The Voice of Rock Glenn Hughes has energy to Burn as new Dead Daisies frontman looks back to the past with two hours of Deep Purple hits at the Ironworks, Inverness – including Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste the Band
WHEN Glenn Hughes answers the phone, he is speaking from between worlds.
The Voice of Rock – best known as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame-inaugurated bassist and singer for Deep Purple marks three and four – had just arrived into his homeland of the UK from France, where he has been recording a new album with supergroup The Dead Daisies.
Having joined the Daisies as frontman and bassist following the departures of John Corobi and Marco Mendoza earlier this year, he’ll be returning to France in the new year to finish off that album.
But before he looks towards the future, Glenn is looking back to the past – dusting off some of the classic songs from Deep Purple’s back catalogue and bringing them to rock fans across the world for two hours at a time.
It’s a wonder he had the time to speak at all, really – he’s certainly busier than most other 68-year-old rock icons. “I think everybody knows that...when I say I’m busy, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Glenn explained.
“I think at this point in my life where a lot of my peer group may be slowing down or may be not working so much, God has other plans for me. He has a sense of humour!
“I really want to make sure that everybody knows that I’m coming to see them, and everything I do, I do it for them. I really want to bring my music to them, and it’s really important for people in Inverness to know how important this show is for me.”
Glenn was catapulted to global fame after being enlisted by rock titans Deep Purple in 1973 after making waves in British funk rockers Trapeze.
Over the time he was in the band, Deep Purple recorded several songs that have entered the hard rock canon – and Glenn is looking forward to bringing them back to life for fans in Inverness.
It’s a city that he has never played before – and the Voice of Rock is delighted to finally play the Highland capital. “You know, it’s a pleasure for me,” he said. “I’ve got this name – Glenn Hughes, the Voice of Rock – and I’ve done so much work over the last four decades.
“I’ve led a very interesting life. Incredible success. Recovery, you know – heart problem, that’s all taken care of, new knees.
“I’m laughing because not many people could have recovered from all of those things, but I’m in great shape – mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. So I think it’s a really good time to come to Inverness.”
And the time is also right for him to revisit these Deep Purple songs for Glenn. “I’ve never done a complete set of legacy songs,” he said. “I have played Deep Purple songs in my show for a few decades, but I’ve never done a legacy show.
“There were a lot of promoters from across the world that kept coming to my manager and going, ‘Would Glenn be interested in doing the songs that Purple don’t play?’ which is mark three – Burn, Stormbringer, Come Taste the Band.
“These songs are, I think, written for rock fans. And I think I’m the only artist from Deep Purple that can do all of these songs from this evening, so it’s a great time for rock fans to enjoy the moments in Deep Purple – I’m the only one to do it, so I’m really happy to do that.”
I’m in great shape – mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. So I think it’s a really good time to come to Inverness.
Tuesday night at the Ironworks will see Glenn and his band lead the crowd through two hours of Deep Purple hits from mark three and beyond.
And Glenn wants the city to know that he will be leaving it all out there when he hits the stage. “If you do see my show – and for anyone who hasn’t seen it – I don’t phone my performance in.
“I’m not a guy who stands still. I’m a performer, I am a very energetic ‘older fellow’ – but I feel like I’m 25 up there, I don’t even know it.
“Listen man, you gotta believe in the music you’re playing on stage. You have to be. Look, I’ve been singing now for 45 years. And I have never done a performance of those songs that wasn’t believable.
“So I’m saying to people, I’m doing this because I believe in the music I created all those years ago. These songs are iconic, sold millions and millions and millions of albums, and if I’m the last man standing to do this, it’s my duty to give this music back to the fans.”
Glenn Hughes performs classic Deep Purple live at the Ironworks on Tuesday night with support from Piston. Doors open 7.30pm and tickets cost £27.50. Go to www.glennhughes.com
