Has anyone located the multi-track tapes from the 5 Japanese shows that were recorded for the Onstage album? Could we eventually see a release of them similar to the German shows? Thanks! John Patrick

So far only a small number of multi-track reels have surfaced, and I've no idea where the rest would be. It would be down to the people who freed up the German shows as to whether these tapes could be compiled or not, but let's hope so. Simon

There is photo of Deep Purple Mark 2 with Malcolm Arnold in the DPAS gallery (on the “Mk2 in 1969” page ). On page 6 of Darker Than Blue 58 there is another photo (also pictured left), marked as “EMI launch for Deep Purple at Manchester Square”. I think, that these two pictures were taken at one event, or I am not right? When did the “EMI launch” take place?

Aleksey Kononow

The pics of Mk2 and Arnold were taken on the same day. The group did a short show in the basement at EMI for journalists, and then posed outside for photographers. This was mostly to publicise the forthcoming Concerto event and also the band's Harvest albums, as well as to sort of introduce the new line-up. I have seen some colour images from the concert but sadly when I tried to locate the originals many years ago the magazine had lost them... Simon

2.11.07 Update
"The picture is miscaptioned. Mr.John Boulting was not 'of EMI'. He was in fact one half of the celebrated twin Boulting Brothers (his brother Roy was later married to Hayley Mills) who probably were the most celebrated and successful British film-makers of that era. The Boulting Brothers company, British Lion, supported and filmed the 1969 Royal Albert Hall Concerto for Group and Orchestra and were, together with the Daily Express, two of the team that together with Ben Nisbet, the MD of publisher Feldmans, I worked with to ensure the success of this extraordinary event. The miscaption may have been prescient. British Lion Films were in later years acquired by EMI!" Tony Edwards

Was just thinking - does anyone know who the "stupid with a flare gun" actually was? Quandary Corner - if it was you, would you own up? Keith, Co. Fermanagh.

I would imagine the guy (or girl, don't forget girls!) could be liable for a large insurance bill even today were he daft enough to come out of the woodwork! Simon

Is it correct that on the Montreux 06 DVD (see mk 8 news) "Perfect Strangers" is missing from the track list???? It was actually played after Don's solo. It would make the set incomplete. I have a DVD of the whole set (including Perfect Strangers) and can't wait to get the official one, because it is an amazing concert, the jazzy intro to "Smoke On The Water " and harp-duel with Funky Claude on "Too Much Fun" are fantastic. Karl-Heinz Baier

Hi Karl-Heinz. We reprinted the record company press release, looks like they made a mistake. I hope so! Simon

I know that Ritchie Blackmore join Ian Gillan on stage for one or some songs during a gig at what I think was at the Rainbow Theatre. Did someone tape this, does it exist on a bootleg? Gert Larsson, Sweden.

Hi Gert. Blackmore joined the band Gillan on stage for the encores at a show in London's Marquee club on December 27th 1978 (see Darker Than Blue 18). There is a poor tape about of this, and it was issued on a terrible quality vinyl bootleg many years ago. Blackmore was trying to get Gillan to join Rainbow. He also appeared for the encores at Gillan's Rainbow Theatre gig on March 10th 1980 (see Darker Than Blue 21), which I believe exists on a bootleg audio tape. Simon

(update: Regards the Blackmore / Gillan jam, a very small picture from this appears in the booklet for the remastered Future Shock album. Thanks to Martin Heath for pointing this out.)

Hi. I just found on the French website of the National TV archives that they have a film of Deep Purple from POP 2 in 1970, and you can see some clips for free. Christian Chatel

Hi Christian, yes we are aware of this but haven't mentioned it before because I believe there were moves to try and stop this as there was no permission given. They have clips from the programme from several years. The show is around on pirate DVD anyway as it was screend on a cable chanel there a few years ago, although quality varies. Permission to use the full show has been obtained for an official DVD and details are on the site of the upcoming archive releases. Simon

Hi. After checking out the new Mk1 '68 photos in the photo gallery,and then having a look at some others again, I noticed that in the shots of Ritchie from Manchester, May 15th 1974, he is clearly playing a Stratocaster with 2 humbucking pick-ups instead of the 3 normal single coils usually fitted (and seen on other pics). As this would radically alter the sound, I'm suprised no one that I know of has mentioned this before - anyone know what songs these were used on ,and are there any recordings? Also for that matter, what songs were the left-handed strats ((played upside down - Hendrix in reverse style) used on (Purple & Rainbow eras?).Thank you, Andy Mepham.

Hi Andrew. The subject of Ritchie's guitars is one that we covered many times in our early DP Magazines. He did experiment a lot in Mk 3 with modifications to try and get the sound he wanted just right, including dropping the number of pick ups because he never used the third one. I'm damned if I can remember which songs he used the left handed guitar for, I was just busy taking the shots, but as he goes into guitar trashing mode, I think it would have been Space Truckin' - I scarpered soon after as the crowd came surging down the hall! Simon

Greetings from Canada. I have been looking for a Made in Japan poster for close to thirty years to no avail. Was there one released to the stores when it was put out ?? Has anyone any info on where I might find one.I`m on a mission here ! Thanks for your time, Dan Laurin

Hi Dan. There was an official EMI promo poster for the album in the UK stores, and it can be seen in the UK booklet which accompanies the CD (image courtesy of the DPAS collection!). I suspect it would fetch a lot of money now. I've not seen a US / Canadian one ever which may reflect the fact that the album wasn't seen as very important by the label in that market, but you never know what might turn up. Good hunting! Simon

Dear all at DPAS, I was quite surprised to learn - from the DPAS site, where else – that Sony/BMG say they have put the above 2 releases on hold, because two weeks ago I saw those separate CD releases at a Rotterdam CD store. (There’s the continent for you – I believe we also got the Rapture of the Deep Tour Edition well before it was released in Great Britain). I didn’t bother to pick up either of the separate live 1993 CDs as I bought the 4 CD box last year, the Stuttgart show of which I enjoy a lot, more so than the official first reunion live release Nobody’s Perfect. As for the NEC show, well let’s say it’s “historically interesting”. Still it has its moments. Kind regards, Bernard Maasdijk

Hi Bernard. I think there will be a lot of copies already in stores, and this is not a full withdrawal at this stage (and unlikely to reach that stage). Certainly DPAS Mailorder still have stock. Simon / dpas

Deep Purple Mk3's Hammersmith Odeon concert in '74 was professionally filmed, but I've only seen Burn from the show. Just wonder if you know anythong about this, and if the audio tracks exists and can be mixed? Eirik Solum

Hi Eirik The concert was not filmed in its entirety, only one full track was done (plus a few clips) as the guy could not afford any more film! Sadly the separate audio was wrongly mixed and sounded very bassy last time I listened to it, but I'll check it out again, maybe these days we can do more with it. Simon / dpas

A long time ago I owned a Deep Purple 'Burn' songbook. I guess it was put out by Purple Music or Warners in America. Do you guys sell that or have you seen copies? It had some cool photos and the pages were purplish. Not sure how accurate the transcriptions were! Steve Steele

The songbook was an American only release, and has been out of print for almost thirty years, so very hard to locate, especially in good condition.
Simon / dpas

"If it's of interest I have a copy of the Deep Purple Burn Songbook (attached images). It was published by Purple (USA) Music in 1974 and distributed by Warner Bros.Publications Inc. It's 23x30cm. I bought from new but can't remember where, probably a music shop on the Charing Cross Rd, London. Unfortunately its not for sale. Cheers, Bill Bass"

Hello Simon, and everyone, quick query for the Q&A section: I've got many bootlegs of the Stones, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix where they often had to play two shows on the same day, referred to in listings as 'early show / late show'. This does seem to be primarily a Bill Graham / Filmore concert thing. My question, were Deep Purple forced to do this on their early tours of the States? Timothy Campbell

Tim, Deep Purple rarely did two shows on the same day. However there were instances on their first American tour. Much later, in Japan, Rainbow would sometimes do an afternoon matinee set because of ticket demand when there was no time to stay in the country longer. Simon / dpas

I was wondering if you had any info on the USA release date for Deep Purple - Live In London (Kilburn 1974) (CD). Your progress report mentions a release around November looking very probable, which now isn't far off. I haven't heard much about it lately and was just curious. I hope that the current "Stormbringer remaster" CDproject isn't affecting progress on Live In London CD. Michael Burke

Live In London may slip back into very early 2007 due to work on Stormbringer (EMI have to take advantage of Glenn being available now). So if anyone has a tasty Homburg hat for Simon to eat.... To answer the other question, there is no news on a US date for Live In London. David / dpas

Hi Alex. To explain the origin of the old Stormbringer tape, here's an excerpt from Darker Than Blue Magazine No.51:

'"Tonny Steenhagen has finally explained the history behind a clutch of very interesting but very poor quality video clips which have circulated out of Holland for some years, these include Deep Purple Mk3 playing `Stormbringer' live, and Rainbow performing `Do You Close Eyes' in 1976. I'll let Tonny explain:

"Let's clear up the story about the Dutch DP fan-club tapes. The father of the guy who ran the Dutch Deep Purple fan-club from 1974-78 (Rene Veldhoen) had a radio shop, and used to tape bits from television on an old reel-to reel b/w video recorder. They lived close to the German border, so were able to pick up the German TV stations. In May 1975 they organised a Deep Purple club day, at which they showed all of their Deep Purple videos. I remember seeing the 1974 `Windows' concert, plus 'Stormbringer' live, and `Speed King'. The last two I'd already seen myself in colour on TV when the programmes were originally aired.

I'm quite sure that the `Stormbringer' clip was aired in 1975 by ARD (German TV), on a kids programme called `Info', which ran on Sunday mornings. The silly bit halfway through was in the actual broadcast. The ending was indeed very abrupt, as it is on the pirate copies currently in circulation. No more was shown.

Now the sad part of the story. Rene lost interest in the whole DP thing for a few years. He stored the tapes in a shed that turned out to be damp. So, come the mid 80s when he wanted to transfer them onto VHS, it turned out that a few were completely stuck together. What was salvaged are the poor quality b/w clips which circulate among fans today." text © Darker Than Blue, 1999

Whats the latest on the Stormbringer remaster? Any word on if we will get a remix AND remaster. MORE GUITAR !? David Jaynes

I've been trying to arrange for Glenn to come in and do some work on this one at Abbey Road towards the end of the year, so hope this comes together. Simon / dpas

I keep seeing a rather pricey Warners Japanese 2006 release of Stormbringer on the net, with OBI strip, poster, lyric sheet etc. Do you know if this has been remastered ? David Jaynes

This is just a repackage of the last mini sleeve edition from 1998. It may have been re-remastered but if so it wasn't authorised or supervised.. Simon / dpas

During the late 1960's and through out the 1970's, famous concert promoter Bill Graham, who handled every big rock act including Deep Purple at some point, filmed and archived every single concert by a band that he promoted. Have you guys ever considered trying to get access to his film vaults? Chris D

Hi Chris. We've checked the Fillmore but nothing by Deep Purple has turned up on the few dates they played there. Simon / dpas

I remember Roger Glover mentioning years ago (on alt.music.deep-purple) that he thought he recalled cameras at a Deep Purple show at Paris Olympia in November 1970. What are the odds of an official release of the show? John Rosevear

This is must refer to the half hour 'Pop Deux' TV show which we've mentioned before. We have been in talks with the owners and subject to negotiation it is hoped to include this on the next official DVD. Simon / dpas

Just a few observations / questions about the Rainbow 'Live In Cologne 1976' CD. First of all, good to hear that the sound mix is vastly superior to the Live in Germany CD, in that they've sorted out the Dio too high in the mix, Cozy too low in the mix problem. There's more of an equal balance now. However, I think Dio is still a tad too high and Cozy still a tad too low, maybe this will be different on the next two CDs ?

Secondly, could you clear up the following:- on the Live in Germany CD inlay, it says the concerts recorded were Munich, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mannheim, although the Mannheim concert tapes were incorrectly labelled Nuremburg. Is this correct? I'm asking this because on the Live in Cologne inlay, it says they'll be releasing CDs from Düsseldorf and Nuremburg also. Surely that should be Düsseldorf and Mannheim? Lee Parsons

I'm told the 3 CDs each have a slight difference in emphasis, but not had time to listen to them all yet.

When Live In Germany was done, there was still some confusion (and a little speculation!) due to incomplete documentation and some missing reels. German DPAS members helped fill in the detail after the CD came out. The 3 CDs to be issued will be Cologne, Düsseldorf and Nuremburg. Munich exists but currently I don't know what plans there are for this. Mannheim does not exist. Simon / dpas

I had heard earlier today that back when Burn was originally released, it came with an order form for the candles. I don't recall this. Is this true? Geoff Houlton

Geoff, in 30 years I have never heard about this, and the company says they have never offered them for sale before (nor will they do so again once our offer is closed!). Simon / dpas

UPDATE:  Scott in America says the LP he bought came with an order form from the candle company, but the Deep Purple candles were NOT for sale on the form, it was just an advert for their services and other products. Simon / dpas

Having just listened to the Eagle Rock 2xCD release of the Rainbow / Munich 1977 concert, have you any idea why all of Ronnie's in-between song chatter been edited out, as well as the opening 1 minute 45 secs tune-up and post-Garland 'fanfare' before 'Kill the King', and also about 3 minutes of Ritchie's guitar-thrash near the end? Roy Davies

I'm sorry but I've no idea. Originally I was told this was a DVD only, and did the notes and artwork accordingly. The test copy I saw was complete. They then rejected all my artwork (it was used properly in Japan in the end) but wanted to use unspecified "bits". I told them that I didn't have a problem if they thought my design was rubbish (I naturally disagreed!), but they either use it all or none. They then delayed the DVD but rushed out the audio instead - and went ahead and used a lot of my stuff anyway but with a new cover... so you'll forgive me if I don't bother to try and work out why the edits have appeared (esp on a double CD!). Let's hope they don't pull the same stunt on the DVD. Simon

I have a question for you: Is there any recording on audio or video from Rainbow in 1979-80 (Bonnet era) that could be possible be officially released? I`ve heard rumours about Donnington '80 (which we all have that 32 minutes off British TV) may have been found in full. Is it true? Roberto Souza

Hi Roberto. Yes, the Donnington material has been found (athough I do not know if it is the full show or the TV edit) but at present I don't know of any plans for this coming out. I don't know if there are any other films featuring the Bonnet line-up beyond the promos and a live version of 'All Night Long' from Munich which was shown on German TV in 1980. As for live audio recordings, several 1979 shows were aired at the time on US radio, including Fresno, New York (Calderone) and Chicago. Simon / dpas

I just want to get this matter straight: Is the Tokyo 1975 video "Rises Over Japan" official or not? It's been discussed in some hubs regarding the treatment of this video and I'm confused on the different opinions being given there by the bloggers. These are my questions for this particular video: 1) Is this video copyrighted? 2) Why was it only released in Japan and for a short period of time? 3) Is it also just like the Classic Rock productions which don't have the rights for the footages? 4) Does the airing of the promotional videos in some German Broadcasting network in the 80's constitute that this video is official and not a bootleg nor pirate? 5) Will this be included for the future releases The Deep Purple Archive Collections? 6) This video is floating in trading places for years and if it's the case, then is it prohibited to sell this? I look forward to your reply on this matter. Thanks a lot and hope that I will be enlighten. Anthony Leyson

This film was shot as a promo for Warners in Japan and some other EMI territories. It may have been issued in Japan but whether permission was sought isn't known. It was scheduled in Europe in the 80s but never got beyond test pressing before lawyers had it stopped. Yes some clips have been used on TV but these were obtained from EMI. The original film has been located and will be used to master from for DVD in the future. No DVD rights for this exist and any copies you see are probably pirated off one of the Japanese releases (see above). Simon / dpas

25 January 2006. Could you publish some info on the "Butterfly Ball" DVD which I've seen advertised? Is it going to be available in Europe? Marcin Zalewski

I'm checking with the company which owns the copyrights in this project, but I can't imagine it has been cleared officially, so would suggest this is in effect a pirate, dubbed off the withdrawn video edition. More if we get it. Simon / dpas

Hello there. I was wondering if this information is new to you. The 1971 Australian tour by Deep Purple which also featured Free and Manfred Mann was filmed in part by our ABC TV channel. The outdoor Randwick concert in Sydney, which Jon Lord recalls as one of the best Mark 2 Purple shows, was filmed by a show called GTK which shot numerous Australian tours in the early seventies. I have seen clips from the Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Rolling Stones tours filmed around this time which were filmed by GTK. Are you aware of this footage? Any available insight would be most welcome. Frank Musker

Dear Frank, we are aware of film from the concert by Free. Their full set was filmed. However, searches of archives have failed to find any confirmation that Deep Purple were filmed, and photographs from their set do not seem to show any cameras. It would be great if it happened and could be found but so far nobody has found anything. Simon / dpas

Hi..love the Live 1972/73 DVD. Is the footage from the Cal Jam indicative of the quality of the forthcoming release?. My Japanese video is clear, picture perfect...way, way better than this bonus track version.? Jeff, Phoenix

Dear Jeff , the bonus track on the Denmark DVD was done off an unrestored 30 year old NTSC Umatic, NOT off the original concert film which is en entirely different master, and much better quality. Simon / dpas

I have a question concerning Made In Japan. I know you've probably had a lot of questions about the integrity of MIJ. But I have to ask again. Is it 100% Live? Is it true there are No Overdubs, No Fake Applause, No Splicing in parts from the other Shows, ie Guitar Solos, Key'd Solos, bass, drums, Vocals or Applause and cheers from the Crowd? Was there any editing done to any of the songs. shorting songs to fit on Album? Scott, from Ontario, Canada

Rest assured MADE IN JAPAN is 100% kosher. Jon Lord says he thinks they made one slight edit when Ian Gillan fell over a cable and missed a line, but if so we didn't find it. But certainly what you hear now is what you got on the night, and there are audience tapes floating around to verify this. Enjoy it all the more! Simon / dpas

I've seen a couple of bootleg DVDs advertised recently and wondered if there is any likleyhood of them being released officially any time in the future. The first is the Deep Purple Paris 1985 show which was broadcast on TV in Europe. The other title is Rainbow Live In Munich 1977. I know nothing about this show but it would be fantastic to see a live show from this era. Got any inside info? John Derry

We would not advise anyone to buy bootleg DVDs as many are transfers from VHS bootlegs. Deep Purple Paris 1985 is not due for release in any format at present. Rainbow Rockpalast negotiations are underway however, and we would recommend you wait for this to come out officially. We'd also be careful about the Classic Rock 'Inside Rainbow' DVD as they have sourced their clips from bootleg VHS copies without permission from Rockpalast.

Having looked at the update on 1972 live DVD, it just occured to me that they didn't play 'Smoke...' ! When did they start playing it live? Regards, Timothy Campbell

To the best of my knowledge, "Smoke..." was not played live until the BBC In Concert show - about a week after the Denmark concert was filmed! The band still weren't convinced it was right for live shows, and didn't play it again until the Rainbow Theatre gigs at the end of June.

It's great to see the discography pages gradually coming together, but I have a question about the Bootleg Series 1984 - 2000 CD Box Set. I've seen pics of the box set (including the one on the DPAS discography page) which seem to suggest the box is a flip-top box which opens rather like a cigarette packet. However, my copy is simply a flimsy card box open at one end where the CDs can be slid out. I bought mine from the DPAS so it's obviously an official copy, although I did buy it a little while after it was first released. Did initial copies come in a flip-top box? Thanks for your help. Best wishes, Martin Burton.

Yes, the first run had a flip-top box but these got damaged very easily, so it was changed (though the box was still quite flimsy). This box has not been pirated, so all copies are official.

In the November 2004 issue of Goldmine magazine (a US record collecting publication) there was a brief article about the Riot Squad. In it, it states that Jon Lord was a member of that group, and that he played on their records. I have never seen anything to back this up, although a guy at a used record shop mentioned the same thing to me many years ago. Now, am I going to have to bash my head against the wall for not picking up those singles 20 years ago for about $2 apiece? None of the guys on picture sleeve shown look like Jon circa 1966, so I am still skeptical. Well, whaddya know? Thanks, Jeff Breis

Jeff, a common error set off years ago. What Jon Lord meant to say in an interview was that one of his roadies played in the band. This was misquoted and gets into print every few years. Jon is not on any of the band's records.

Hi. I don't know how long ago the following DPAS Q&A appeared, but I can tell you that the Butterfly Ball animated cartoon has appeared on U.S. television many times over the years. Also, someone in another Q&A asked if the 1969 Concerto would appear on DVD in the U.S. I have it, so the answer to that one is "yes", as well. James Gemmell

"Could you please tell me where I can purchase a copy of "the Butterfly ball" video ,and am I correct in saying that it has been shown on t.v.? Do you know of any plans to broadcast again? How about a CD/DVD Butterfly Ball concert release ?? #0005 / #0011"

We have audio masters for the live Butterfly Ball show but there have always been contractual difficulties over issuing it officially. However Purple Records are trying to find a way round them. The film masters are not so easy to obtain at present. It is not available on video either and the film company went into liquidation recently so it'll be some time before we know what happened to the footage.

• I have a question regarding the recent Live In Paris 1975 release... There has been talk about a box set featuring those last European shows with Ritchie, and I have been keeping from buying the Paris CD waiting on any news about the box set, since I wouldn't want to buy the same item twice... I'd like to know if that box set is likely to appear or not, but most importantly whether there are plans to release the rest of the shows on their own (just like Paris) regardless of a possible box set.

• Regarding present-day Deep Purple now, do you have any idea if there are plans to issue another string of shows, in "Soundboard Series" fashion, from the Bananas tours? I really hope so...

• And lastly, will the Sonic Zoom release of Stockholm '70 feature the long tune up / intro before Speed King? Javier De Las Heras. #0069

No news on the 1975 Box Set yet. This set has been shelved for a number of reasons, but I cannot guarantee it won't resurface. If it does I can make recommendations that it also be issued as separate shows but again there is no guarantee that would happen. As for further Soundboard Series sets, you will have to ask the band/manager. Stockholm '70 is a full Purple Records release, and you'll get everything on the tape, remixed and remastered. (No news of a release date as yet). Simon

Could Lyon 73 be a potential Sonic Zoom release ? I know this was a radio broadcast (RTL) and for the few I have been able to hear it has a good sound. I suppose RTL still owns the tapes. If not as a proper album (if there is too much editing), it could be add as bonus on an other 73 show release. Francis #0068

Hi Francis, RTL lost ALL their recordings many years ago; some people think they went in the rubbish, others that they were stolen. But nobody has a good clean copy of the DP show any more. I've even tried the DJ who introduced it! Simon

Regarding 'Concerto...' the original CD (1990) and 'Concerto...' remixed/remastered double-CD (2002), I've had the stopwatch out on these recordings and came up with the following differences: 'Wring That Neck': original 12:20, remaster 12:15; 'Child In Time': original 11:45, remaster 11:41; 'First Movement': original 18:56, remaster 18:54; 'Second Movement': original 18:56, remaster 18:51. Is there some variation in the mastering speeds of the two CDs? Jason Stephens #0067

Jason, I spoke with Abbey Road remastering engineer Peter Mew about this. He says it is to do with the different running speed of the analogue machines used for the old and new editions. The 1990 CD was done from the original album tapes which were not made at Abbey Road, whereas the 2002 CDs were done entirely at Abbey Road from the multi-tracks. If the original mix tapes had been recorded on a machine running slightly fast during the original mix in 1969 this would result in the speed differences. In finishing he says he would be inclined to trust the speed of Abbey Road machines in 2002, rather than machines used elsewhere over 30 years ago! Hope this answers your question. Simon

Regarding the BBC session track 'Hey Joe' (track 12) from 14th January 1969: I've also got this particular BBC version of 'Hey Joe' on 3 different bootleg CDs ('In Perfect Harmony', 'Outtakes & Sessions', 'Out'). The bootleg versions all have a longer intro (about 29 seconds longer) than the remastered 'Shades...' BBC session version. It appears that the 'Shades...' BBC session version has the beginning of the intro edited off. Any ideas.......? Jason Stephens #0068

Regarding the BBC Hey Joe, while this is available on bootleg with a longer intro, the differences in quality between them and the slightly edited transcription disc source made us decide to stick with the latter rather than try to graft bits on. As regards the Concerto timing differences, I cannot be certain what has caused this. However I've posted the question on to the senior engineer at Abbey Road who did the job and will see what he tells us. Simon

I read somewhere that the Outlaws appeared in a movie called "Live It Up" (or "SING AND SWING" in the USA) in 1963 playing "Law And Order". It seems that Steve Marriott, Heinz Burt and Gene Vincent acted in the movie. Is Ritchie also visible in the movie? Joerg Planer #0064

Acted? Maybe too strong a word! Yes, THE OUTLAWS with Blackmore perform the song in a special scene, dressed as decorators. It's the earliest known footage of any member of Deep Purple. Thanks to detective work from Uwe Fischer it now transpires that the movie has been brought out (on video cassette only) this year by UK company DD Video! (See cover opposite) SR

I was wondering if and when "Gemini Suite", the JON LORD solo-album studio version, will be re-released on CD? L.Strom #0065

This is one that will happen, but we have found some alternate takes from the studio album, and need to check these out and run them past Jon as well, as it would be good to use them as bonus pieces. Keep an eye on the site. SR

The Burn rehearsal tapes weren't good enough for EMI. Just how bad are they? Is there any chance they could be released by Sonic Zoom or Purple Records? (I'm curious: David Bowie's recently released "Aladdin Sane - 30th Anniversary 2cd Edition" had quite awful sounding live version of Drive-In Saturday. That was released by EMI. Can the Purple tapes sound worse?)

Also, if EMI plan to release better sounding live recordings, could that Liverpool soundboard recording be good enough for them? On the other hand, that audience tape would be great, too. I just wish to hear that gig cleaned up. Heikki Heino #0067

Hi Heikki - I'll have a think about the Burn rehearsal and see if it's of interest to Purple / Sonic Zoom, that might be a way forward. I've not heard the Bowie remaster yet (not long since we got the previous CD edition!) so can't compare quality. I doubt the Liverpool soundboard would appeal to EMI, but it might be worth asking them. They will come up against the same problems we have from the owner though. Meantime there is growing support to issue the cleaned up audience tape on Sonic Zoom anyway, so Purple are thinking about that.. SR

A second movie question: 1988, "White Hot" (a movie with Tawny Kitaen)- I've seen it once years ago and I think that I've seen David Coverdale in a party scene (not speaking, just standing there). Reality or just wrong pictures in my head? Joerg Planer #0063

Sorry, we can't help you here - her name on the cast list would be a guarantee of an unwatchable movie as far as I'm concerned - although it seems entirely possible given their relationship at that time. Mike Eriksson at the Swedish DPFC was a big Tawny Kitaen fan, you might ask him! SR

Is the whole Rainbow concert in Cologne (25th September.1976) ever going to be released? The tapes do exist as they were used for LIVE IN GERMANY. It was the very first rock concert I attended, (when a 13 year old schoolboy... nostalgia!). Bernd Kuepper #0062

There are tentative plans to issue all the recorded 1976 German shows later this year, if so it will include everything that there is!

I have an obscure LP from The Artwoods "Begin Here - Live In Wales 1964". The organ sound like Lord, but is this a real Artwoods-Concert? Joerg Planer #0061

Yes, this is the real band. The show was recorded on a primitive reel to reel tape by a US airforce employee who really liked the band, after he asked permission. He later gave copies to a couple of the band, one of whom later did somebody else a copy, which is how it got out. By the time the bootleggers got it years after, the quality was even worse, so I would not recommend it. The guy now lives in Canada and was really shocked when he learnt of the bootleg twenty years later. There is another show taped at 100 Oxford Street but this too is not good enough for general release.

According to importers in The States, UK EMI's new CD "two-fer" of Deep Purple's "Burn" & "Stormbringer" albums uses an anti-copy process. Perhaps you can fill your readers in on what type of copying is being stopped by this process, and how much of an audible effect there is on the CD's sound quality. Phil Cohen #0060

We've spoken to EMI who say "all the info regarding what you can or can't do with the copy protected CDs are on the back inlay. Basically you can't copy them in a computer. This system is done in a separate session on the disc so it should have no audible effect on the music".

Does a TV recording of the first night Deep Purple played in Paris 1985 (8th July) exist? .....if memory serves both nights were recorded. Peter Mair #0059

Naturally, given the intervening years it's a bit of a haze, but I only recall there being cameras on the second night (which was subsequently broadcast on German TV's 'Rockpalast')...ditto trees on stage...and that the first was as goodie too... MM

"I was at both shows in Paris in 85, and recall the cameras being there on the first night as well. In fact on the first night I sat on the crash barrier in front of the camera that was midway back on the floor of the arena on Ritchie's side. The first night's Deep Purple show was rather good. I recall Jon's Hammond packing in towards the end of Space Truckin, and he had to do the encores on the electric piano, which gave Speed King a slightly more jaunty feel to it. I also think there might have been a potted plant somewhere on stage the first night as well, though nowhere near the garden centre that was there on the second night." Kevin Dixon

I`ve been searching for over twenty years for a picture or poster from the Made in Japan album cover. Do you know who owns the rights to the picture or any info on how I could find one? Dan Laurin. Kitchener,Ontario #0058

Nobody ever issued a commercially printed poster based on the MIJ sleeve. We do know who owns the rights, but sadly not where all the original pictures went to. Even with modern techology, to enlarge the cover image to poster size and then reprint it would not produce very good results. SR

Why won't someone get The Illustrated Biography of Deep Purple by Chris Charlesworth re printed? I recently saw it go for $207.00 US dollars on ebay. AMAZING. Ken Gottschalk #0057

IThe book has been reprinted, albeit in updated form - see the EMI Box Set. I bought the rights to the text off Chris Charlesworth specially for this (and any future use). As for a facsimile, we've explained many times in the past that sadly the artwork for the book was lost. SR

Several years ago, I purchased a CD of Eddie Hardin's called Wizard's Convention. I mainly bought it for the track "I'm Looking Forward to Tomorrow," which purportedly included Billy Ocean on vocals. However, when I listened, it was not him singing. I just found out about the "Wind in the Willows" reissue and listened to an online preview of the same song, with the same vocalist. I am confused...is there a Billy Ocean OTHER than the one who had hits in the 70's and 80's such as "Love Really Hurts Without You' ? #0056

It IS THE Billy Ocean, he used to live around the corner from me! Eddie Hardin.

I have the Montreux '69 'Kneel & Pray' 2cd and the recording is excellent. However, at the start of 'Mandrake Root' when Ian is singing the vocal level drops for eighteen seconds and then gets better. My question is: did Ian have any problem with the microphone, a technical problem, or is there a drop in the recording at that moment? Juan Nunez #0055

We just don't know Juan; it may just be that as they were mixing it live the engineer missed this at the time. Simon.

Regarding your discovery of a Deep Purple show recorded in Paris 1970 by French radio, is it the same gig that was filmed for French TV and repeated on Canal Jimmy a couple of years ago? Hugh Watt #0054

Hi Hugh. No, it's a different gig. The radio show was recorded at the Olympia, Paris, on 1st November 1970. Pop Deux was from 8th October 1970.

I bought the DVD "Machine Head Live 1972" which is the live show from Copenhagen 1972. It is from Japan and it was quite expensive. The sound is bad. Will there ever be a proper DVD release (with better sound at least) of this show? Kind regards, Rolf #0053

Hi Rolf. We have already warned people about existing archive Deep Purple DVDs transferred from video cassette releases as NONE of them have been remastered in any way. Yes there will be a new version of Copenhagen 1972 on DVD in the not too distant future, with a much improved soundtrack.

I remember reading in a copy of Darker then Blue that Ritchie once jammed with Wishbone Ash at a soundcheck back in the early 70's when they were supporting Purple. Is this true and more importantly does a tape or bootleg exist. John Wallis #0053

Yes and No (unless anyone knows different!). Blackmore was so impressed with Wishbone Ash that he recommended them to Derek Lawrence, and Derek got them the deal and produced their first few (and best) albums, and (he tells me!) came up with the twin guitar sound by accident when he mixed two guitar takes together! You can find more in the excellent book on the band reviewed in Issue 54.

When you mention the recently discovered 2" California Jam video masters I get the impression that you have found Lay Down Stay Down on video too!! Is that correct? The next question is obvious, will there be a DVD release of the complete gig? I remember seeing a clip from Space Truckin where they used different angles than those on the video. It would be great to have a multi-angle release where you can see Ritchie's fingers and not the angle from behind in his solos. Anders Körling #0052

A proper DVD release is in the pipeline - including Lay Down Stay Down - but this is set to be a complicated undertaking if all the planned extras are to be implemented. (There are more details in Darker Than Blue 55). In the meantime, the only official DVD version is the one issued in Japan. Buy this as a stop gap by all means but it adds nothing to the VHS edition. Avoid the Brazilian DVD release as this is unlicensed and unofficial.

(www.deep-purple.net are contacted frequently by people wanting details of the DVD releases coming out in Brazil: New Live & Rare, California Jam, Scandinavian Nights etc. However much some people don't want to believe it, these are all unlicensed pirate pressings, and we won't have anything to do with them. Although there are international copyright laws, Brazil refuses to pay any attention to them, so the situation flourishes.)

The first Sonic Zoom release was supposed to be Mk 4's 1976 Liverpool gig. When will you release it? Heikki Heino #0051

Yes, this was all mastered off a first generation audience tape and ready to go but then we heard of a source in America who seemed to have some soundboards including Liverpool, so we went after that. Sadly the guy decided his tapes were worth huge amounts of money, so we couldn't proceed. I'm reluctant to issue the audience tape when I know there is a better one, even though we can't get at it.

Is there any chance you could make an arrangement like "pay £60 now, get the next 5 Sonic Zoom cd's automatically when they're ready"? I'm pretty sure I will order the next five (or even 50 releases), and I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this way. Heikki Heino #0050

We have talked about this but it would put us under pressure to get stuff out faster, and I prefer to work on each title until it is ready. Generally this subscription system only works where labels are doing tons of releases, like the King Crimson series.

(re. the Sonic Zoom series): Whose eye is looking through the hole in the middle of the cd cover? I don't want to ruin the cover, so could you show the picture behind the cd? Heikki Heino #0049

A : On Aachen it was Katy Manning; on Inglewood it was Sandie Shaw; on Denmark 72 it was Twiggy. Just the designer having a bit of fun.

I was wondering if there are any plans to make available any of the official Rainbow VHS releases ( Final Cut and Live Between The Eyes) on DVD. I know Final Cut is available in Japan, are there any plans for a UK release? Martin Waldron #0048

Sorry, there are no plans that I know of to release these items on DVD.

I've heard that there is an early version of "Strange Kind Of Woman" called "The Prostitute" with different lyrics. Is this only a rumour? And if not, are there any plans to release this special song? Karl-Heinz Baier #0047

This was just the working title of the song before Ian had done the vocals. The only version to survive in the vaults is the final one.

I know that I'm a sad git(!), but I was wondering if there was ever any chance of live stuff being issued with JLT on vocals, or indeed with Joe Satriani on guitar? David Cranson #0045

Soundboard (or better) live recordings of both these line-ups exist but with Satriani there would need to be additional contractural negotiations, and with both you would need to talk to the current manager of Deep Purple to approve a release.

There are no plans to reissue either album. They came out on Connoisseur several years ago (Mask/Elements 2 on 1) but once their license expired it was deleted.

I'm wondering why Virgin have never released Gillan's back catalogue... done well like the DP remasters. The available pressings sound awful! Claus Cheng, Nürnberg. #0044

Virgin DID reissue the Gillan back-catalogue on CD in 1988 with bonus tracks etc. although as you say these days the sound could be much improved. The Virgin CDs were deleted in 1998 and then reappeared on the Caramba label the following year, although these were straight clones so the sound hadn't improved. They were then withdrawn. We'll let you know if any when the albums are available once again.

Is there anywhere I can download 'Deep Purple' fonts for use in Word etc? The sort of thing I'm looking for are the 'classic' easily recognisable style of fonts such as on the Made in Japan, Stormbringer & Burn album covers. Edward Pinner #0043

While there are a lot of digitised fonts out there, the problem is in locating them, unless you already know the exact name of the font - especially when looking for the more esoteric desgns from the seventies, many of which weren't widely used. It took me many hours of work on the net to find the stencil font used on the PAL sleeve for example, though it turned out to be by a very famous designer indeed.

The Burn font doesn't exist, it was hand drawn (as was the In Rock font - although I did digitally redraw and make up extra letters for this for the anniversary CD edition). The Mk 3 logo I'm pretty sure came from a special designers' series produced by Letraset for their dry-transfer range. Called Letragraphica, these were sold mainly to designers to keep them exclusive - a much higher retail price also helped. You might be able to trace this by sending a scan to their web site enquiry address.

The Made In Japan font is a puzzle. It may well be hand-drawn - the letter "P" isn't totally consistent - but that could just be poor printing. EMI Spain used extra letters in the font on their version of the anniversary CD, but whether they traced the original or simply made them up digitally I don't know.

The font used for the word Fireball on the sleeve was commercially available and has been digitised, though I don't know the name. So, an opportunity for someone out there to do some research! There is a type library and museum in London who might be able to help, but I don't know how far up to the present their collection is. They do have the font designed for British Overseas Airways Corporation which I've always loved, and I'd like to go down and scan this some day. But that's another story.
Simon (with his graphic designers hat on) Robinson.

My question is about the live Ashton & Lord BBC CD. Usually, BBC in Concert programmes ran for almost an hour. Is it right to assume that more songs were aired/recorded than available on the Windsong CD, which clocks in at just over 49 minutes? If so, is there any chance for a release? Helmut Gerlach #0042

It is right to assume that there is an extra track, but I'm afraid that it would be quite hard to issue this while Windsong have their CD still available. Windsong / Strange Fruit have consistently approached their agreement with the BBC over the In Concerts and sessions in a really slapdash manner. Nearly all the CDs they put out are incomplete (even the new Bonzo Dog Complete Sessions is incomplete!!), or are cobbled together from different shows, and cheaply mastered. It's a shame that one of the best archives has been treated so badly over the past twenty years. Now can I get down off my hobby-horse? Simon.

I'm just listening to the "First of the Big Bands" album and as always I'm appalled by the very basic information on the album cover. Have you looked at the possibility of a CD release, including liner notes that explain who played on what and when? Helmut Gerlach #0041

Purple Records are hoping to do this next year. It's taking some time as they've found some old tapes which might have extra material on.

Re. the EMI box set, are there plans to release the BBC tracks separately in the future? And are there any plans to compile a similar box-set for the reunion years? I know Purple Records can't do it, but rumours, anybody? Heikki Heino, Finland #0040

There are no current plans to issue the BBC Sessions separately at present, although (like Sean Connery) I cannot say this will never happen. Maybe if we can find the missing Mk 1 sessions...? As for a reunion box set to match the recent one, I'd love to organise this but there are no plans to do it at present. EMI are willing to do one if co-operation is forthcoming.

Can somebody advise me if the "Stranger In Us All" album was pressed on vinyl and how I can get a copy (if it was)? I'm also desperately looking for a vinyl copy of "The Battle Rages On..." I'm also looking for Connoisseur Collection vinyl LP versions of "Ritchie Blackmore Rock Profile Vol.2" & "Live in Germany,1976"   Yuri Bisyarin #0039

"Stranger In Us All" wasn't issued in vinyl anywhere. "The Battle Rages On" vinyl edition is very rare, as it was only issued in small numbers in Europe, the last current Deep Purple album on vinyl. You'll need to search second hand dealers on the web. The DPAS has a few copies of the two Connoisseur items in stock. "Live In Germany" lacks the booklet though. e-mail Ann at DPAS online for details.

Re. the 1969 Concerto DVD - a/ are the Deep Purple songs on it, ie. Child In Time etc, and b/ will it be released in America? a/ J.Karl Simpson, b/ Jeff, Phoenix AZ #0038

a/ No, these weren't filmed. b/ There are plans for this Jeff but we don't have the details as yet.

I just bought the Concerto DVD and am now I'm very upset: In the 1st movement there are 4 and a half minutes missing. Just in the part before DP comes in. Can you please explain this to me? Andreas Weigelt #0037

The DVD Concerto was mastered from the original video master used for the BBC showing in 1970. This was edited slightly to fit the time slot, hence the edits on the DVD. The older VHS was the same. The original 35mm print survives (which we assume is uncut) but is in a rare three colour film negative process which cannot easily be transferred any more without very specialist equipment and knowledge, and at huge expense which it was felt couldn't be recouped by present day sales levels.

How about compiling a DPAS members only CD release? There seems to be a demand from hard-core fans for certain stuff to be released (e.g. the live half of Comin' Home with the fade, and the unreleased WTWTWA jams). You could perhaps include "Smelly Botty" and I'd personally like to see "Guitar Job" on there too (so that I can retire my Rock Profile CD), and also the MEGA-MIX (although some purists might disagree). Graham Dobb #0035

The studio out-takes were held off the remastered albums at Jon Lord's request, so we would need his agreement first, then I'd have to sort something out with EMI, but I'm sure that could be done. We'll think on. That mega mix though, absolutely not!

Hi, a while ago there was talk of an Paice Ashton Lord DVD concert, is this still on the cards? Rob Walton #0034

Yes, negotiations with the BBC for the Sight & Sound In Concert have been successful. At present the search is ongoing for the master of the Lifespan documentary (and any extra footage) but things are looking promising. More news on the web site when we have it.

Hello Simon. Whilst gazing wistfully at my Baker Gurvitz Army Musikladen DVD the other night, a thought struck me. Did Deep Purple just set up for individual performances of Highway Star/No No No on the Beat Club shows or did they do more, i.e. a short set? Mike Burnett #0033

Sadly Deep Purple didn't do a fuller set for Beat Club. What is around is all there is. It could be that they recorded one more number but if they did then it wasn't shown and hasn't survived.

The flow of releases with latter day Deep Purple DVDs is great. But what about the back catalogue? Copenhagen 1972 with restored sound would be great, as would California Jam and Doing Their Thing. All these will of course be time consuming to get done, and I know that time on your side is scarce. But are there any plans for re-releases of these titles on DVD?? Anders Körling #0032

There will be some DVD titles appearing from next year, probably with the California Jam high amongst them. The huge problem here is the huge sums of money many TV companies want up front to access archive footage - thousands of dollars a minute. But we'll persevere. Simon

Can you tell me where I can buy official merchandise from the September 2002 UK tour? Thanks, Claire Jones . #0031

Hi Claire, I'm sorry but we have no contact details for the merchandisers on the 2002 tour. I will attempt to get some stocks of the new tour programme somehow, keep a watch on the site or in the next magazine. Simon

Why is it that in every incarnation (LP, tape, cd, "remastered"cd) of the Rainbow Rising studio work sounds like crap? It deeply saddens me, and I would part with a nut for just ONE decent sounding copy. Any light you could shed on this would be much appreciated. Chris Marx, Seattle. #0030

I agree that the overall sound on Rising is a mess, but there are only two people who can tell us why it ended up sounding so muddy. It needs a thorough reworking in a modern studio, much like what was done with Machine Head. However given Ritchie's antipathy to that project, and his stated aim only to look forward not back, one wonders if it will ever happen. They should do the first album as a matter of urgency too. Simon

I recently bought a copy of Machine Head on reel-to-reel tape. Played through my Revox reel to reel, it sounds fantastic. Were many Deep Purple albums released on reel to reel and how much are they worth? Karl Simpson #00029

ALL Deep Purple albums were issued on reel to reel format in America. They are reasonably common over there where this format was popular due to the great sound quality. Collectors outside America are sometimes conned into paying high prices for them by dealers, so it's worth being patient. We're hoping to have a feature on these in Issue 55 of DTB.

I have read in DTB etc. that there is footage 'around' of Mark IV, featuring Tommy..the often mentioned 'World At Large' and the complete Tokyo '75 show. Do they exist, what condition are they in, where are they, and what are the chances of release? Ian Steele #00028