Ian Gillan Explains and Debunks Retirement Rumors

Despite rumors and speculation, Deep Purple is far from hanging up their instruments. Vocalist Ian Gillan, known for his powerful voice and witty demeanor, reassures fans that the legendary band is still going strong. “So far, so good,” Gillan quipped during a recent interview, putting to rest any doubts about the band’s future.

This year, Deep Purple released their latest studio album, titled =1, which once again saw them collaborating with the iconic producer Bob Ezrin. Their partnership with Ezrin, which spans over a decade, has brought a new level of creativity and precision to their music. Gillan praises Ezrin’s influence on the band, noting the mutual respect that has developed over the years. Gillan says:

“Bob is exactly what we were missing.
“He tightens up our arrangements and gets the best sound we’ve ever had.”

Deep Purple Hits the Road with Yes

Deep Purple is set to embark on a tour with fellow rock legends, Yes. The tour, which kicks off on August 14th, has fans excited for what promises to be an epic reunion of two of rock’s most influential bands. When asked about the relationship between Deep Purple and Yes, Gillan chuckles, recalling a particularly chaotic festival in the early days. “There wasn’t much of a bond,” he admits. He shares a story about a festival where Yes wanted to close the show, a request that wasn’t in their contract. This led to a standoff that ended with Deep Purple’s guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, setting fire to the equipment, resulting in complete chaos. “Everything was on the front page of the Sunday papers the next morning, and it was all quite rock ‘n’ roll,” Gillan laughs.

Despite the occasional rock ‘n’ roll antics, Deep Purple continues to deliver high-energy performances. Gillan dismisses any rumors about the band’s impending retirement, emphasizing that they will continue to perform as long as they can deliver at a high level.

“When the energy level goes, that’s time to stop because then it gets embarrassing and nobody wants that. But so far, so good.”

Bob Ezrin: The Secret Ingredient Behind Deep Purple’s Success

The relationship between Deep Purple and producer Bob Ezrin has been a game-changer for the band. Over the past decade, they have collaborated on five albums, each one showcasing the unique synergy between the band and Ezrin. Gillan is quick to credit Ezrin with helping the band refine their sound. “Bob comes in and says, ‘That’s rubbish. Get that out. Get rid of that. Do this, do that,’” Gillan says with a laugh.

“He takes our arrangements and tightens them up. That’s been great. He does it with a voice of authority because we respect him and what he’s achieved.”

Ezrin’s influence extends beyond just the arrangements. He also ensures that Deep Purple’s recordings capture the best possible sound, something that Gillan believes has been a crucial factor in the band’s continued success. “I was overwhelmed when I heard what he was doing. Nothing comes near it in my opinion, from over the years,” Gillan says. He recalls how, in the early days, sound engineers would often impose their preferences on the band’s recordings, which would sometimes result in a sound that lacked the true essence of Deep Purple. Ezrin, on the other hand, allows the band’s natural sound to shine through, a philosophy that has helped them maintain their distinctive style over the years.

Deep Purple’s Impact on Rock Music

Gillan reflects on the band’s journey, acknowledging that they have always been keen to evolve and adapt. He notes:

“Evolve or die, as the great prophet Darwin said. We do that. We learn as we go along.”

One of the keys to Deep Purple’s longevity is their ability to stay true to their musical roots while also embracing new ideas and technologies. Gillan shares how, in the early days, the band would often record in unconventional spaces, such as barns or hotels, to capture the most authentic sound. This approach allowed them to avoid the limitations imposed by traditional studio recording techniques, which often stifled the natural energy of their performances. Gillan says:

“That takes away everything you’ve achieved.
“I think that’s the way Bob approaches things now, and he’s a shrewd guy.”

Gillan also touches on his vocal style, which has always been a defining feature of Deep Purple’s music. Known for his theatrical delivery, Gillan explains that his approach to singing is closely tied to his mindset at the time of recording. “When you’re relaxed, you perform better,” he says. “With relaxation comes confidence when you’re writing something that you really believe in.” This philosophy has helped Gillan continue to deliver powerful and emotive performances, even as the years go by.

Deep Purple’s Future Plans

As Deep Purple prepares to hit the road once again, Gillan remains optimistic about the band’s future. He admits there will come a time when they will have to call it quits, but for now, they are enjoying every moment of their journey. He says:

“It’s still so fulfilling, the output of the band.
“It’s a good time to be in Deep Purple.”

The upcoming tour with Yes is just the latest chapter in Deep Purple’s storied career. With a new album under their belt and a renewed sense of purpose, the band is ready to continue rocking stages around the world. And as long as they can keep delivering the high-energy performances that fans have come to expect, there’s no reason to think that Deep Purple will be slowing down anytime soon.

For fans of Deep Purple, the message is clear: Don’t believe the rumors. The band is still going strong, and as Ian Gillan says, “So far, so good.” With Bob Ezrin by their side and a tour on the horizon, Deep Purple is proving once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music.