This isn’t just another evening of string-laden songcraft from Deep Purple; it’s a big-bang moment for the group’s next era.

Deep Purple is reliably good on ‘Celebrating Jon Lord.’ The surprises, however, come from one-of-a-kind combinations of acolytes and fans.

Times change, members change, but Deep Purple remains.

Ian Gillan nailed all of the vocals for ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ in a mere three hours. He was back on stage with Deep Purple later that very same night.

It’s become an free-form highlight of the band’s recent setlists.

After eight years between releases, Roger Glover says “we can’t wait that long.”

In the end, the lack of an easily identifiable, marketable image is a two-edged sword.

Ritchie Blackmore, David Coverdale and Ian Gillan explore new sounds during a hiatus.

The group is also getting geared up for the World Cup. Well, all but one of them.

Enter bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes and vocalist David Coverdale.