Steve Morse Reveals the Hostility He Faced from Deep Purple Fans
via YEBISU_VIDEO / youtube
Steve Morse has opened up about the tough reception he faced when joining Deep Purple, sharing his experience in an interview with Prog Magazine. Stepping into Ritchie Blackmore’s shoes proved daunting, and winning over the band’s longtime fans was a slow and sometimes hostile process.
“For acceptance from a percentage of them, it took the first album and our first tour,” Morse said. “But I never won over the whole audience. You can’t!”
Some of the hostility went beyond words. “It sure as hell happened in the form of things whizzing by my face. One of the bottles one time hit Jon [Lord, keyboardist] right in the head, nearly knocked him out,” he recalled.
Finding His Voice Amid Pressure
Morse admitted his early years were marked by intense self-imposed pressure. “Deep Purple was a mighty rock band with very, very good players,” he explained. “I was really eager to do my best at everything. Part of that was learning to play a little less like having a stick up my butt, because I was real formal and stressed out with my own band.”
Despite the rocky start, his dedication and perseverance gradually earned the respect of fans and bandmates alike.
From Controversial Replacement to Legacy Guitarist
Morse joined Deep Purple in 1994 as Blackmore’s permanent replacement, following Joe Satriani’s brief tenure. Over the course of 28 years, he became the band’s longest-serving guitarist, contributing to eight studio albums, from Purpendicular (1996) to Turning to Crime (2021), as well as numerous live recordings.
Before Deep Purple, Morse had already established himself as a versatile musician, founding the Dixie Dregs and collaborating with artists such as Kansas. His ability to blend diverse musical styles while maintaining a distinctive voice helped him win over Deep Purple’s demanding audience.
He departed in July 2022 due to his wife’s illness, leaving a legacy that goes beyond replacing a legendary guitarist. Morse not only helped shape the band’s sound for nearly three decades but also reinforced Deep Purple’s creative vitality. His journey from controversial newcomer to cornerstone guitarist demonstrates how perseverance, adaptability, and authentic musicianship can transform skepticism into lasting respect, securing his place in rock history.
