The announcement follow news in July that Steve Morse would be leaving the lineup after more than 25 years to care for his wife, who is battling stage 4 cancer; McBride stepped in to cover for Morse earlier this year before the change became permanent.
“We are thrilled that Simon has agreed to join,” says Deep Purple. “Simon’s playing is up there with the greats. Of course, Steve can’t be replaced, the same as Ritchie, and Steve has a long legacy with Deep Purple. In Simon we have not found a replacement, but an extraordinarily talented and exciting guitarist in his own right. The reception from audiences over the Summer has already been great and we are looking forward to the forthcoming dates in the UK and Europe across the rest of the year. It is clear that Simon also holds great respect for those before him. We are all excited for what the years to come hold for the band.”
“I'm very happy to be asked to join the band,” adds McBride. “At the start of the pandemic, if someone would have said to me that I was going to be the new guitarist in Deep Purple I would have just laughed, but here we are and it's happening. Deep Purple has a history of great guitarists so I’m very honored to be asked to be part of that. They are all amazing musicians and more importantly, I have become very good friends with the guys so I can't wait to continue touring and even perhaps some writing and recording.”
The band will resume their 2022 tour on September 23 with an appearance at Spain’s Stone Music Festival, with dates scheduled into late November.
Deep Purple’s latest album is the 2021 covers collection, “Turning To Crime.”
See also:
Deep Purple release Now What rarities compilation
Deep Purple share unreleased Rapture Of The Deep performance
Deep Purple share unreleased Demon’s Eye live video
Deep Purple share German TV rehearsal performance of 7 And 7 Is
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