Exclusive Interview: Glenn Hughes Reflects on Deep Purple’s Legacy and Prepares for His Highly Anticipated Australian Tour
Glenn Hughes, often referred to as the “Voice of Rock,” is gearing up for an electrifying Australian tour that will celebrate his legendary career as part of Deep Purple. As both a former bassist and vocalist for one of rock’s most influential bands, Hughes has left an indelible mark on the music world. With his distinctive voice, remarkable range, and passionate stage presence, Hughes has carved out a legacy that spans decades and genres, blending elements of hard rock, funk, soul, and blues.
In this exclusive interview, Hughes opens up about his time with Deep Purple, the evolution of his career, and what fans can expect from his upcoming Australian tour. As he reflects on the highs and lows of his journey, Hughes shares insights into the creative process behind some of Deep Purple’s most iconic albums and the personal experiences that have shaped him as both a musician and a person. As fans across Australia eagerly await his arrival, Hughes promises a show that will not only celebrate the classics but also deliver the same energy and passion that have defined his storied career.
Deep Purple and the Classic Albums
When discussing Deep Purple, it’s impossible to ignore the monumental influence the band has had on rock music. As part of the “Mark III” and “Mark IV” lineups of the band, Glenn Hughes played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of albums that are still regarded as some of the greatest in rock history, including *Burn* (1974) and *Stormbringer* (1974). Hughes joined Deep Purple in 1973, replacing Roger Glover as the band sought to push their boundaries and explore new musical directions.
Reflecting on his time with the band, Hughes speaks fondly of the creative synergy he experienced during those years. “Joining Deep Purple was a dream come true for me,” he recalls. “It was one of the most exciting times of my life because the band was already established as a powerhouse in rock, and we had this incredible freedom to experiment with new sounds. The chemistry between us was electric.”
The albums *Burn* and *Stormbringer* showcased a fusion of hard rock and funk, which was a departure from the band’s earlier, more straightforward rock sound. Hughes, with his love of soul and funk, was instrumental in bringing a new flavor to the group’s music. “We wanted to evolve,” Hughes explains. “Deep Purple was known for its heavy, driving sound, but we didn’t want to repeat ourselves. We wanted to take the music somewhere new, and for me, that meant incorporating more groove and funk into what we were doing.”
Hughes’s vocal contributions, particularly his harmonies with David Coverdale, who also joined the band in 1973, became a defining feature of this era of Deep Purple. The dual-vocal approach between Hughes and Coverdale, along with the dynamic interplay of Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar work and Jon Lord’s iconic organ riffs, created a sound that was both powerful and innovative. Tracks like “Burn,” “Mistreated,” and “Stormbringer” became instant classics and continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
The Mark IV Lineup and the Creation of *Come Taste the Band*
While *Burn* and *Stormbringer* are often lauded as highlights of Deep Purple’s career, the *Come Taste the Band* (1975) album, which came after Ritchie Blackmore left the band and was replaced by guitarist Tommy Bolin, holds a special place in Hughes’s heart. The *Mark IV* lineup of the band, which included Bolin, was a short-lived but creatively adventurous period for Deep Purple.
“*Come Taste the Band* was a very different album for Deep Purple,” Hughes reflects. “It wasn’t the same band anymore without Ritchie, but it was an exciting time for us because Tommy Bolin brought a whole new energy and style to the group. Tommy was an incredible musician with this amazing ability to blend rock, jazz, and fusion, and we really embraced that on the album.”
The album marked a departure from Deep Purple’s earlier sound, incorporating more funk and blues elements, which was partly due to Hughes’s influence and Bolin’s versatility as a guitarist. Despite being a commercial success, *Come Taste the Band* was initially met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, but over time it has been reevaluated as an underrated gem in the band’s catalog.
“It’s funny because at the time, people weren’t sure what to make of it,” Hughes says with a smile. “But over the years, *Come Taste the Band* has gained this cult following. I think people appreciate now how ahead of its time it was. It wasn’t what people expected from Deep Purple, but it was a bold and experimental album, and I’m really proud of the work we did on it.”
Life After Deep Purple: The Solo Career and Collaborations
Following his departure from Deep Purple in 1976, Hughes embarked on a solo career that has spanned multiple decades and genres. While his time with Deep Purple had cemented his place in rock history, Hughes was eager to explore his own musical identity. “After leaving Deep Purple, I knew I wanted to continue making music, but I also wanted to follow my own path,” Hughes says. “I’ve always been drawn to different styles of music—funk, soul, blues—and I wanted to incorporate all of those influences into my solo work.”
Hughes’s solo career saw him experimenting with a variety of musical genres, releasing albums that ranged from hard rock to funk to acoustic ballads. He also became a highly sought-after collaborator, working with artists such as Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Gary Moore, and Joe Bonamassa, among others. His versatility as a vocalist and bassist, combined with his dynamic stage presence, earned him a reputation as one of the most talented and adaptable musicians in rock.
One of Hughes’s most notable projects was his collaboration with Joe Bonamassa, Jason Bonham, and Derek Sherinian in the supergroup Black Country Communion. Formed in 2009, Black Country Communion blended classic rock with blues and hard rock influences, releasing a series of critically acclaimed albums and performing to sold-out crowds around the world.
“Black Country Communion was such a powerful band,” Hughes recalls. “We had this incredible chemistry, and we were all passionate about making great music. Working with Joe, Jason, and Derek was a real joy, and I’m proud of everything we accomplished together.”
The Forthcoming Australian Tour: A Celebration of Deep Purple and Beyond
Now, with decades of experience and a catalog of classic albums behind him, Glenn Hughes is preparing for his upcoming Australian tour, where he will be performing Deep Purple classics from the *Burn* and *Stormbringer* albums. The tour promises to be a celebration of the music that defined Hughes’s career, but it will also showcase his enduring passion for performing live.
“I can’t wait to get back on stage and play these songs for my fans in Australia,” Hughes says, clearly excited about the tour. “The music of Deep Purple is so timeless, and it means so much to people. Every time I perform these songs, I’m reminded of how powerful they are, and how much they’ve connected with audiences all over the world.”
Hughes promises that the tour will be an immersive experience for fans, with a setlist that includes not only the biggest hits from the *Burn* and *Stormbringer* albums but also deep cuts that showcase the full range of his work with Deep Purple. “We’ll be playing the classics like ‘Burn’ and ‘Mistreated,’ of course, but I also want to dig a little deeper into the catalog and play some songs that fans may not have heard live in a long time,” Hughes reveals.
Hughes is also mindful of the fact that many of his Australian fans have been waiting years to see him perform live again. “Australia has always been an incredible place for me to perform,” Hughes says warmly. “The fans there are so passionate and dedicated, and I always feel a deep connection with them when I’m on stage. This tour is going to be a celebration of everything we’ve shared over the years.”
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
As Glenn Hughes prepares to embark on his latest tour, his legacy as one of rock’s most enduring figures continues to grow. From his groundbreaking work with Deep Purple to his prolific solo career and collaborations, Hughes has remained a vital force in the music world. His ability to evolve as an artist while staying true to his roots has earned him the admiration of fans and peers alike.
“I feel incredibly grateful for the life I’ve had in music,” Hughes reflects. “It’s been a long journey, with its ups and downs, but I’ve always stayed true to who I am as an artist. I’ve never stopped pushing myself to grow and explore new sounds, and I think that’s why I’m still here, still performing, and still loving every minute of it.”
For fans of Glenn Hughes and Deep Purple, the upcoming Australian tour is more than just a concert—it’s an opportunity to experience the energy, passion, and talent that have made Hughes a legend in the world of rock. As Hughes himself says, “The music of Deep Purple is timeless, but it’s the fans who keep it alive. I can’t wait to share this experience with them, and I promise it’s going to be a show they’ll never forget.”
Glenn Hughes, the Voice of Rock, Continues to Inspire
As Glenn Hughes reflects on his storied career, his passion for music and performing is as strong as ever. Whether revisiting the iconic tracks from his time with Deep Purple or exploring new musical horizons, Hughes remains a creative force to be reckoned with. His forthcoming Australian tour will not only celebrate the past but also affirm his place as one of rock’s
