Sat, Apr 09, 16

Deep Purple lineup that frontman Ian Gillan calls the “living, breathing Deep Purple” played a hit-filled set Friday night at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The band, most of them dressed in suits, kicked things off with a searing rendition of “Highway Star,” complete with its crushing organ-riffing and off-kilter guitar stabs, as Gillan lasciviously yowled about his dream woman and fantasy car and Don Airey nailed the songs gothic, ascending organ solo.

Next they jammed a little instrumental “Green Onions” with an image of late keyboardist Jon Lord behind them, before Gillan returned to lead them in a funky take on “Hush” that saw guitarist Steve Morse joining in on its “na-na-na” chorus. And then they ended with a fittingly crushing, resplendent rendition of “Smoke on the Water.” Although Ritchie Blackmore was not onstage, Morse – guitarist for Deep Purple for over 20 years – played a uniquely funky guitar solo in his stead. When they were done, the audience gave them a standing ovation, and Gillan said “Take it easy.”

It was a triumph for the group, which has been eligible for induction since 1993. The band had long been overlooked, though they had been considered in 2013 and 2014 before ultimately getting voted in this year. When the time came, their induction became one of the most contentious in Rock Hall history, rivaling Kiss’ decision not to play in 2014.

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