Deep Purple and Yes, two iconic rock bands, are set to reunite for a series of U.S. shows this summer. This reunion comes 53 years after a memorable incident at the Plumpton Jazz and Blues Festival in 1971, where Deep Purple’s original guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore, delayed Yes’s headline performance by setting fire to amplifiers on stage. Despite this past altercation, the bands have moved past the incident and are excited to celebrate their legacies together.
Background of the Incident
In an interview with Billboard, Deep Purple’s bassist Roger Glover recounted the 1971 festival where the dispute occurred. At that time, Glover and lead vocalist Ian Gillan had only recently joined the band. The festival’s schedule led to a disagreement about which band would close the show. Yes was given the headlining slot, and in protest, Blackmore ignited his amplifiers, causing a delay and frustration for Yes.
The Reunion Tour
Despite the earlier conflict, there are no lingering hard feelings between the bands. They are reuniting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Deep Purple’s classic rock anthem “Smoke On The Water.” The U.S. tour will start on August 14, 2024, at Hard Rock Live Hollywood in Florida and conclude on September 8, 2024, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Tour Dates and Locations:
- August 14, 2024 – Hollywood, FL at Hard Rock Live
- August 16, 2024 – Tampa, FL at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Event Center
- August 17, 2024 – Woodlands, TX at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
- August 19, 2024 – Durant, OK at Choctaw Grand Theater
- August 19, 2024 – Fort Worth, TX at Dickies Arena
- August 21, 2024 – Cincinnati, OH at PNC Pavilion
- August 22, 2024 – Sterling Heights, MI at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
- August 24, 2024 – Tinley Park, IL at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
- August 28, 2024 – Gilford, NH at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
- August 30, 2024 – Camden, NJ at BB&T Pavilion
- August 31, 2024 – Atlantic City, NJ at Ovation Hall at Ocean Resort Casino
- August 31, 2024 – Holmdel, NJ at PNC Bank Arts Center
- September 1, 2024 – Wantagh, NY at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
- September 3, 2024 – Bridgeport, CT at Harbor Yard Amphitheater
- September 4, 2024 – Saratoga Springs, NY at Saratoga Performing Arts Center
- September 6, 2024 – Bethel, NY at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
- September 7, 2024 – Bristow, VA at Jiffy Lube Live
- September 8, 2024 – Scranton, PA at The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
- November 4, 2024 – GB – Birmingham, Genting Arena
- November 6, 2024 – GB – London, The O2
Roger Glover’s Health Update
Roger Glover, now 78, remains active in the music scene. He recently shared a personal anecdote about a minor health setback caused by an accident after a tequila-fueled night out. Glover injured his thumb, which delayed the recording of “Show Me,” a track from their latest album, “=1”. Despite the injury, Glover praised the band’s resilience and the collaborative spirit in creating new music.
FAQ
Q: What caused the delay for Yes’s performance at the 1971 festival?
A: Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple set fire to his amplifiers, which caused a significant delay in Yes’s performance.
Q: When does the Deep Purple and Yes reunion tour start?
A: The tour begins on August 14, 2024, in Hollywood, Florida.
Q: What is the name of Deep Purple’s latest album?
A: The latest album by Deep Purple is titled “=1”.
Q: What health issue did Roger Glover experience recently?
A: Roger Glover injured his thumb after a night out, which affected the recording of a track for their new album.
Q: Where can I buy tickets for the Deep Purple and Yes tour?
A: Tickets are available for purchase on various platforms including Ticketmaster and the official websites of the tour venues.
For more information and ticket purchasing, visit the official websites and ticketing platforms.
