVD was made. They had decided to come to Prague for the weekend and the concert. It's a small world, and a band for traveling fans.

Opening with Highway Star, Ian Gillan has gotten smart and pre-recorded the opening high note. The witty singer, gives me quite the cackle, as I have never heard him get the words completely right to this song, in the many shows that I have attended. I wonder if it could be that even at sold out shows, no one knows the difference, or cares. I do.

As the tunes continue on, Ian Gillan dances and prances, with a sparkle of the devil in his eyes, twinkling ever so brightly above the bare feet below.

Then after a spine tingling Well Dressed Guitar, the angel in him appears, as he hugs closely his guitarist, maestro and pilot; Steve Morse. He knows the battle he started years ago, in bringing such a different guitarist into what was at one time Blackmore's castle. (I have had a grand time, handing over my walkman, forever the Dregs pusher, to expose many to the Dixie Dregs. Most Deep Purple fans have a great, but ignorant respect for the airborne virtuoso.

For those who have heard Steve Morse's instrumental music, I am rooting for a Deep Purple/Dixie Dregs tour, as there are many in the world outside the USA who are quite frustrated that the Dixie Dregs or the Steve Morse Band does not currently tour across the oceans.)

The Deep Purple concerts outside the USA are more rewarding for both band and audience. Not to bash America, but the general public can have a tendency to occasionally be a tad clueless, as far as music is concerned. Here all the shows are packed, with surprisingly many young fans (ie, Martin, the 16yr old guitarist from Moravany, I had the pleasure of meeting. Had to tell him, we have a saying, "16 will get you 20.")

The show was really great, blending a mix of old and new. I sing Space Trucking myself, and as even as a female, find this a difficult range to sing. Ian pulled this one off, without having to tie his testes! The rapport of Steve and John is sometimes missed, but then the wordless conversations between Steve and Don have energy and connection. Like Steve, Don is filling some favorite shoes, and he is doing it quite well.

His big solo is highly impressive, filled with passion, skill, and a bit of humor. However, I think perhaps it is time to move on from the Star Wars finale. It is immense, but it is coming to the point where it may be time for something different. Both additions to the band have alot to say in their playing, in that they show strength in their individuality, rather than trying to imitate their predecessors. Ian Paice and Roger Glover are as always, strong and true.

Deep Purple is one of the few bands with the love for their music, the willingness to evolve and blend new and old, to be successful in keeping the fans of many years, whilst gaining many new ones. I have great respect for that.

I greatly apologize for the lack of photos and a song list, but I am too busy dancing at these concerts to carry camera, paper and pen!

I highly recommend a Praha gig for anyone who wants to travel, has limited budget and time, to see one of the remaining reigning bands, in perhaps the eternally most beautiful city in the world.

Alessa Sindoni