Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond bassist dies

Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman has died at the age of 70. He was still performing with the band who received the first-ever platinum disc for sales of their 1969 breakthrough album In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. He’d also continued work with side-project Captain Beyond until the death of guitarist Larry ‘Rhino’ Reinhardt earlier this year. Dorman, who had suffered heart problems for many years, was found in his car. Police believed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Tony Iommi has reflected on his first year as a cancer victim. The guitarist announced he was suffering from lymphoma soon after Black Sabbath‘s reunion with Ozzy Osbourne was revealed in 2011. Iommi says: “What a year! Certainly not the one I was expecting. Thanks to you all for your massive help and support. It was very encouraging. I’m still working on the album and managed to play three shows – not bad given the news a year ago. I’m looking forward to next year, seeing what you think of the record and touring as much as we’re able.”

Led Zeppelin have reissued their catalogue via iTunes, remastered to make best use of the digital format. It’s a separate move from the band’s planned reissue series, expected in 2013. Meanwhile, Robert Plant has re-emphasised the thought processes behind refusing to take the band’s 2007 reunion any further. He says: “You have to be creative and imaginative and move on. The great essence of Led Zeppelin is the creativity and imagination that developed with each project. I don’t see us being a stadium act, going round and round making everyone feel great playing the hits.” [CBS]

Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic has explained how the song Cut Me Some Slack was written with Paul McCartney. The grunge pioneers’ surviving members performed the track several times earlier this month alongside the ex-Beatle. Novoselic says in his blog: “Paul came in with this cigar-box guitar and started playing some mean slide on it. He said it was in D. Grunge instincts took over and I dropped the E on the bass to D. Pat and Dave got into it and the tune took shape. Paul flashed a riff and we picked it up. I busted another one out and everyone picked it up. Things started coming together. A new song was born! And that’s about it. That’s all it is – a new song by some players who have been doing it for a while.”

The last live Deep Purple album featuring Ritchie Blackmore will be re-released on January 29. Live In Paris 1975 features the iconic guitarist alongside David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Jon Lord and Ian Paice performing tracks including Stormbringer, Highway Star, Space Truckin’ and Smoke on the Water.

A 1969 vehicle registration document sent to Jimi Hendrix has sold on eBay for $2250. The enveloped item, addressed in type to Hendrix, was associated with a Corvette he owned at the time and is believed to have written off in an accident and replaced with a similar car. It comes with the standard California Department of Motor Vehicles statement which reads: “If you no longer own this vehicle destroy this card.” [Ultimate Classic Rock]




Classic Rock Presents Jimi Hendrix: People, Hell and Angels Fanpack is currently available for pre-order, containing the complete new Hendrix album due out next year. Find out more.

A group of scientific researchers believe successful musicians are more likely to die young than those who follow other career paths – but the chance of survival is worst among solo artists. The study was led by Mark Bellis, a UK expert of drug abuse and violence prevention. Researchers discovered that out of 1489 big-name artists famous between 1956 and 2006, 137 or 9.2% of them died young, with 39% of those deaths attributed to drink, drugs or violence. More solo artists died than those who worked in a band – In the US the rate was 23% for soloists versus 10% of band members, and in Europe it was 10% versus 5%. [New York Times]

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Blackmore doesn’t care about Deep Purple Rock Hall nod

Ritchie Blackmore insists he won’t be present if Deep Purple are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year.


The iconic band have been nominated for the first time after having been eligible for 20 years. Also on the 2013 list are Rush, who have been entitled for 15 years, plus Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Procol Harum.

But guitarist Blackmore, who left Deep Purple in 1993 after three stints with the band he formed, tells Billboard: “Personally I couldn’t care less.

“I would never go – I’m not really a fan of that stuff. Considering some of the people that are in the Hall of Fame, I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.

“I think our fans seem to care more than I do. They’re always saying, ‘You should be in the Hall of Fame.’ If I can pay the bills that’s all I care about.”

Blackmore and wife Candice Night are working on what will be the eighth studio album of their band Blackmore’s Night.

The guitarist says: “From my point of view it’s the same of crap we’ve been doing for a long time. I’m not a person that goes in any direction – I just play whatever I feel like at the time.”

Deep Purple have been working on a new album with producer Bob Ezrin, although no release date has been set. Founding keyboardist Jon Lord died in July after a fight against cancer.

Meanwhile, two albums by Blackmore’s post-Purple band Rainbow will be re-released in two-disc deluxe format on November 5. Live recording On Stage from 1977, and third studio album Long Live Rock’n'Roll from the following year,  both feature Ronnie James Dio on vocals. The second disc in each set includes bonus material, some of which has never been released before.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Why Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy supergroup didn’t take off

Deep Purple and Thin Lizzy supergroup Baby Face went nowhere because Phil Lynott wasn’t a good enough bass player, says drummer Ian Paice.

He and Lynott formed the band with Ritchie Blackmore in 1972 and got as far as a brief rehearsal session before the idea was abandoned.


Paice and Purple tour manager Colin Hart tell the story in Classic Rock Magazine No.176, on sale now.



Blackmore and Paice approached Lynott with the idea of forming a band that would let them flex their muscles outside their increasingly strained confines of Deep Purple. Lynott had come to the guitarist‘s attention after he heared Lizzy’s self-titled 1971 debut album.

“Ritchie used to love his singing,” says Hart. “Kind of like a young rod Stewart or Paul Rodgers.”

With Thin Lizzy yet to make a breakthrough, Lynott took Blackmore and Paice up on their offer. Settling on the name Baby Face, the guitarist instructed Hart to arrange an impromptu session.

“They did a couple of covers,” says Hart, who was in the studio with them. “It was only a short session, two or three songs, then it was out with the equipment and off home. I don’t think they did anything original. It did sound great together, the three of them.”

Paice recalls: “It was meant to be a free-flowing kind of thing. It never got off the ground mainly because Phil wasn’t really a good enough bassist yet.

“He had the voice, but learning to play bass well takes time. And for a thing like that to work, all three players need to be at a certain level. Phil just wasn’t there yet.”

The name Baby Face would end up being used as a title on Lizzy’s next album, and the Irish band would record a Deep Purple tribute album in 1972 under the name Funky Junction, with vocals provided by Benny White of Irish group Elmer Fudd.

But, for a brief moment, the prospect of an early-70s supergroup was tantalisingly close.

“Phil was bowled over by Blackmore,” Lizzy drummer Brian Downey later said. “That was the first time I’d ever seen him hesitate about anything.”

Deep Purple’s classic 1972 album Machine Head is set for a 40th anniversary re-release in five-disc deluxe format. Meanwhile, bands including Metallica and Iron Maiden have contributed tracks to Re-Machined, the band’s official tribute album. It’s available with exclusive bonus track in a Classic Rock Fan Pack. Read the full Deep Purple feature in Classic Rock 176, on sale now. Get it on your iPad and iPhone here: http://goo.gl/z4Yhu (in the UK) or here http://goo.gl/YUnR9 (for the US).

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Lord family warn over t-shirt scam

The family of late Deep Purple keyboardist Jon Lord have warned fans against buying a memorial t-shirt – because it’s fake.


The respected musician died suddenly in July as a result of complications from his cancer battle. He was 71.

Since then, his loved ones say they’ve heard reports of a pirated garment featuring the 70s-era Deep Purple logo and a recent picture of Lord.

A spokesman says: “Jon’s family have been informed that someone has been selling unofficial t-shirts at gigs and online, regarding Jon’s passing.

“They would like to make it very clear that his has nothing to do with the family or Deep Purple, and they are upset that anyone should profit from this tacky endeavour – unless the money is given to charity, which seems very unlikely.

“They ask that you respect their feelings and not encourage this behaviour.”

The Lord family recently thanked fans for their support following his death, saying: “We have been amazed and overwhelmed by it all. It will continue to be a comfort to us that his music moved so many people across the world.”

Purple singer Ian Gillan paid tribute to his former colleague, who retired from the band in 2002, saying: “If there was such a thing as a typical English gentleman in rock music, it was Jon Lord. We’ve all been touched by him one way or another. I could speak for hours about what he’s given us. We shall carry his memory forward, and his music.”


The family recently agreed to proceed with the release of Lord’s new interpretation of his Concerto for Group and Orchestra, which was finished days before his death and features the last organ solo he ever played. It will be released on October 1.

A public memorial event is being planned for next year.

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Lord’s swan song set for release

Jon Lord‘s final studio work, a new version of his Concerto For Group and Orchestra, will be released on September 25. It was recorded in Abbey Road Studios and features the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic orchestra plus Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, Joe Bonamassa and Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse. Lord, who died last month at 71, said of the album: “Over the years since leaving Deep Purple I’ve played it over 30 times, and in 2000 I did it well over 30 times with Purple on tour. I’ve been honing the piece. It’s a marvellous and exciting prospect to have the definitive recording of the definitive score.”

Meanwhile, Deep Purple have confirmed Re-Machined: A Tribute to Machine Head will be released in the US, also on September 25. The album includes Metallica, Maiden, Chickenfoot and many others delivering their interpretations of the tracks from Purple’s iconic 1972 record. It first sees light of day in a Classic Rock Fan Pack, complete with 124-page magazine which includes one of the last interviews with Lord. More information and pre-order.

News broadcaster CNN has issued an unconvincing apology to Hatebreed after including them in a list of fascist bands. Their name was listed alongside a number of “white power” groups amid coverage of a racist massacre in Wisconsin, US. The man accused of the killings performs with two fascist bands, leading to the publication of CNN’s article. Hatebreed tweeted: “First they ignore the Free Randy Blythe story, now they slander us. We demand a retraction and an apology.” The broadcaster removed the band’s name from their list but at first did not apologise. Later they said: “CNN regrets the error.”

Primus mainman Les Claypool is auctioning one of his favourite basses to help raise funds for the welfare of his baby nephew Matthew, who is suffering a rare form of infant cancer. The eBay auction has attracted nearly 60 bids with the price currently approaching $19,000.

A book featuring collected interviews with Jimmy Page will be published on October 23. Light & Shade: Conversations With Jimmy Page consists of material gathered over 20 years by author Brad Tolinksi, who writes for Guitar World magazine. The title is describes as “the most complete picture of the media-shy guitarist ever published” and it’s endorsed by Slash, Kirk Hammett and Billy Gibbons.

Godsmack singer Sully Erna has returned to full health after cancelling a series of shows with throat problems. Drummer Shannon Larkin says: “We did a couple of shows last week and he sang great.” Labelling the call-offs as “the biggest bummer of the decade,” the drummer explains: “We’re not spring chickens any more. We were afraid it could damage his cords where his voice would change or he wouldn’t be able to hit notes.” [Pulse of Radio]

Johnny Winter is aiming to recruit a number of guests for the follow-up to his 2011 covers album Roots. He says: “I haven’t picked the songs yet, but I’d like to have Billy Gibbons, Dr John, Mark Knopfler, Clapton, BB King and Buddy Guy.” [Billboard]

Michael Nesmith has returned to the Monkees and will appear on their upcoming tour – the first since the death of Davy Jones earlier this year. Nesmith says: “We reconnected at a private memorial for David. Getting together with old friends can be very stimulating, and even inspiring to me. We did some good work together and I am always interested in the right time and the right place to reconnect and play.” [Rolling Stone]

Riot guitarist Mark Reale’s headstone will be laid over his grave in a public ceremony on Saturday. Reale died aged 56 in January after a lifelong fight against Crohn’s disease, which had left him unable to complete his parts on Riot’s album Immortal Soul, and forced him to abandon plans for a number of live shows. The ceremony takes place at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, at 10am.

Producers of a new documentary about the heavy metal music industry, Behind The Suit And Tie, have released a trailer for the film they say “pulls no punches and features prime movers.”

source: classicrockmagazine.com

Deep Purple's Jon Lord dies at 71

Lord co-founded Deep Purple in 1968 and co-wrote many of the group's songs including Smoke On The Water. He also played with bands including Whitesnake.

He had been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer since last August.

He died at the London Clinic on Monday, surrounded by family, a statement said. "Jon passes from Darkness to Light," it added.

Lord was influenced by classical, blues and jazz but played his Hammond organ with a rock attitude and helped Deep Purple become pioneers of progressive and heavy rock.

Tributes have been paid by musicians including one-time Deep Purple bandmate Joe Satriani, Iron Maiden and Anthrax.

Ex-Rage Against the Machine star Tom Morello wrote on Twitter: "RIP the great Jon Lord, Deep Purple's cornerstone/keyboardist. So many great great songs and that incredible SOUND of his! Thankyou."

Former Yes keyboard player Rick Wakeman was a friend and said he was "a great fan".

"We were going to write and record an album before he become ill," he said. "His contribution to music and to classic rock was immeasurable and I will miss him terribly."

Born in Leicester, Lord learned classical piano at an early age before being seduced by watching early rock 'n' roll star Jerry Lee Lewis and jazz organist Jimmy Smith.

He could have chosen a career as an actor after receiving a drama school scholarship, but started playing in pub bands including short-lived outfits with future Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood and his brother Art.

He also worked as a session musician and is thought to have played piano on The Kinks' hit You Really Got Me.

After meeting guitarist Ritchie Blackmore through another project, the first incarnation of Deep Purple was born.

Lord's classical influence surfaced when Lord composed Concerto for Group and Orchestra, which the band performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall in 1969.

But the group refined their heavy rock sound and found mass success at the start of the 1970s with albums including Deep Purple in Rock and Machine Head.

In their classic years, the band also included Blackmore, singer Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice and bassist Roger Glover.

Lord continued to compose classical works alongside the group's output and, when they split in 1976, he joined other groups Whitesnake and Paice, Ashton and Lord.

Deep Purple reformed in 1984 and resumed at the height of their commercial prowess, playing to tens of thousands of fans around the world.

They sold a total of 150 million albums and Lord remained an ever-present amid numerous line-up changes until he left in 2002.

Still composing, he had signed to a classical music label and performed a concert to mark the 30th anniversary of Concerto for Group and Orchestra.

"Thirty years later the piece came back and changed my life again... It gave me the courage to step outside and carve a career for myself outside the band," he told an interviewer.

He broke the news of his cancer diagnosis on his website last year, telling fans he would continue to write music as part of his therapy.

source: bbc.co.uk