Deep Purple - Warfield 8/28/98
Before I give my short review of the DP show in San Francisco, I would like to give my thanks to Svante and whoever else makes this web site possible. If it were not for this page I would have never known that my favorite band for the last 25 years was going to be in town. I appreciate all the accurate and up- to-date information - great job!
Now, just a few quick comments on the show. Dream Theater was pretty good for a warm-up act. Their bass player seemed to be the "heart" of the band and reminded by of Geddy Lee of Rush except he doesn't sing.
The only other time I've seen ELP live was on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert TV coverage of the California Jam. That was a long, long time ago but I still remember it well because DP was on the same show! Anyhow, I was very impressed with ELP at this show last Friday. Keith Emerson is amazing in the way he plays one keyboard with one hand and another keyboard with the other. Carl Palmer is simply an excellent drummer, and Greg Lake, who doesn't look like a "rocker" at all really impressed me.
Like I said in the beginning, DP has long been my favorite band and I listen to them 90% of the time. Today's music sucks in comparison. I must admit, though, RB was the reason for my initial attraction to DP and still remains my favorite guitar player. Yet, if anybody else could play in DP and perform at the level of Gillan, Glover, Paice, and Lord, it would be Steve Morse. He is not Ritchie Blackmore and he doesn't try to be - he doesn't have to. SM has his own style which is just as powerful. Excellent guitar work.
IG looked great and sounded great too. There was only a little evidence of his cold or a sore throat. I can imagine how my voice might feel after screaming "Ahhhhh No, No, No" during Blodsucker every other night. Speaking of Blodsucker, what a cool song that is. I'm so glad they brought this one back.
RG and IP have always been solid and Friday was no exception. I've never heard Pictures of Home live before so that was a treat and showed the talents Roger and Ian.
JL was good but not great. Maybe my impression is because of the Keith Emerson performance earlier. JL plays an awesome keyboard - I know that. I just wish this show would have highlighted him more. They should add "She Was" from Abandon to the set list. Also, I didn't like the way his keyboards were positioned because it made it hard to watch his fingers and hands.
All in all, and excellent show. It seemed to short. I could listen to DP (and do) for hours. I hope they put out another album and come back real soon.
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