Deep Purple rocks Auckland 2013

Rock legends Deep Purple were on fire last night in Auckland's Vector arena. This was an invigorated, imaginative show where Purple looked sharper than what they did ten years ago. These masters of rock get better each time I see them. This was the heaviest yet cleanest sound - well done to the sound desk crew - Paice's drum sound was crisp and thunderous with every tom audible and distinct, Airey's keyboard expansive and majestic, while Morse took his usual amazing playing to another level on his own instrumental composition, "Contact lost". There were many Morse highlights including his soaring and arpeggio shredding over some Blackmore classics including the evocative "Wasted sunsets" and "Maybe I'm a Leo". (Have a look at this great Youtube clip of Morse last year in Moscow playing the solo of "Wasted sunsets" - Gillan even wore the same t-shirt in Auckland.) The concert ramped up as DP added menace with "The Battle rages on". As Gillan said after the first few rockers, "That was the jazz bit of the set, Now it's time to rock 'n roll" .

Deep Purple looked fit and lean, full of smiles and good time eagerness. Like the experienced professionals they are, they tackled songs from the 70's with spectacular lighting, the best that I have experienced at a Purple concert. (This includes watching two previous live concerts - 1995 and 2004  plus various DVD concerts through the 2000's). I loved the way they musically built up well known tracks and added dramatic interludes like short pulverizing drum solos or keyboard breaks to keep the creativity and interest, yet keeping the structure and not tampering with their classic repertoire or sound.

There was a palpable excitement from the group that was reflected in the crowd who were certainly more vocal and engaged than when Journey were on stage before hand. Airey played an extended and powerful keyboard showcase that included a beautiful rendition of the traditional New Zealand "Pokarekare Ana" and then came the distinctive opening chords of "Perfect Strangers" which ripped through the arena.  This was another highlight of the show with everyone on top form for "Perfect Strangers" and the strobe lighting at the end of this was mesmerizing. On the "Live at Montreux 2006" I thought Gillan was at times singing flat and was apprehensive to hear him. Clearly he has managed his voice carefully in the intervening years and was strong and exerted his power cleverly. I thought he was amazing. They are all amazing. 

The encore was an extended triumph with "Smoke on the water" easily the heaviest version I have heard as Morse chugged his opening barrage with metal menace. If they have played this only 30 times a year that would still be over a thousand performances of it but it sounded as fresh as ever.  Finally the crowd participation singing in a call and response to answer Morse's guitar on "Blacknight" lifted the evening to a fitting crescendo. Take a bow, Deep Purple, that was some show!

Go and see them, Australia - they are the fire of the classic rock generation playing with the fervor, the improvisation and spark that is missing in today's rock. I saw something special last night. Legends indeed.

 For great photos and review - see 13th floor site

P.S. After that performance, I am even more intrigued to hear their new album when it is released in April.