Deep Purple – Made in Japan [1972]
Would drummer Ian Paice use a riser these days to elevate his drum kit—and himself?
We'll find out on Friday, September 26th; the drummer of rock legend Deep Purple will be coming to De Boerderij.
In Deep Purple's heyday, Paice's drum kit was simply positioned on stage, without a riser. This is clearly visible on the cover of "Made in Japan" from 1972, the monumental live album by the British hard rock band. Paice's head is hidden behind one of his cymbals. We mainly see a lot of hair from bassist Roger Glover, singer Ian Gillan, and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore; only keyboardist Jon Lord is clearly recognizable.
The photo on the cover emphasizes the band's live energy. No forced poses or studio looks, but an authentic stage experience. The photo is somewhat blurred and atmospheric with warm colors, typical of concert photography from the 1970s. The photo was taken by rock photographer Fin Costello, who later also designed covers for AC/DC and Kiss.
'Made in Japan' is widely regarded as one of the best live albums of all time. It marks a high point in the band's career, featuring what many consider to be their best lineup ever. However, Lord, Blackmore, Paice, Gillan, and Glover were initially skeptical of live recordings. They found their energetic live shows difficult to capture on record. Ultimately, they were persuaded to professionally record three concerts in Japan in August 1972 to promote the studio album 'Machine Head'.
The live album was originally intended exclusively for the Japanese market. Due to its excellent quality, the band decided to release it worldwide—with great success. Highway Star, Child in Time, and Smoke on the Water all sound better than the studio versions, and without overdubs or studio corrections. Pure live recordings. The virtuosity of the individual band members is palpable, especially in Blackmore's guitar solos and Lord's Hammond organ.
(For audiophiles: There's a very good German pressing of the original double LP released on the band's own label, which has plenty of power and dynamics, while the British pressing crackles in all the wrong places.)
'Made in Japan' was one of the first LPs I bought with my hard-earned paper round money. I was completely hooked and wanted nothing more than to be Ritchie Blackmore. Every Wednesday afternoon, I played air guitar with 'Made in Japan' blasting. My mother was at the women's club of the Dutch Reformed Church for embroidery. I was home alone. The next door girl was sunbathing in her bikini like a Lolita in the backyard. Whatever; I was more interested in Deep Purple, closed the curtains in my bedroom, and became Ritchie Blackmore. From my wardrobe, I took the cardboard boxes I'd painted black with the "Marshall" logo on them. Those were my amplifiers. I put on my black leather vest with fringes, unbuttoned, and drew chest hairs on my chest. Just like Blackmore on the cover of "Made in Japan." Ian Price and Jon Lord launched into their intro, and soon I was playing along with all of Ritchie Blackmore's solos on my air guitar.
When my concert was over, I heard Abba's "Ring, Ring" blaring from the girl next door’s bedroom.
I wonder if Ian Paice will be playing any songs from "Made in Japan" at De Boerderij. If the guitarist happens to be sick that particular day, Paice may call on me. I always have my air guitar with me.
Gerrit-Jan Vrielink
Translator: Alex Driessen