In 1973 DEEP PURPLE, the English heavy metal / hard rock pioneers, hired Midlands bassist/vocalist GLENN HUGHES, previously of the funk-rock group Trapeze, to be the new Purple bassist (replacing Roger Glover).
Though Hughes stated that he regarded himself more of a rock vocalist than a bassist. He was apparently disinterested in joining Deep Purple until some of the other musicians advocated bringing in Paul Rodgers of Free as their co-lead vocalist.
When Rodgers’ recruitment fell through, and because Hughes had been fascinated by the ‘two-lead-singer thing,’ the team hired the relatively unknown David Coverdale to be Deep Purple’s additional lead vocalist.
as new members, we couldn’t wait to start working on new songs…
Glenn Hughes, Deep Purple
Deep Purple (Mark III’s) eighth studio album, ‘Burn‘ was recorded in November of the same year in Montreux, Switzerland, with the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio. With the arrival of Coverdale & Hughes, the band’s hard rock sound became more boogie-oriented, with elements of soul and funk thrown in.
Hughes contributed to songwriting on BURN but was not given credit due to outstanding contractual obligations. The Coverdale and Hughes sound changes would become even more obvious on the follow-up disc, Stormbringer. The pair continued to share lead vocal duties on the band’s following three albums until Deep Purple disbanded in 1976.
Hughes then embarked on a solo career, releasing his first solo album in 1977, titled Play Me Out.
GLENN HUGHES, the ‘Voice of Rock’ and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has announced he will perform Deep Purple’s legendary rock album “BURN” in an October 2023 UK Tour to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the album. Hughes will also perform Deep Purple MKIII and MKIV songs. Check the dates on the tour poster (below.)
His all-star band will feature Soren Andersen (guitar), Ash Sheehan (drums) and Bob Fridzema (keyboards).
Special guest on all UK shows is Canadian rock and roll band, The Damn Truth.
“It was 50 years ago, in the summer of 1973, that the BURN album by Deep Purple was written at Clearwell Castle in the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire,” reminisces Glenn.
“We all became one in this centuries old castle in the UK countryside, it felt like Deep were a new band, with David (Coverdale) and I as new members, we couldn’t wait to start working on new songs. The atmosphere was electric, in such amazing surroundings.”
You can get tickets for this awestriking hard-rock event at: www.planetrock.com / www.thegigcartel.com
Main photo © Eric Duvet
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