01.08.2013 Deep Purple

Wacken Open Air XXIV

Wacken (Germany)

(Pentax K-5 with Sigma AF 70-200mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

After Thunder at least some more people found their way to the Black Stage because it was up to one of the hard rock legends to visit Wacken for the first time. No less a figure than Deep Purple entered the Black Stage. Founded more than 45 years ago the living legends could have recourse to a huge general equipment of musical works and also pieces of their latest album "Now What?!" found their way into the set.
Although passing numerous redeployments during the past eleven years todays formation remained constant. Even though he is already 68 years old front men Ian Gillian showed that he was still having it from vocal point of view and also his ally Steve Morse on guitar, Don Airey on keyboard, Roger Glover on bass and the only one being in the band since its origin Ian Paice on drums could show their skills during the gig. They brought several pearls with them like "Strange Kind Of Woman" or "Space Truckin'". After the first one Steve Morse is doing the first longer solo of the evening coming very naturally to him. The same during "Lazy" unrestrained and isolated from the others (also from Ian Gillan on the harmonica) so that the song was not that long like in their best times during the 70s where it could be extended to more than half an hour but still having a very impressive duration. But the song was not lengthily to any time but fascinating due to its permanen changes. The following song "Above And Beyond" of the current album was dedicated to the departed keyboarder Jon Lord underlined by showing his picture in the background.
And so you were jumping from one climax of the band history to the next one until you've reached the inevitable classic "Smoke On The Water". That's what I call an impressive choir being in front of the stage. Additionally a guest appearance of the former Scorpions guitarist Uli Jon Roth took place who played together with Steve Morse the guitar parts and being the icing on the cake.
Although the largest part of the audience was not even planned when the old men were already jumping from success to success you have to admit that they knew most of the songs and were really partying hard. But unfortunately they could have been some more as there were unfortunately large gaps in front of the stage. Too bad. Because that was not what the guys deseved due to their great music. Many preffered to place themselves tactically good in front of the True Metal Stage to have an optimal view to the following closure of the day formed by Rammstein. Be that as it may, I was completely enthused by the band and although their sound is not that hard compared to many other bands of that festival, so they proved that they are still one of the tops of the rock and metal history.