The music of today doesn't reach me
Deep Purple, over 50 years on tour and over 100 million records sold, and countless new bands around the world as an endless source of inspiration: Deep Purple is what one generally calls a rock dinosaur that can't be killed. There's hardly a friend of heavier sounds who can't hum the legendary "Smoke On The Water" riff on command.
Such a powerful force inevitably generates a lot of energy. And so, the British vintage rockers still tour the countries and delight their fans in the biggest arenas of this world. 52 years after their breakthrough with the album "Machine Head", Deep Purple now release their 23rd studio album "=1" (which means equals one). On this album, the classic rock veterans pay tribute to their trademarks without appearing outdated or outdated.
n-tv.de: What message does the title "=1" carry?
Ian Gillan: Oh, life is so complicated. But it doesn't have to be. I came up with the idea for the title when I failed again at the simplest things early in the morning. It wasn't about me, but rather about all the other things I had to deal with and answer. I just wanted a small answer to a very small question. But questions piled up on the left and right, making everything much too complicated. And that's how life is. Obstacles are everywhere. We should simplify our lives. I think the key to a happy life is in the simplicity of it all.
If you take the key that opens the door to the heart of Deep Purple, you'll find yourself right in the hard rock of the 70s. Is that just the music that comes out when you all enter a studio together?
It is indeed a very natural process. Except for our new guitarist Simon McBride, we've all been making music together for ages. We know each other well and know what we can do. When we come together, it's not about ambitions or musical directions. I think the last time I had ambitions was when I was in school doing physical education. (laughs)
You mentioned your new guitarist Simon earlier. What has changed since his arrival?
Well, things always change when a group changes personnel and reassembles. That's just how it is. When a football team brings in a new striker, the team dynamics change. Maybe the basic order doesn't change. But there are new impulses. In a band, it's the same. Steve (Steve Morse, former guitarist) comes from American blues rock. Simon comes from Ireland and brings completely different influences. It's not about whether something is better or worse. It's just about the fact that the dynamics change. And that's a pretty interesting process.
Was the shared studio time with Simon a challenge for the band?
No, not really. When we enter a studio, we're ready. We've written the songs, worked out the details, and practiced a lot. It's like stepping onto a stage. You go out when you're ready. And that's how it works in the studio.
Is there a song on the new album that particularly touches your heart?
I like them all. But "Old-Fashioned Thing" is probably my favorite. In that song, there are interesting riff exchanges, classic Deep Purple vibes. Plus, the lyrics. In that song, it's about a pen and the songwriting process. Very interesting, I find.
You have been working with producer Bob Ezrin for over ten years. Bob is well-acquainted with music giants (Kiss, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd). What makes the collaboration with him special?
Bob is simply a genius. Through him, we found the best Deep Purple sound. He has so much experience and the sense for perfect arrangements. His work, his visions, and his critical eye are immeasurably valuable for the band.
Throughout your long career, you have worked with many high-profile individuals. Which collaboration left the greatest impression on you?
That's not an easy question to answer. I'm grateful for so many inspiring and enriching encounters. There were so many people at the highest level involved. It's impossible to single out one person. I met Jeff Healey, worked with Tim Rice, and toured with the biggest bands. I've really met many wonderful people - very many.
"=1" is Deep Purple's 23rd studio album. Your personal entry point was the fourth album "Deep Purple In Rock" from 1970. What images come to mind when you think back to that time?
Roger (Roger Glover, Bassist) and I had played in a band together before. We were a well-rehearsed team when we met John (John Lord, Organ), Ian (Ian Paice, Drums), and Ritchie (Ritchie Blackmore, Guitar) for the first time. I think we brought a new characteristic to the whole thing. It all went very naturally, and it was a great time with wonderful experiences.
What memories come to mind when you look back and land in the time when the love for music began to ripen in you?
The love for music was always there. I can't remember a time when music didn't play a role in my life. My entire family was involved with music. My grandfather sang in the opera. My uncle was a jazz pianist. I sang in the church choir early on. Music was always present in our family. There was a piano in our living room. Music was omnipresent. At some point, I heard "Heartbreak Hotel." Then I founded my first band at school. We had many guitars, but none of them had six strings. (laughs) We built a drum set out of whiskey barrels in front of our house. That was quite an exciting time.
Music and the approach to making music have changed significantly in the last few years and decades. Is there a band in the present that would have inspired you as a young musician then?
No, I don't think so. But that doesn't mean disrespectful or pretentious. I come from a completely different generation. The music, the way it sounds and is produced today, doesn't really reach me. My music has an organic origin. When I think of a rhythm and a groove, I have an image of a tapping foot and not a finger pressing a synthesizer key. I haven't heard an album in years that swings. Ian Paice grew up with Buddy Rich's sound. He had the swing. That was Rock'n'Roll. But again: It's not about something being better or worse. It just sounds different.
You have achieved everything in your musician's life, seen the whole world, and sold millions of records. How do you define success in the present?
Oh, that's a good question. It has nothing to do with commercial things anymore. Success means happiness for me. When we've played a great concert, when we're on tour and it's just fun, or when we're in the studio and we're just having a good time: That means success for me. Success is Happiness! It's that simple.
You have been touring with Ian Paice and Roger Glover for over 50 years around the world. What is the secret of this magical triangle?
We are musical friends. We can rely on each other and we treat each other respectfully. In reality, we are completely different types. But when it comes to the band and the music, then we all pull in the same direction.
We won't all be young anymore. You are celebrating your 79th birthday this year. How many Deep Purple albums can fans still look forward to?
We never had a plan. Things just happen with us. Whether it's a tour, a new album, or something else: When the time is right, then it happens. I really can't tell you how many albums we will still record. I have no idea. It's funny and also interesting: I once spoke to a Japanese journalist just before a Japan tour from us. At that time, there were rumors that we were working on a new album. During our conversation, he asked me for sure five times how the new plate will sound. I told him we hadn't really started yet. But he didn't give up and kept asking. At some point, I told him: "Watch out, I'm giving you a scoop. We are currently working on the best Rock'n'Roll album that any band has ever recorded." With that statement in my pocket, he was then totally happy. (laughs) What I mean by that: We are looking forward to the release of "=1" now. How it goes further, we'll see when it's that far.
With Ian Gillan spoke Kai Butterweck
Despite their long-lasting success and influence on music, Deep Purple continues to conduct engaging interviews about their music and upcoming projects.
Deep Purple, in one of their recent interviews, revealed that their new guitarist, Simon McBride, brings fresh influences to the band, leading to an interesting change in dynamics and musical directions.
