Overview

• Gillan has urged a lighter schedule to extend the band’s run, saying last year they were doing “a bit too much.”
• He has adapted to age-related changes in his range, dropping “Child In Time” and embracing a stronger midrange he says now satisfies him.
• Concert staples such as “Smoke On The Water” and “Highway Star” remain, with Gillan saying he never tires of “Smoke” and varies it nightly.
• Deep Purple released the studio album “=1” last year, and the classic live set “Made in Japan” returned in a new Steven Wilson remix.
• Shows are booked for November in Tbilisi, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, and media reports speculate about a possible new album next year.