Glenn Hughes

Glenn Hughes, the former bassist, and singer of Deep Purple, known to millions as the ‘Voice of Rock‘, came to Norwich as part of a short tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the album BURN. Despite a career that has spanned five decades, Glenn doesn’t seem to age, his passion for the music and the people as strong as ever and his voice still powerful.

Having just finished a stint with The Dead Daisies, this short tour acts as a preview for Glenn's upcoming ‘Classic Deep Purple Live’ tour, which Glenn says will run until the end of 2024.

Opening with a powerful blistering ‘Stormbringer’, Glenn and band make a real statement for what was to come for the rest of the evening. ‘Might Just Take Your Life’ hits you like a huge musical tsunami and ‘Sail Away’ gave Glenn an opportunity to show off his incredible voice to full effect. Glenn brings the same energy to each song.

Flanked by guitarist Søren Anderson who has played alongside Glenn for 10 years, effortlessly nailed the parts played by Blackmore or Bolin. He makes it look so easy, his phenomenal solo of ‘Getting’ Tighter’ is a joy to behold and you would be forgiven for wanting to learn to play like him.

There is limited in between song banter with the music left to do the talking. At one point, Glenn declares that many of the songs won't get played again by Deep Purple.

Like a well-oiled machine, the band launch into a melody of ‘You Fool No One’, ‘High Ball Shooter’ finishing with a breathless drum solo which sees Ash Sheehan (equally impressive as frontman for support band Dead Sea Skulls) beat his drums into submission.

The evening come to a close with powerful versions of ‘Highway Star’ and ‘Burn’ and underlines that Glenn is still at the top of his game.

It would be fair to say that this was one of the best shows that I've seen at the Waterfront this year. I would urge you to make the effort to go see Glenn's tour this autumn.