Newsgroups: alt.music.deep-purple
Subject: Chicago show
From: "Collin O'Brien" 
Date: 30 Nov 1996 17:14:54 GMT

What can I say that hasn't been said? The band was truly amazing, and I've never seen them look like they were having so much fun on stage. The band is unbelievably tight and energetic. IG's voice seems to be getting better and better; this was certainly the best I've ever heard him sound live. Roger was great; I've never heard his bass so up-front before, and he had a fantastic sound. Steve was Steve; I've seen him a number of times live, and every time he makes me want to give up the guitar. Nobody should be allowed to be that good - he ruins it for everybody else :-). Jon was back (compared to earlier DP shows I've seen)! His Hammond sound seemed to fill up the songs, great solos... I could go on forever. And IP just never seems to get tired. He even had a bit of a drum solo! I know he's got another bass drum hidden around there somewhere; he can't be getting that sound with only one.

I also must say that the opening band - "Marshal Law" - was extremely good IMO. After a lengthy debate (spanning several drinks :-) ) at the bar beforehand, we decided to get to the Horizon in time to see them, though none of us had heard of them before. And I'm glad I did. They sounded a bit like Badlands (for anyone who's familiar with them). Their own stuff was good, and they did a great cover of "Can't Find My Way Home".

It was great meeting Mark, Mark & Marina, Jeff, Ron, Secil & Ned(?? Sorry, Secil, it appears my brain has left the building, and I've forgotten his name!), Don, and Steve. Though several people who I won't name decided we needed to have group pictures - I hope I managed to duck behind Ron before the bartender snapped them....

And of course it was a huge honor to meet Roger, Steve, and Ian after the show. Truly a nice bunch of guys. Steve hung around for quite awhile talking to everybody and answering questions. You wouldn't believe the guy had just played a 2 hour set. IG seemed tired, but after the energy he put into the show, that seems pretty reasonable to me! He still took the time to meet everyone and shake hands. And Roger was as gracious as everyone has said, even after the 20th or 30th question that I asked him...

Definitely a great night! Many thanks to Mark Cantin (and Colin Hart and Roger!) for the backstage passes! And many thanks to amd-p in general for basically making all this possible.

And before I forget, a huge thanks to Secil for driving me to my car in the rain!

Off to Kalamazoo for Sunday's show...

Cheers,
Collin

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