Deep Purple are currently on a European tour in support of their new album, “NOW What?!”, and bassist Roger Glover checks in with an update from the road.
“The Montreux Jazz Festival is always a special occasion but this time tainted by the lack of Claude Nobs, whose personality dominated the event,” writes Glover. “What a legacy he’s left us. Even so, the concert was most enjoyable for us and the atmosphere was electric.”
Nobs, who founded the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, suffered a fall while practising cross-country skiing during the Christmas holidays, and passed away on January 10th, 2013 at the age of 76.
Nobs earned himself a mention as "funky Claude", who rescues children in Deep Purple's 1972 classic "Smoke On The Water". The song is about a fire that burned down the Montreux Casino, where the festival was held, during a Frank Zappa concert in 1971.
“Whenever we play in Italy, I am always bowled over by the welcome we get from the Italian fans,” Roger continues. “The last few days have been no exception; the wave of appreciation coming at the stage is wonderful. And humbling. Back in 1985, we played our first concert in Milan since the early 70s and the crowd then sang every word, every riff, every solo along with us. And they were so loud that all but drowned us out. I will never forget that moment. Believe it or not, it happened again in Milan and Rome over the last few days. Afterwards, those that I spoke to also said they loved Now What?! Life is good.”
Deep Purple’s European dates run to August 9 in Gavle, Sweden, where the band plays the Getaway Festival.
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