“I’d never heard that before. I’d never even spoken to anybody about it. No one asked me. That’s rubbish. (Laughs) That’s not the….
The singer also remembers Ritchie Blackmore interrupting a Yes festival show by lighting amps on fire.
Although Deep Purple’s current tour with Yes is being referred to as the “=1 More Time” tour in relation to their new album “=1,” Ian Gillan has dispelled any notion that the band is nearing the end of its existence.
He said to Ultimate Classic Rock, “Well, you know what, I heard somebody suggest (the tour name) only recently.”
“But to answer your question, it is what it is,” he went on. Naturally, you adjust and try your best as soon as you begin to sense that you are not able to perform at that level. However, when the energy level drops, it is best to stop because that will make you look foolish, and nobody wants that.
So far, though, so good. That title, in my opinion, is far more appropriate than what you just said (laughs).
Gillan also mentioned in the interview that in 1970, Ritchie Blackmore, the guitarist for Purple, got into a fight with Yes, his present touring companions, about who should close the Plumpton Jazz and Blues Festival. Ritchie Blackmore then set fire to his amplifiers.
