When the Gods of Rock descended on the city...

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There was 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Fire in the Sky' - literally. Bangalore was set ablaze when the 'Gods came down to Earth'. It was 40,000 watts of heart pounding and nerve shattering music, handed down to the devotees of Rock music. Nearly 15,000 screaming and yelling Deep Purple fans witnessed the powerhouse performance of the Gods of Rock recently. All roads led to Palace Grounds (where else?) and they were all blocked. Many bystanders queried - what's happening and who are these Gods - how could they be so ignorant!!

For the musically ignorant, this kind of craze for hard rock music seems strange. Many puritans dismissed it as nothing but 'pure noise'. But, way back in the swinging 60s' and 70s', rock music was the 'opium of the masses'. It was the time of youth movement, liberal attitude, gypsy culture and flower power, not to mention the non-conformist outlook. It was in this period of the Woodstock that rock bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden flourished. And Deep Purple was the most happening hard rock group, with their hard driving, classicist style.

The original members of Deep Purple were Ian Gillian, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Roger Glover and Ritchie Blackmore. Steve Morse joined Deep Purple only recently in the 90s. Ian Gillian, Steve Morse, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and Roger Glover descended on Bangalore recently. Formed in 1968 in Germany, this British group had worldwide hits like 'In Rock', 'Black Night', 'Fireball' and 'Machine Head'. But differences cropped up and soon the group headed for breakup as Gillian and Glover left in 1976. Drug abuse also hastened the disintegration of the group.

Many will be surprised about the origins of the name 'Deep Purple'. It is said to be the colour of burning smack on silver foil!!! So it was Purple moods when Steve Morse strummed on the guitar. Gillian the great, who also starred in 'Jesus Christ Superstar' had the crowd swooning with his powerful vocal chords. Roger Glover was in his elements with his virtuoso guitar and mesmerized the crowd.

The band was pleasantly surprised by the crowd support and fan following that had come to witness the group's revival tour of Asia-Pacific. When you have Gillian on the lead, Morse with the guitar and the Jon Lord on the keyboard, one could be nowhere else but in heaven, or is it hell!!! Masters of their craft, Deep Purple had Bangaloreans raving about their professionalism, showmanship and classic brand of music. After riding the music roller coaster for 30 years, this rock band still inspires a generation.

A treat like this is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience and Bangalore was truly blessed!