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The longest lasting line-up of Deep Purple initially looked to have the potential to make the band almost as big again as they had been in the 70s and early 80s. Instead they metamorphosed into a serial touring outfit, albeit a highly popular one, broadening if not increasing their worldwide appeal. Their run only ended when Jon Lord retired from the band.
To many outsiders in 1994 things looked bleak as the band sought their second new guitarist inside a year. They offered the job to Steve Morse, an American musician who came from a similar musical background to Tommy Bolin, and whose career had largely remained rooted in muso circles. His credentials were high, having been voted the world's best guitarist by a major guitar publication for five consecutive years. He joined Deep Purple on a short tour of Mexico in November 1994, and when all went well was happy to join full-time. Ever since he has successfully managed to combine Purple duties with working on outside projects such as the Steve Morse Band and the Dixie Dregs.
The line-up's first studio album 'Purpendicular' appeared in February 1996, overflowing with ideas and energy, and opening up all kinds of new musical avenues for the band. The supporting tour was a resounding success, kicking off with their longest UK tour in years. What really cemented Mk 7's status were the shows following their second (and last) studio album 'Abandon' (aptly named given the lack of media promotion it got). Released in May 1998, it was musically more abrasive, and a lot less commercial than 'Purpendicular'. They hit the road in June 1998 and continued touring virtually unabated for four years, dropping the 'Abandon' content inside two, and turning the show into something of a greatest hits package. The period is best reflected by the live album 'Total Abandon', which was recorded on a hugely successful Australian tour in 1999 and which subsequently went platinum in that territory. In 1999 Jon Lord's Concerto was surprisingly reactivated, received two tumultuous performances at the Royal Albert Hall in September. A CD and DVD souvenir sold very well, and, while still undertaking their regular concert appearances, the band also proceeded to tour the Concerto show around the world in 2000-2001, with a Romanian orchestra in tow. Unable to break the cycle of touring, Jon Lord had for some time been considering leaving the band. When a knee injury prevented him from playing an August 2001 European tour, ex-Rainbow man Don Airey successfully deputised. Seeing that the group was able to continue without him, Jon decided to bow out. A farewell tour of the UK was lined up for February-March 2002 (although it was not announced as such except on this web site!), but it did not work out as planned. The band were forced to call a halt to the tour halfway through after being struck by severe flu. Jon then officially left the group, to be replaced on a permanent basis by Don Airey. However, the overall feeling was that a suitable farewell was needed. With Don's agreement, Jon played the second half of each of the rescheduled UK dates in September 2002, finally bowing out after a very emotional show in Ipswich.
.... Deep Purple Mk7 Discography ....
.... Notable Post 2002 Deep Purple Mk7 Releases ....
.... Deep Purple Mk7 On Video / DVD....
....Deep Purple Mk7, Further Reading....
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