Ian Gillan dismisses speculation about Deep Purple retiring.
Ian Gillan has dismissed any claims that Deep Purple is nearing their end, despite the current tour with Yes being named the More Time” tour, referencing their new album
“I only recently heard someone mention the tour name,” Gillan told Ultimate Classic Rock. “I’d never heard it before, and no one asked me about it. That’s nonsense. (Laughs) That’s not the tour name. I believe the tour is called ‘Unleashed.’”
Although the Deep Purple website and promotional materials did list the tour as More Time,’ Gillan noted, “It doesn’t really matter; it’s a Deep Purple tour, and we’re happy with it.”
He further explained, “When we start feeling unable to perform at our best, we’ll adjust and do what we can, but when the energy fades, it’s time to stop to avoid embarrassment. But so far, so good. I think ‘Unleashed’ is a better title than what you mentioned (Laughs).”
Gillan also reminisced about an incident in 1970 when Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore set fire to his equipment following a dispute with Yes over who should close the Plumpton Jazz and Blues Festival.
“Yes wanted to close the show, but it was in our contract to do so. They refused to leave their hotel room, so we agreed to go on earlier to help the situation,” Gillan recalled. “Ritchie decided that if we couldn’t close, no one would. He ordered gasoline, soaked the equipment, and ignited it with a flaming broom. The fumes exploded, leading to a chaotic scene with police, fire brigade, and ambulances. It made the front page of the Sunday papers—quite a rock ‘n’ roll moment.”
