Deep Purple 'The Morse Years' with Martin Popoff & Phil Aston - Now Spinning Magazine - Podcast

[@theoceandwellers4036]

Being a huge Blackmore Purple fan as a twenty one year old fan I travelled from Dundee to London on a bus to see the Mark II live at Brixton Academy in 1993. Dream come true. After that we got Purpendicular with Steve. I managed to catch the tour in Glasgow and it was weird, but musically mind-blowing. Unfortunately, I figured without Blackmore I didn't want to continue with this. Fast forward and I bought Now What and went to see them, they were absolutely superb. From then on I became a huge admirer of Steve's contributions to Purple. I even really luv Bananas now. What an amazing lineup! I wish I had kept following them. I now really miss Steve in the lineup!!!

[@celticsooner5372]

Worthy discussion. I think, ultimately, Purple needed Morse more than he needed them. Morse is near the apex as a guitarist and my thought is he elevated the band intellectually, dynamically, and creatively. As a musician myself, what I hear is a band challenging themselves first and foremost - sort of like how Savatage does, for another example - and those fans interested enough in tagging along are rewarded very handsomely. Cheers to any band that never stops evolving. I love this era of Purple most.

[@scotterrebo995]

Thanks, Phil and Martin. Steve did great stuff with Kansas also.

[@adamsmashups4839]

I can't think of anyone better to have this topic of conversation other than you and Martin. When ever I listen to you Phil,I feel like I am getting an education.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@kenfrederick6223]

Another great conversation. This era of Deep Purple is endlessly fascinating. There are so many sonic layers and nuance to the songs that you can always go back and hear something new and interesting.

[@Echelle999]

Brilliant episode and very interesting and insightful comments. Purpendicular is in my top 5 list of all Purple albums. Steve entering the band opened up for all the remaining members to blossom creatively. But to this day they still write music as they’ve always have, by being together in a room, playing, throwing in ideas and developing together.

[@domielakrabi3276]

Thank you for this episode. It's always a pleasure listening to people talking DP :) DP did some real good albums with Steve Morse - Purpendicular and Now What ?! are within my top 6 or 7 albums from their entire catalog.

[@martymartin2894]

Great discussion guys i enjoyed it immensely. Thanks.

[@JosephSterle]

Thanks Phil and Martin, I enjoyed this!

[@PontusWittenmark]

Purpendicular is my all time favorite DP album since it came out. And I'm a massive fan of Ritchie's playing 💯

[@mannyruiz1954]

I was not a hard core Purple fan in 70s. In the 80s I became a Steve Morse fan. Phenomenal guitarist. I heard Deep Purple were coming to South Florida in 2001. I knew Steve Morse was with them so I went to see DP mainly to see Steve Morse. I was blown away. Seeing Jon Lord and Steve Morse jamming was breath taking. I'll never forget that show. It was recorded and released on DVD called Perihelion.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Wow.. I have that, a fantastic DVD ! Phil

[@mannyruiz1954]

@@NowSpinningMagazine yeah I'm in the audience but have never seem myself on the DVD. I keep trying.......🤣😎🔥

[@edwardcastiglione5545]

I enjoyed your discussion thank you, Steve Morse definitely deserves celebrating, a mind boggling guitar player. That being said Deep Purple has 4 albums that nothing really compares to. I think we all know what they were.

[@lukethebody]

In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head and Made In Japan 🙂

[@edwardcastiglione5545]

Thanks for your reply. But for me I never include live albums. In Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, and Who Do You Think We Are. @@lukethebody

[@edwardcastiglione5545]

I mean Who Do We Think We Are

[@lukethebody]

All fantastic albums 🙂

[@artg2767]

Ted the mechanic came from a guy sitting next to Ian in a bar. He was Ted and a mechanic. Told Ian his life story which became the lyrics.

[@teec3557]

Actually it was an electrician and his name wasn’t Ted per Ian Gillan

[@micolsen9824]

DP, a wealth of riches. Thanks.

[@VantagePointrocks]

Nice enjoyable listen about a really great period in the Purple catalogue.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@marvinmoenen4151]

I really enjoyed this video about the steve morse years thank you gentleman 👍

[@bartrobinson2103]

Excellent job guys!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@mxgonzo]

I love the Morse era, then again I'm a huge Steve fan. They are not a simple rock band here. The songs demand attention. It feels more of a band effort and not just the Blackmore show which I think the other band members had to cater to.

[@paultrate4855]

Martin hit it on the head; I would have loved to have seen an all-Morse era set. No Mk II as much as I love that material but it never felt fair to me that so much of the Steve material got ignored.

[@slobodanudarac5]

Great Analysis!

[@teec3557]

The Steve Morse era has DP truly moving on and progressing to a different sound but maintaining the beast that DP is. Come this to the crap Slaves and Masters and The Battle Rages On you can only say one thing - “Thank you Steve Morse”

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

I love all the line ups and can’t see any Deep Purple album in a bad light. Some I might like more than others but I am still very happy to own them. Phil

[@ralfbrettschneider914]

"Sometimes I fell like screaming" was again 2018/19 in the set at every concert...But all in all very interesting...

[@Alexanderpaal67]

A few tracks that come to mind: Doing It Tonight Werdistan Out Of Hand Somebody Stole My Guitar

[@lukethebody]

I adore the Steve Morse albums, they’re all fantastic, unlike the Coverdale or JLT albums this era feels authentic, DP has to have Gillan/Glover and with Steve they were special years, Now What was epic !

[@teec3557]

I agree that Morse was perfect replacement for DP. Musically it was so nice to move on and progress from the RB era which was great. One thing I feel changed was Airey’s organ sound. He tends to provide a brighter sound

[@robertklimczak2207]

What a great show from 2 of the best. I saw Purple several times between the early 70's and 2016 and I have a hard time believing that if any of the last 4 Morse albums came out back then instead of In Rock or Machine Head or WDWTWA, DP would have died an early death. I can't even find a Sirius Deep Track from any of these records even though there are several songs worth airplay. Just my humble, minority opinion from someone who saw the beginning and probably [not hopefully ] the end.

[@grobbler1]

If that's the case, then why have live shows always heavily consisted of Mark 2 tracks? In many cases a new Morse-era track was fairly quickly dropped during tours, to slot in a Mark 2 track. Care to explain why?

[@robertklimczak2207]

If Highway Star or Smoke On The Water were introduced for the first time on a recent album they'd be right up there with Drop The Weapon or Hip Boots. All they become is a legacy greatest hits band that pander to an audience that can't think beyond Smoke On The Water for the 10,000,000 time.@@grobbler1

[@tomojay28]

Martin's point regarding Lost in Hollywood is well taken in the face of their other songs, but technically the band Rainbow was named after the Rainbow Bar & Grill...which is in Hollywood (& referred to in the lyrics along with the Whiskey Bar & Grill).

[@MartinPopoff]

Ha ha, touche! - Love it.

[@teec3557]

Another thing I feel is that Ian Paice’s drums get a little bottle lost in the Ezrin mix

[@ivc5150]

It doesn’t matter what the song is called provided it is good musically or lyrically. But sadly i think 99% of the Morse era Purple songs are awful, and there are far too many of them. But because of this video I am going to give them another listen this weekend. Love the video chaps.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you

[@MetalMan73100]

Excellent topic! I get why Blackmore is so revered by DP fans. He was, after all, the original guitarist for the band, was crucial in terms of the classic Mark II era, but DP survived Blackmore´s absence on two different occasions. In my opinion, Steve Morse helped save the band after they kicked Blackmore out after his histrionics during the The Battle Rages On tour. Purpendicular and onwards is a great run for Deep Purple, minus Bananas. Mind you, they also released a few turkeys during the early years with Blackmore.

[@grobbler1]

''after they kicked Blackmore out after his histrionics during the The Battle Rages On tour.'' You need to check your facts. RB left voluntarily.

[@jonblackers4339]

@@grobbler1 MetalMan, I d not be surprised if he never attend a show of the TBRO tour.

[@grobbler1]

@@jonblackers4339 The band were on fire during the TBRO tour. Even Jon Lord stated they were playing at an intensity not reached since the 70's. Blackmore was clearly determined that if anyone replaced him, they'd have a helluva job on their hands.

[@jonblackers4339]

@@grobbler1 A lot can be said on the Morse era but not that the band endorsed it a lot with playing it live. Morse is said to have been the glue, the trigger of staying together but innovators and winners push through, they need an EGO, which he appearantly did not have and or trampled on it just making money while mostly playing another mans work. Saw a topic on the era and even claimed fans of the man said they ve a hard time picking songs and even remembering them. The reason for that is the so called more complex songs is whats often being said. Weird, every honest person knows Morse was very repetitive in solo s and sounds, which annoyed the hell out of me. Proved not to be able to write many memorable heavyrock riffs, one of the essences of the Blackmore era. Tell me, if Glover also supplied classic riffs during the earlier years why not during the Morse era?

[@grobbler1]

@@jonblackers4339 Couldn't have put it better myself. With respect to Glover, I think his role now, is helping mainly with Gillan's lyrics and the musical arrangements. His production duties being a thing of the past. The only riff I've ever heard that he was directly responsible for was 'Never Before.'

[@dagsouleyedblue407]

While i do love most of his work in this line up i always thought Steve Morse would have fitted better in a Glenn Hughes - Coverdale edition of Purple

[@chrismoyse3529]

Fascinating episode. Love DP. Especially pre Morse. However I do personally feel that many of their Morse era songs were a tad faceless, lacking melody, and possibly too clever and far too complex. Not many of their latter day songs would pass the ‘Old Grey Whistle Test’.

[@franciskocher200]

Perpendicular was a very good album and very promising about their collaboration (my favorite album with Morse) but i prefer the Blackmore years far better.

[@krisbritwres394]

“Los Angeles is a million miles away from wizards and dragons “ … LA connection ? 🤔 I’m not into the point on song titles I’m afraid mr popoff

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Deep Purple has done a lot of albums. Outside of the band the members has together done a ridiculous amount of music. How many here has heard every album with Steve Morse? How many has heard every album Don Airey played on? How many has heard every Ian Gillan project? I would say very few people. Point? It's hard to come up with stuff like song titles forever. I think one fault with later DIO is that the song titles are too much like they used to be. I can't remember many song titles from say Magica or Killing the Dragon because they look exactly like the earlier but are not as famous. I think Ian Gillan (or whoever comes up with all the song titles) just realize that either you write song titles that ANYBODY could have done or you go a less serious way and have fun with it. Ever seen rock albums with song titles you seen many times before? You might think it's a cover or remake but it's really a new song? Isn't it better with a stranger song title that is unique?

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Great comment and insight - thank you 🙏

[@laurenzgraffilpenstein8117]

Abandon and Bananas are very fine ones. Purpendicular and Rapture of the Deep has dome moments. The others ,the newer ones, arent that amazing, bit boring.

[@stevenhanson1454]

Clearly Martin Popoff is annoyed by clever lyrics. And hates punctuation. But the album covers could definitely be upgraded with professional art. Banana's was just like a Gillan-Glover record. Remember that one album???? Accidentally On Purpose.

[@lukethebody]

Great album, I’ve got Accidentally on Purpose on vinyl, I wish i could get Bananas on vinyl too 🎵

[@DBZ5371]

Morse was never the right fit for the audience. But, he was for the band. He is a fabulous guitarist, but he is not the guitarist for Deep Purple. That ridiculous widdly, widdly, weeee !!! solo is so bloody tired and overdone. He seems like a great guy, but Purple are aggressive and confrontational and in your face…

[@martymartin2894]

I agree nearly every one of his solos has that same widdly wee in it and a lot of them end up sounding the same, also his tone is too melodic. I do enjoy some of the songs from this period though like Ted the mechanic and sometimes I feel like screaming but it's nothing like the old purple.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching, obviously I feel differently but your opinion is just as valid as mine. Phil :)

[@martymartin2894]

I will say I bought that boxset with the 4 live discs it came in like a book and the NEC concert sounds phenomenal, this is from the morse era think it's called around the world or something similar but the NEC gig sounds great.

[@grobbler1]

@DBZ5371 Absolutely correct. He is a fine guitarist, but the wrong musical roots for DP.

[@deepzepp4176]

For me, Morse’s tone never suited Purple. He’s technically a fantastic player, but that thick, dark tone, just never worked. Simons Mcbride’s tone is far better suited. As Phil said, Purple were always a riff based band, and for me, when Morse came in, they lost their identity. And like Jon Lord said, Blackmore was the “prime mover” of Deep Purple. I don't agree with Martin often, but he's correct on the Morse era, song titles.

[@martymartin2894]

Blackmore is or was a genius and was the prime mover in everything he done, look at the fantastic stuff he done with rainbow. I'd nearly say it's better than purple.

[@nicodiablo]

I think Steve Morse is an amazing guitar player and composer, yet I do not feel he fits with the band. Deep Purple is more about raw emotion.. not intellectual or precise. That has been lost.. but it's ok. Nothing lasts forever. Search for Glenn Hughes - Mistreated - Deep Purple (Lisbon 10th May 2023)' on youtube and you will see how DP should sound.

[@barryrammer7906]

As great as Morse is. He did not fit. Tommy Bolin and Simon McBride fits. I wish my favorite band well. But, the covers lp stinks badly. Thats the honest truth. Doing a cover here and thier is ok. Not a whole lp. Lost interest now with Simon I can't wait to hear some real Deep Purple. Steves a pilot he knows when the ship going down. God bless Steve and his wife. rock on 🤘 btw the Gillan and Glover solo lp is the best post Blackmore next to come taste the band.

[@iancocks9408]

If he did not fit you are missing a lot of their catalogue then. What’s with those awful covers?, puts you off buying the album, abandon had a good cover. Bananas and rapture of the deep I never heard and the band was not as popular as they had been in 90’s.

[@barryrammer7906]

@@iancocks9408 dont worry I did not buy the covers lp. You know what I'm talking about. Stupid criminal mug shoots. I cant wait for Simon McBride bring this once great band back to serious rock band. I've seen Steve in Purple and I know hes a top 10 even voted best in the world guitarist. But he just dont fit. People are dying for real Deep Purple. Jon Lord's sound is very much missed. He is the corner stone of Purple's sound. Brother I did not miss a beat. Saw Purple in 73, 74, 75, 84 2007. I'm a die hard Purple fan. Just Steve and Gillan lyrics out of touch with common fans. Simon is a simple blues rock player. He will write ruffs again. Lets see if they can go down on top instead of an nostalgia band. Rock on 🤘

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

It’s a personal thing and subjective. I love all the Purple line ups and respect your viewpoint - Phil

[@barryrammer7906]

@@NowSpinningMagazine Phil thank you my brother. You are a very open and honest guy. It means a lot you did not atrack my opinion. Just like an arese like you Brits say and we all got one. Thanks again for keeping all our music alive. Your a gem my brother. Cheers rock on 🤘 One last gem. You probably know who he is. His name is Adrian Legg. Hes is one of the best accustic guitarist in the world from your country. If you havent heard which I doubt he needs a bit of love even from us rockers. Cheers Phil

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏 you too - Phil :)

[@Rockstardust69]

Lost interest when blackmore left

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Robbie, I know many others feel that way but I always saw Deep Purple as an ever extending family and I have followed every lined up and member as they have joined or left. In the beginning they were called Roundabout with the idea that musicians would come and go but the name would remain. In many ways that is exactly what they have done. Phil

[@ronnienose8608]

I love the Morse period but I cannot listen to Bananas and Rapture of The Deep because the production is so awful it detracts from the songs. The vocals are very dry and too loud at times, sounds like a rushed affair (which, from what I read isn't far from the truth as Bradford didn't spend much time on the whole process of recording and mixing). I did tire of Steve's soloing as there were too many notes for me and found it a little predictable. Having said that, I loved his sense of melody.

[@billnole2188]

I can only assume that if Steve and the rest of DP watch this, they have to be laughing their asses off as you spent 53+ minutes correcting their grammar and titles. They probably were thinking, how can we freak people out. Let's just have fun with it.