If there were ever one definitive characteristic and stylistic musical delivery to unify listeners of all generations; the groove is always eternal. Since the late 1960’s, very few individuals over the course of music history have broken sonic barriers with such unforeseen levels of groove-ridden virtuosity, breathtaking musicality, and unrelenting passion quite like Glenn Hughes, the voice of rock.
Those who attended Classic Deep Purple Live Performed by Glenn Hughes at the legendary Stone Pony on August 28, 2018 witnessed a transcendent performance that stretched beyond the confines of a live stage; this was a truly historic live-action documentation of Hughes’ enduring excellence as a musical anomaly and beloved innovator of the highest echelon. Personifying the term once-in-a-lifetime, Hughes possesses an immeasurable level of talent both vocally and through his elite bass playing that very few individuals ever achieve. For everyone in attendance, we were beyond fortunate enough to witness one of the greatest displays of artistic brilliance, a masterpiece in the truest sense of the term, that many of us might ever see.
I recently spoke with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer about this career retrospective tour, which showcases Glenn Hughes celebrating the Mark III and IV era’s of Deep Purple. In particular, Hughes shared a quote that I feel embodies the mindset, attitude, and aura of this performance. He said, “Brother, there was no fear in Deep Purple. Zero fear.”
In my opinion, that fearlessness was embodied in the demeanor of each bandmate who stood alongside Hughes as they opened with the iconic “Stormbringer.” Within the first few measures, Hughes started to unleash the highest registers of his unlimited vocal range, which throttled the heart every single time his voice pierced across this historic venue.
“Stormbringer” served as a definitive reminder that Deep Purple Mark III were one of the greatest collections of otherworldly musical talent to ever assemble in one band; the most elite performers at each of their respective instruments and equal in brilliance to the likes of Led Zeppelin. As someone who has attended and covered hundreds of shows over the years, this was one of the most captivating show openers that I have ever witnessed and it set the highest possible tone for the rest of the night. One will rarely ever feel such invincible levels of blissful aggression and mesmerizing soul within a single performance.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJCvitElkFQ&w=560&h=315]
When the band kicked into Hughes’ definitive bass portrait “Sail Away,” that track personifies how Hughes could fly across the fretboard with such an extraordinary feel for the funkiest rhythms. The subtle nuances in his picking patterns and the way his notes hang and reverberate, his tone is so distinct and his infusion of the wah pedal heightens the melodic fortitude of this band’s rhythmic identity. As a bassist, he is one of the greatest to ever pick up the instrument and his performance throughout the night solidified this notion.
As a collective whole, Classic Deep Purple Live features a lineup of extremely dedicated and talented musicians who respect and hone the intricacies, classicality, and attitude, which defined the Mark III era on tracks like “You Fool No One.” Keyboardist Mike Mangan’s resurrected the amplified organs of Jon Lord’s most illustrious work; in particular, his keyboard created such a dramatic effect that maximized the echo of The Stone Pony’s iconic walls. Drummer Eduardo De Bernardes Baldo demonstrated such impeccable precision with his cymbal crashes and complex drum patterns. This track is one of Ian Paice’s most noteworthy performances and Baldo bashed away at his drumkit and personified the percussive brilliance within this extended jam.
Guitarist Jeff Kollman has performed with Glenn Hughes for many years and their chemistry was so natural and their individual strengths fused into a collective all-star effort multiple times throughout the show. Towards the conclusion of “You Keep On Moving,” the combination of Hughes’ bass chords and Kollman’s guitar strum rung hollow, creating the most chilling aura as Hughes’ voice crooned like a soul singer from the golden era of R&B.
Also, it goes a long way to see someone like Kollman showcase such great joy in performing material from the Deep Purple catalog. One could imagine that playing the all-time definitive guitar riff “Smoke On The Water” isn’t necessarily the easiest performance in the world because of its accessibility and significance to the instrument, yet the happiness in his demeanor said it all as he wailed across the fretboard and honored this vintage classic.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do_BgiF9y0U&w=560&h=315]
Unfamiliar listeners should look into Hughes résumé and recognize how notable of an accomplishment it truly is to see such a decorated rock icon have such unique chemistry with so many musicians – bands and guest collaborators alike. Hughes is someone who truly sets the tone and brings out the absolute best in his bandmates, it’s why Deep Purple recruited him during a pivotal crossroads moment in their career. Plus, Hughes gladly shares the spotlight and allows each of his bandmates to showcase their individual craft, which was demonstrated by their respective solo’s. This show resurrected the extended jams that were synonymous with Deep Purple’s Mark III and IV lineups; Hughes made sure this performance was authentic and respectful to that era as possible for longtime fans.
On the topic of Glenn Hughes’ outstanding character, we would all be so fortunate to have a friend honor our legacy with such everlasting love and appreciation quite like Hughes has shown to keep Tommy Bolin’s spirit alive since 1976. Hughes shared some personal insight into Bolin’s brimming Midwestern charm and blossoming virtuosity as a guitarist. Even if none of us in the crowd had personally ever met Bolin, we truly felt his presence in the room, learned so much more about him, and gained a greater appreciation for the way he continues to influence Deep Purple fans worldwide. He was there in spirit with his best friend and bandmate on-stage, especially when Hughes kicked into the Mark IV gem, “Gettin’ Tighter.”
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoAmhoRXDzQ&w=560&h=315]
Sometimes, the greatest moments of a live performance aren’t planned out and “Mistreated” is in an exclusive class as one the most emotionally sacred pieces of blues-infused songwriting in the history of rock and beyond. For anyone who ever doubts the transparency, honesty, and heart-wrenching possibilities within this genre; one will rarely ever see so many eyes as focused, gazed, and zoned in on the musical delivery quite like the Asbury Park crowd appeared during “Mistreated.”
Towards the latter half of the song, there were some issues occurring with Hughes’ amplifier and their tech was working fast to resolve the issue. Nonetheless, this did not affect the performance as the band kept rolling and in a moment that personified the title “The Voice of Rock,” Hughes grabbed the microphone with both hands and proceeded to unleash some of the most powerful screams, falsettos, and mid-range gargantuan shouts that I ever heard. I actually couldn’t believe what I had witnessed; this was an effort most producers wish they could capture from their artists on a record; one that would be considered a definitive all-time classic and a few of us in Asbury Park, New Jersey were just fortunate enough to be there. I’m sure Hughes would have unleashed some fierce screams even without the sound issues, however, his response in that moment, it took him into a zone that very few musicians could ever tap into.
Let’s not forget, with a catalog of material spanning five-decades, so many of Hughes’ greatest performances have occurred in the present with Black Country Communion, California Breed, Joe Satriani, his solo material, and beyond, which absolutely defies the status-quo. At the age of sixty-six, his palpable excitement for songwriting and performing is the ultimate catalyst for his enduring excellence and his unwavering love for his fans is one rarely sees among prominent vocalists. To his credit, he made the entire Stone Pony crowd feel like we were hanging out in his home or grabbing food together at the shore.
Together, we collectively lost our minds as “Burn” closed out this sensational set and summoned the highest volumes of melodic perfection, high-octane aggression, and classical orchestration. Throughout the night, Hughes expressed the confidence, gratitude, and optimism that rock music is still alive and thriving. Look no further than the everlasting power of “Burn,” nearly forty-five years since its release and the band’s live rendition sounded as powerful as ever. That’s where the foundation of this genre will always carry on.
When I spoke with Glenn, he rightfully said, “I’m going to give them – in my opinion, the show of the year, if I may be so bold.” Allow me to attest, “The Voice of Rock” cannot be missed if he is touring near your city. Classic Deep Purple Live Performed by Glenn Hughes is a must-see performance and one will walk away with a newfound and deep (Purple) understanding of this band’s ongoing transcendence, and the millions of musicians they have continued to inspire ever since.
Glenn Hughes will be touring Classic Deep Purple Live throughout the United States in the month of September. For ticket info, click here.
9/7: The Keswick Theatre – Glenside, Pennsylvania
9/8: Penn’s Peak – Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
9/11: Chance Theater – Poughkeepsie, New York
9/13: Arcada Theatre – Saint Charles, Illinois
9/15: The Token Lounge – Westland, Michigan
9/16: House of Blues – Cleveland, Ohio
9/18: Tupelo Music Hall – Derry, New Hampshire
9/19: The Wilbur – Boston, Massachusetts
9/21: Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel – Providence, Rhode Island
9/22: Tarrytown Music Hall – Tarrytown, New York
I was there & can attest to every word written, in the article, regarding this performance. Seeing Glenn perform “Mistreated” was one of the greatest things I’ve ever witnessed, in my life.