Text by: Marcelo Gomes
With several shows scheduled in Brazil, Glenn Hughes , former bassist of Deep Purple, concluded Performs Classic Deep Purple Live tour , celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album Burn in epic fashion in São Paulo. The chosen venue this time was Vip Station, which was packed on the 11th to welcome the legend. The expectation was high regarding how Glenn would perform, especially since he had cancelled his show in Curitiba just a few days prior due to a severe case of the flu.
I don't know what the magic was, but when Glenn Hughes appeared on stage accompanied by Soren Andersen (guitar), Ash Sheehan (drums), and Bob Fridzema (keyboards), he seemed miraculously healed. The opening was the explosive "Stormbringer," and Glenn showed why he earned the nickname "The Voice of Rock." His vocal range borders on the absurd, and his band sounds perfectly fine. The audience seemed unable to believe what they were seeing. The perfect equalization clearly showcased his high notes that consecrated him as a world rock icon.
With just a “São Paulo, tudo bem?” (São Paulo, how are you?), they followed with “Might Just Take Your Life,” and it wasn't just Glenn who was in excellent form; the band was exceptional, showing a deep knowledge of Deep Purple's classic arrangements. “I've had some great moments with you guys during my career, but I think today will be the best of them all,” said the vocalist before launching into the powerful riff of “Sail Away.” And it seems he wasn't wrong.
The following was a true trip back to the California Jam festival. They played "You Fool No One," recreating the entire atmosphere of Deep Purple's legendary 1974 performance. The lengthy version had everything you could ask for: a medley with "High Ball Shooter," "The Mule," a drum solo full of acrobatics, and even a little samba, plus keyboard and guitar solos that couldn't be missing. The audience watched in astonishment for the breathtaking 25-minute show, a true gift for the fans.
The reality of the historic night we were experiencing finally hit us when Hughes said that he might be the only person from that era of Deep Purple who still played those songs. Then, a brief solo by Soren kicked off "Mistreated." Nostalgia filled the place, the crowd sang every word in one of the most emotional moments of the night. He received such a standing ovation that he even said he was going to cry.
From the album Come Taste The Band came “Getting Tighter,” full of funky improvisations and even darker bass melodies that were sung along to by the audience, and with the crowd in the palm of their hand, they closed with the beautiful “You Keep On Moving” in yet another spine-tingling communion between band and fans. Glenn dropped the microphone early on and let the crowd do their homework. With a magnificent result, they left the stage for a few minutes.
The encore featured a surprise: a special appearance by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith . Glenn's longtime friend was in São Paulo for his band's performance the previous day at Morumbi Stadium. Besides being a friend, Chad also recorded several albums with Hughes. The collaboration resulted in a historic encounter for São Paulo fans. To celebrate the occasion, they chose the classic "Highway Star." The audience watched in ecstasy, seemingly hypnotized by what was happening. It was simply indescribable to experience this. And it didn't stop there. They said goodbye with "Burn" in a masterful performance, and euphoria took over the place. Chad Smith ended his set by kicking the drum kit and throwing its parts. An apotheotic ending to a true rock show that will remain in memory for a long time.
In nearly two hours of show, the legendary Glenn Hughes transformed the performance into a true immersion into the golden age of rock. His powerful vocals, along with an impeccable band, recaptured the magic of his former band's iconic performances, leaving all the fans with smiles on their faces. Definitely a night that celebrated the legacy of Deep Purple and simultaneously cemented his title as The Voice of Rock in the world of heavy music.
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