17. Deep Purple

THE O2 ARENA

30 NOVEMBER 2011

First up, the support act, Cheap Trick. Yes, they’re still at it, still clinging on with Zander and Nielsen, the only ones left we vaguely recognise, like the last two crusty bits of bread in the bag. Cheap Trick should have waved the white flag back in ’77, but the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame saw fit to give them the nod, which apparently doubles as a license to keep coming out and confusing people.

What we’re treated to here is basically a rock ’n’ roll ham-and-cheese toastie. Zander’s flouncing around like he’s auditioning for a Dave Lee Roth tribute act, and Nielsen’s fingers look like they’re operating under protest. It’s dated, it’s tired, and, honestly, a bit embarrassing; like watching a drunk uncle grab the microphone off the bride at the wedding.

Tonight, though it’s Deep Purple, with a twist, backed by a full orchestra. It’s been done before, yes, but could they actually make it work, or were we just in for “Smoke on the Water” with fiddles?

Turns out, they pulled off a minor miracle. The orchestra leans jazzy, giving the old hits a classy makeover, and they’re not just playing along, they’re swinging. Steve Morse keeps Blackmore’s licks alive, and Ian Gillan keeps the vocal dramatics in check.

The result was a surprisingly cool big-band spin on Deep Purple classics that feel fresh rather than fuddy. It’s like they’ve given the whole thing a polish, and somehow, it actually works.