Deep Purple Legend Glenn Hughes Braves the Storm to Bring Deep Purple to The Maid of Stone Festival!

Deep Purple Legend Glenn Hughes Braves the Storm to Bring Deep Purple to The Maid of Stone Festival!

Deep Purple legend Glenn Hughes showed the crowd that the years may have passed but he’s still the ultimate professional! Despite horizonal rain that left the front of the stage covered in water and early lighting issues, he had the crowd captivated as he performed a songbook of breathtaking Deep Purple classics when he headlined The Jeff Beck Stage at The Maid of Stone festival! Despite it being the first year of the festival and the apocalyptic weather, the crowds turned out in their droves to see Hughes put a show and put on a show he did! Hughes seemed to have a voice that hadn’t aged a bit! With support from an exceptional band including the incredible Soren Anderson on guitar, a remarkably talented guitarist and songwriter in his own right.

Hughes captivating set was made up entirely of the Deep Purple classics for which he is so well known and loved. Commencing with a spellbinding rendition of ‘Stormbringer’, perhaps an appropriate choice considering the weather! From the 1974 album of the same name, with its signature blues and funk sound, the crowd were mesmerized by Hughes hypnotic vocal and heavy rock sound. Masterpieces ’Might Just Take Your Life’ and ‘Gettin’ Tighter’ followed, which Hughes dedicated to the late great Deep Purple guitarist Tommy Bolin. A special mention has to go to guitarist Anderson, who treated the audience to a beautiful extended guitar solo,  proving from the onset just why it is that he is such a valued member of Hughes band.

Tracks ‘Mistreated’ and ‘Highway Star’ followed, where Hughes bass sound was just as good and distinctive as it’s ever been! His distinctive voice sounded effortless! ‘Burn’ with its catchy opening riff went down a storm. From the album which was the predecessor to ‘Stormbringer’ this has long been considered one the best rock albums of all time and it was a worthy close to a stunning performance that just went to show that despite Hughes being older, he is just as talented and still the same outstanding showman that he ever was!

Words and photos by Louise Phillips

All photos are owned by Louise Phillips Music Photography