IAN GILLAN Says 'Smoke On The Water' Was The Natural Choice For All-Star Jam

April 27, 2006

Launch Radio Networks reports: On his new album called "Gillan's Inn", DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan got a bunch of friends to play on the tracks, and a bunch of them also took turns on the PURPLE classic "Smoke On The Water". Gillan told Launch that of all the songs from his 40-year career, "Smoke" was the right choice to get everyone on. "It's the obvious song that you would chose to do a jam," he said. "When I was with SABBATH, Tony [Iommi] said, (affects Birmingham-style accent) 'I've always wanted to play "Smoke On The Water", you know?' Joe Satriani, when he was with DEEP PURPLE, he flew out to Tokyo, and he learned everything from a tape on the plane. (At the one rehearsal we did),Paicey (DEEP PURPLE drummer Ian Paice) said, 'Well, you don't need to do 'Smoke', do you, Joe? You must know that.' And Joe went, 'Well, I wouldn't mind just having one run-through.' It means a lot to a lot of people, 'Smoke On The Water'. We didn't think of trying to improve it. It was just out of respect."

"Gillan's Inn" is a DualDisc, and on the DVD side, you can choose which solo you want to hear from DEEP PURPLE guitarist Steve Morse, Joe Satriani, Jeff Healey, GOO GOO DOLLS leader Johnny Rzeznik, and others.

Gillan's currently on the road with DEEP PURPLE in New Zealand and Australia. There are a couple of U.S. shows booked in August, but they probably won't tour here in earnest until late this year or early next year.

Gillan would like to play some solo shows if the DEEP PURPLE schedule opens up.

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