Deep Purple writing next record

Ian Gillan has revealed Deep Purple are holed up in their Portugal studio writing material for what will be their 20th studio album.

And he says they’re having a great time despite the “no frills” lifestyle.

Gillan tells Zeitung: “The whole band is here. We have a studio in the Algarve where we’re working on new songs.

“In the evening we take a sip of good red wine and enjoy the tranquility. I’m woken up at dawn by a rooster in the neighbourhood and I get up when it gets light. When it gets dark in the evening, I go to bed. It’s a no frills life; but it’s a good life down here.”

Purple last month launched a deluxe edition of classic live set Made In Japan – but Gillan admits he has no interest in listening to it.

“I don’t like live albums especially,” he says. “But I know the importance and significance of Made In Japan. The tour, 42 years ago, blew me away. It was my first time in a country where I felt fundamental differences in mentality to Europe.

“It was a culture shock to me. But it’s influenced me in a positive sense.”

And despite album work, the singer says it’s still all about playing live for him – to the extent that he doesn’t see himself ever stopping.

“I can’t imagine not being on stage,” he states. “When I was a teenager, I went to a Cliff Bennett concert and I released I wanted to be where he was. The interaction with the audience, and even more important for me, with the musicians – that’s pure magic.

“With a Deep Purple concert you never know exactly what will happen. I don’t want to miss those feelings.”

Purple’s last studio album, Now What?!, was launched last year.

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.