When the classic Deep Purple MKII line-up reformed in 1984 after an eleven year absence, it proved once again that this was the definitive Deep Purple and their reunion tour was a box office bonanza.
Sadly by 1989 the friction between Blackmore and Gillan that had led to the spilt first time around did so again and Gillan was fired.
With all eyes on the 25th anniversary of the band’s 1968 inception, there was huge pressure, both from within and outside the band for Gillan to return to the fold so that the occasion could be celebrated in style.
The critics said it wouldn’t work - it did. And they said it wouldn’t last… well they were certainly right about that!
Upon Gillan’s return in late 1992 they produced The Battle Rages On… album and then planned to embark on a world tour. However, the American shows were all cancelled, which left just Europe and Japan. Whilst the tensions within the band were greater than ever, Jon Lord went on to say, the shows were done at an energy level and ability level I’ve rarely seen attained before. I think we played as well as we’ve ever played.
Indeed, for those fortunate to witness the tour most fans shared Lord’s opinion. Yet, the divisions between Blackmore and Gillan grew as the tour progressed with Blackmore calling a halt to proceedings before the Japanese leg could begin.
In all there would be just thirty-seven shows - the last hurrah of the ultimate Deep Purple line-up. Author Jerry Bloom caught ten of the shows and was privy to some of the shenanigans that went on, making him the ideal person to document the last MKII tour in detail.
Along with the comprehensive narrative, this beautifully designed book is crammed full of never before seen photos from the tour. It includes many shots of the band both on stage as well as back stage, in hotels, on aeroplanes and relaxing as the tour wound its way across Europe culminating in Blackmore’s last show with the band in Finland on 17th November 1993.
