Legendary rock stalwarts Deep Purple delivered a commanding performance yesterday, June 15th, at the Best Of Blues And Rock festival held at Parque do Ibirapuera in São Paulo, Brazil. The show not only showcased their timeless hits but also reaffirmed the band’s enduring appeal to diverse audiences, a phenomenon their own drummer, Ian Paice, recently reflected upon. You can watch videos of the performance down below.
During a recent interview with São Paulo’s 89 FM A Rádio Rock, Deep Purple members were asked about their unique position as “a bridge between generations.” Ian Paice offered a profound perspective on the band’s lasting connection to younger musicians and fans:
“Kids are still listening to rock roll. It doesn’t matter what sort of rock and roll. It’s all related to what we did and where we got it from, but it’s still rock and roll. You can put different names to it. The music, obviously, evolves, it changes, but it’s still very closely related. So I think that’s the connection.”
Paice drew a contrast between his generation’s singular focus on music and today’s more diversified interests, yet emphasized the continuous learning derived from classic acts.
“And the generation we came from, where for kids music was the only thing — not the most important [thing]; it was the only thing… Nobody had money, nobody had a car, no computers, no phones. Money, it was nothing. Music was your everything. And I think over the last couple of generations, kids do more things — they have more wealth, they have more toys to play with. But those bands that are still here from that generation still can teach a lot of the younger musicians what’s important. And I don’t mean by sitting down and learning — just by listening and watching. And I think that’s the connection for younger musicians. They see something which, for us, was natural and for them has to be sort of learned. And the only way you learn is by watching and listening. So that’s the connection.”
The São Paulo setlist itself served as a testament to this generational bridge, blending classic anthems with powerful instrumental showcases. The band delivered electrifying renditions of fan favorites like “Highway Star” and “Smoke On The Water,” interspersed with captivating solos from guitarist Simon McBride and keyboardist Don Airey. Covers of Booker T. & The MG’s’ “Green Onions” and Joe South’s “Hush” added further depth to the performance.
Deep Purple‘s continued relevance is also supported by their recent musical output; their latest album, =1, was released in July 2024 via earMUSIC. The band continues its global presence with upcoming dates scheduled for later this year, including performances in Tbilisi, Georgia, and Dubai, UAE.
Deep Purple‘s São Paulo Setlist (according to Setlist.fm):
- “Highway Star“
- “A Bit On The Side“
- “Hard Lovin’ Man“
- “Into The Fire”
- “Guitar Solo” (Simon McBride)
- “Uncommon Man“
- “Lazy Sod“
- “Lazy“
- “When A Blind Man Cries“
- “Anya“
- “Keyboard Solo” (Don Airey)
- “Bleeding Obvious“
- “Space Truckin‘”
- “Smoke On The Water“
Encore:
- “Green Onions” (Booker T. & The MG’s cover)
- “Hush” (Joe South cover)
- “Black Night“
