Glenn Hughes Discusses Deep Purple's Mid-'70s Breakup

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

Glenn was 21 years old when he joined Purple in 1973 and he really entered a surreal world that left a ton of impressions, hence the steep learning curve. When he starts to tell stories from that time there's still the fascination and passion of a much younger man that comes through. It must have been comparable to the time when you grow up and there's always something new to discover every day.

[@Ratsotone]

Back in 1970, I was a young music fan, and Trapeze played a very small venue which was virtually on my doorstep, so clearly I had to go and see them, as I knew just how good a band they were, after seeing them just a few months previously supporting Free, at our local Jazz Club. But at this small venue only about 20 people turned up, which was a pity, but it did give me the opportunity to get talking to Glen, after I spotted him strolling around the place, anyway, long story short, he invited me backstage to meet the the others, and of course I jumped at the chance. But what a nice bunch of guys they were, and all very sober, no drink or drugs with those lads. But as expected, it was a great night, where I watched them from the wings, play the whole of the Medusa album, and for a 15 year old kid, that was a great thrill...Thank's guys.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

You were lucky man! Great story!

[@144Donn]

I was never a fan of Glenn...but lately I find him very refreshingly honest..and can still bring it!

[@NigelFortune]

I could listen to Glenn all day : )

[@moparmaiden]

Me too!!! Love love love Glenn!

[@FrostedSeagull]

To both Nigel Fortune and mopramaiden . . . Glen Hughes is honest and has an interesting voice and tone. I have noticed people either like him or detest him.

[@bobthebear1246]

Glenn, thank you for being so heartfelt and honest with us. If you're reading this, just know that in the 80's when you sang the appropriately titled "All Messed Up" for Gary Moore, and - of course - the entire Seventh Star album for Tony Iommi, I had absolutely NO idea that you were going-through your own personal hell at that time. Cause I tell you, your powerful vocals were on-point even then. This is why you are a legend, Glenn, and in my opinion, one of the 10 GREATEST Heavy Metal singers EVER. Rock on, man!

[@chuckdriver7741]

“Come Taste The Band” in my humble opinion, is the best Deep Purple album of all time. My mother bought the album for me at a yard sale in 1981 and I was a mesmerized 13 year old beginning musician. 🎸🎤🥁

[@dortega12]

A couple of songs yes. Not the best

[@drumdad54sdl47]

I dunno 'bout it being their best of all time, but it is certainly a great statement from the band. Not knockin' your opinion- not at all! It is far better than I expected upon my first listen. I loved it instantly. Folks who dismiss it outright only because Ritchie isn't playing on it are cheating themselves, I say.What a shame that crap got in and kept this lineup from recording anything else. Losing Tommy was a total tragedy. Ugh..

[@dustinwallace]

Ha Deep Purple without Blackmore.. ya okay nice one...

[@abohsukampret]

It's a great album, just not a great Deep Purple album. It's like listening to an entirely different band.

[@flyingburritobro68]

Come Taste The Band is my favorite too!

[@vcp93]

Glenn is a freakin' monster. Such an incredible talent.

[@smithy2882]

I met Glenn and Dave Holland, in the club Lafayette Wolverhampton in the early 70's While with Trapeze .Chatted about a gig and poor acoustics in Walsall town hall.Many hours after the gig. Nice bloke and loved to chat.My fondest memories was of his Days with Trapeze what a three piece they were.

[@jeffbogue3718]

I just saw Glenn Hughes a couple of weeks ago May 5th 2019 at 20 Monroe live in Grand Rapids , he was freaking awesome his focal sounded amazing and he still hit the high screams that he did in the 70s . not only that Glenn is such an outstanding person he thanked us for being there and said it was a privilege playing for us and it really wasn't that great of a crowd and he played for almost 2 hours . played stormbringer to begin the show I think the last song was Burn ,

[@TammyCreswell-l7h]

I've always admired Glenn's honestly and still adore Glenn for his contribution to some of the best rock n roll EVER

[@zingpulse4138]

I do not Remember the 80's...WOW!

[@ALF782]

He does but if fits the narrative to say he doesn't.

[@TheDukeOfPannekoeken]

''Someone gave me a horse once'' LOOOL!

[@GreenerHill]

A well-spoken dude.

[@jaysantos536]

"I do not remember the 80s" WOW. Glad you made it through buddy.........

[@robertbishop5357]

addiction is soooo cunning. it starts with a simple drink, snort, smoke and then next thing you know you're like a dog chasing his tail and not able to catch it. the same as chasing that first high. addiction is a horrible coping mechanism. it's DEADLY.

[@kingofdragontown9680]

That's why they say you can never get as high as your first time.

[@ALF782]

@@kingofdragontown9680 Occasionally you do reach similar highs and that's why they keep chasing it.

[@inwardk]

I wish Glenn's autobiography were available on Kindle. Hardcopy is so difficult and expensive to import. Please Glenn, if you see this, consider publishing your book in electronic format. Greetings from South Africa.

[@BOSTONSPORTS00]

Just saw him the other day, and he was incredible.

[@TheSteveSteele]

I don't know if he's ever told this part of the story, but Glenn lived in LA during the MKIV period and was good friends with David Bowie (who was going to help him out with his solo album). Bowie was part of the lost year gang (Bowie, Elton John, John Lennon). Those guys were partying like there was no tomorrow. At that point it seemed like a sure thing his solo album would be a huge hit (The white Stevie Wonder). But months became years and Glenn's solo album came out in 1978(?), and only the Trapeze guys were around to help him with the album and it didn't sell. I'm actually amazed that he pulled it together for 1982's Hughes/Thrall album which was not only amazing but was the blueprint for many 80s bands. That says something to Glenn's talent that he was able to put together one of the great albums of that period yet wasn't in a state of mind to remember it. If you don't have that album, get it! Not a single bad song on the album.

[@FrostedSeagull]

Thanks Steve . . . great, informative Comments. The rumours that Bowie and Jagger were interested. Keef was smacked out and the Stones, sans Mick Taylor were a directionless mess. Yes, the Stones like Zeppelin ruled the charts, played too and sold millions off albums with half-arsed efforts,i.e Black and Blue for the Stones.

[@AndyMangele]

To be quite frank, I think "Play me out" is the album he ever made!

[@GreenerHill]

Steve Steele: Yes, Hughes/Thrall could be Glenn's best album outside of DP. Agree it was ahead of its time. By the way, Harry Nilsson was one of the prime movers behind that "lost weekend".

[@dobly58]

"I do not remember the 80's" AWESOME!!

[@todmarks175]

I feel the same about the 80's but mine was alcohol instead of drugs. 🤮

[@jaysantos536]

1:55 - "Deep Purple and THE WHO" were the two most DANGEOUS bands in the WORLD early to mid 70s". And they have ALWAYS been my two favorite bands. Imagine that? 🙃

[@MarceloCunha2011]

incredible singer !! impressive rocknroll voice !!!

[@Lightstar7777]

God bless you Glenn

[@googoogjoobgoogoogjoob]

By 76 DP were on the way out. But jeez, Hughes & Bolin kicked the band 'til it bled out.

[@CB-xr1eg]

They didn't kick the band they (Bolin especially) tore it apart with their drug taking. Hughes on Coke, Bolin on heroin. It was always going to happen with those 2.

[@husq48]

He was also in Sabbath for "Mark IV!" 😃

[@robertbishop5357]

great guy. tremendous band.

[@radiomindchatter7994]

Glenn doesn't get enough praise for his bass playing

[@goesjem]

A huge Andy Frazer fan. You can hear the influence in all his bass parts. The up and down the neck slides.

[@franknada8235]

Hughes & Coverdale era of DP is my fav

[@hassanmansor5007]

Agree

[@spsrich]

I frigging love Glenn and all the rest ............ :-)

[@jfromstate8581]

Damn the 80s must’ve been harsh and fun all at the same time

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Black Country Communion are awesome 😎👊

[@biffabacon8860]

I love Glenn

[@lukeciarallo5419]

“ I do not remember the 80’s “ - Glenn Hughes

[@gsk5161]

Trapeze is my favorite band to this day!

[@gtrrobster]

Smart dude. Very clear and honest. Although he did NOT see Spinal Tap in 81!! :)

[@RTOneZer0]

I like Glenn Hughes with all his talents but he singlehandedly brought down DP. Tommy Bolin came later but Glenn was always the leader of the ring when it came to substances abuses.

[@paulgunovich2766]

I totally agree. Mark 3 should have kept Roger Glover. Glenn was way too funky for Purple. Great talent though

[@drumdad54sdl47]

Tony Iommi in his bio 'Iron Man' basically describes Glenn as a "coke fiend."

[@dwill1970]

@@drumdad54sdl47 Tony Iommi was a big coke fiend as well most of his career actually

[@pakoti96]

"I do not remember the 80s." Damn.

[@dockaiser]

According to some famous saying: If you remember the 70's you didn't live them properly, Glenn did everything right during the 80's ....

[@vitom5513]

What he is failing to mention is that after returning to the UK and playing 2 or 3 shows, with Bolin and Hughes high as a kite, Hughes tells the audience (paraphrasing) "Oh sorry we didn't sound good today. We're jet lagged". Lord and Paice heard this and Lord was outraged that he said that. Lord said he (and Paice) were playing their asses off and it was an insult for Hughes to say that. It was the drugs that Bolin and Hughes were on. Lord and Paice decided that was the end. Coverdale comes up to them and says he is submitting his resignation from the band and they replied "What band. We just dissolved the band".

[@stormbringercoming8105]

You cannot help but appreciate Glenn's honesty and candor. Not to mention that VOICE! But he comes off like a diva in interviews. He needs to ego detox. If I was in a band with him, I'd have to travel separately and stay away until showtime.

[@hammondvoodoo9555]

That diva thing is something many singers have.

[@salt27dogg]

Glenn and Coverdale although not Gillan and Glover , are both legends in their own right

[@billy6742]

I saw him in 1973 when he first joined deep purple , he’s a good bass player , has a high range , but there’s more to being a good singer than just singing in a high range .. David Coverdale has a much more soulful voice

[@DistortedAudio2001]

Loud wire is awesome.

[@TheAxzom]

last part was great

[@Twotontessie]

Probably has been mentioned. But if you want to see some freakishly talented singing look up the 1995 Hughes club gig video on You Tube.

[@joegambino9792]

Didn't remember the 80's, those memories were stored on brain cells that were destroyed by drugs and more probably by alcohol. I became addicted to vodka for 6 months and was drinking daily. I would go out to night clubs and drink, then the next day not remember how I got home. I started having incidents of missing time due to that poison. I got off the crap on my own, but some people need treatment. I don't buy that AA strategy where you have to admit you're an alcoholic. Your subconscious does what it's told, and basically, you are what you believe, or what you tell your subconscious through repetition. I just told myself, I am not an alcoholic and don't need the crap and broke the addiction. Why hypnotize yourself to become an alcoholic?

[@leighfoulkes7297]

No offense but only 6 months? Were you a heavy drinker before hand and just switch to vodka or did you just start bing drinking like a nut job? Sorry but your not going to have a hard time of quiting alcohol after a half a year of drinking.

[@inwardk]

Well done on eliminating excessive alcohol consumption from your life.

[@grobbler1]

Glenn moved the direction away from 'Blues' Deep Purple in the studio and then went off the rails with drugs, particularly live when Bolin arrived. Whodunnit? Glenn and Tommy are in the dock, but Coverdale wanted Tommy hired.

[@billyshane3804]

No stories about the affair with Tommy Bolin's long term girlfriend Karen and her announcing their marriage to Tommy the night he died.

[@BAR-ct7ti]

Coolest guy ever. If i had to be trapped on an elevator for 24 hours straight, i'd make it Glenn Hughes. His stories are endless.

[@fabbux]

never i understood why DP '84 reunion included Gillan Glover, 2 musicians totally ''boiled'' and ''finished'' , instead Coverdale Hughes. Totally agree that in '74 DP was the best world band with MK III. Not forgetting the ''sixth'' member of DP Band , Martin Birch. in my honest opinion, all album DP after '84 reunion are not satisfing about sound and mixing, without that powerful and caracteristic DP sound. About Come taste the band, after 40 years, justice for this masterpiece! comparing CTTB in '75 with contemporary album of very famous band in that era, LZ BS UH Cream , and.......Rainbow!!!! and so on, we can listen to an incredible difference!!! still fresh and powerful CTTB, totally old fashion , ''dark'' all the rest music from others band. Glenn Hughes, fantastic musician!

[@Peakabike]

G&G "boiled" in 84 ?! They're still going strong in 2024, recording interesting new music and playing to large crowds ! Contrast to Coverdale, now retired and who's voice has been shot for a decade+, and Hughes who"s stuck playing oldies "Stormbringer" tours in small places.

[@THOMASSBLAQUELOURDE]

Let us not be disingenuous- despite acting like he WAS Deep Purple, let's don't forget that Glenn Hughes DESTROYED Deep Purple TWICE

[@flatsix666]

The eighties was a bit hazy for me too! lol

[@rodrobson]

When Glenn and David joined Deep Purple the harmonies were better in my opinion. Tommy was also a good singer as well as a brilliant guitarist. DP should have taken a break in 76 so Hughes and Bolin could sort themselves out.

[@manolmomchilov1192]

When was Deep Purple "the biggest band in the world"?!

[@patrikeriksson726]

Never

[@azja6666]

70-75. Rank in first place, second Zeppelin. Ritchie Blackmore rank in first place guitarist for three years.

[@patrikeriksson726]

@@azja6666 Yea, the band who never had a top five album i US and only two number one albums in the UK was the biggest band in the world. The weird thing is that I think you actually believe it.

[@azja6666]

Patrik Eriksson they sold the most records. Sold out every gig in the shortest time. Ritchie was the best guitarist, if i could i sent you a picture best world guitarist ranking. Gillan in many ranking is the best rock singer. But it doesn't matter. Let's assume i'm wrong. I know that many people associated with music think that they were better than Zeppelin in early '70. I'm one of them. Obviously i love Zep and Sabath, but Purple are everything! And Glenn is awesome!

[@sex6cult9revolution]

Ignore the other answers. Kids, pull up a chair. The answer is this: 1973. The year that the band found David and Glenn. Machine Head was still selling consistently, Made in Japan was high in the charts and Who Do We Think We Are charted immediately - so Purple was all over the charts at one time in 1973. That's the basis of it. You see, there's a misconception that in the early 70's, Led Zeppelin was always number one and Purple was, at best, number two. The reason is that Led Zep always outsold Purple in the states (and of course, the US market is the largest). But if you look at the numbers worldwide, Purple sometimes outsold Zep, particularly in Eastern Europe and in Asia. I don't have the numbers in front of me, but at that time, Purple was selling more albums than anyone else in the world. Period.

[@claychandler3468]

What ended the band well let's break this down everything that I've gathered exsess attitude ego management and just plain sick of the whole situation it was time to move on there you have it

[@osvaldogonzalez5071]

Just a small correction, with all due respect to the so great and incredible Glenn Hughes. In 1973 the greatest band in the world were Led Zeppelin, they were at their very top and best by then

[@jasonross6291]

Thumbs down! I Love Glen, too!! The interviewer really missed the window to get some juciy gossip. They were sleeping around with eachothers wives... cmon. Glen might have given him something

[@supernaught1963]

Not surprised he didn't mention he ran off with Tommy Bolins girlfriend to England. Also, the biggest band in 1973? I think Zeppelin, The Stones and Floyd would beg to differ. They were selling out stadiums then.

[@zenica12]

DP were in 1973 biggest selling artist in USA!

[@tatty73]

Not necessarily, they were ranked as the Top Album Artist on the Billboard 200 for 1973, but it was not based on actual sales, it was based on weekly chart positions over the year. v

[@hermanhelmich]

supernaught1963 Zep of course

[@mistersteiner3125]

Remember they were still riding high on Made in Japan and Machine Head at that point

[@patrikeriksson726]

Purple never had a number 1 album in the US. Only three managed to get Into top ten

[@stevenholquin2127]

The Burn 🔥 Album is One of The Greatest Heavy Rock Albums of All Time….Richie Blackmore Was Getting Into a Sound That if Richie Had His Way The Next Album After Burn 🔥 Would Have Sounded Like Rainbow 🌈 Rising Yet Jon Lord and Ian Paice Have Said The Come Taste The Band Album Was Not a Deep Purple Album It Was a Great Album But Not a Deep Purple Album The Stormbringer Album Is Where Richie Blackmore Called It Quits Yet if You Listen To The Live Boot 🥾 Legs Of Deep Purple Playing Lady Double Dealer You Fool No One and Stormbringer Live As Glenn Hughes Said At That Time Deep Purple was The Most Dangerous Band on Stage You Could Be Hit With Richie’s Guitar Or Blown Up Ian Paice Was Throwing Sticks David Coverdale Was Swinging His Mic Stand Glenn Hughes Had a P.A. System for a Bass Rig Jon Lord Was Rocking His Hammond Organ and Smashing His Reverb Box 📦

[@rogergomez9835]

oh shit just wait until they post on the new Metallica song Hardwired

[@lstarrtna4288]

God what a lame question, we heard the explanations before. Just because he just discovered them, uncomfortable dumb questions.

[@tasrex]

Don't worry Glen, the 80's sucked... you didn't miss that much... lol

[@zackgotobed3754]

METALLICA JUST ANNOUNCED THERE NEW ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!

[@grammaticalerorr4654]

The 'elitist' fans would be screaming all over the internet again how they missed the old stuff. Get over it, accept Metallica of what they are now.

[@GreenerHill]

"Their".

[@AnalogOpher]

Lucky bastard, i wish i could not remember the 80s. The music sucked so bad.

[@BartSmith85]

I think you were still on drugs when you wrote that!

[@ayusharipirala3121]

third

[@ronaldjames6067]

Glenn Hughes is probably a really nice guy and he can play a bit of bass too. But I'm sorry to say he has one of the most annoying singing voices I've ever had to listen to. If he was in a band with me he'd have to wear a muzzle ... Jeff Beck used to have a great band in the early 70's, but he let Tim Bogert (a bassplayer too ...) sing in it, rendering all the stuff they made unlistenable. People that can not sing should not do it.

[@hinjurock]

I agree. I can't stand his singing voice - he totally tries to hard and always over-sings.

[@azja6666]

You are speaking about The Voice of Rock... Ignoramus... 😟

[@flyingburritobro68]

Dude can still wail and he is better now than he was in the 70’s.

[@vitom5513]

@@azja6666 You can give yourself any title you want, it doesn't mean it is so.

[@zaphodbeblebrox9]

what eighties?...