The Deep Purple book

“On Track: Deep Purple 1984 Onwards” (SonicBond Publishing, UK)

Published in the UK & the US in May 2025. In Australia in August 2025.

“I have found the book an engaging read — Phil certainly knows his way with the words and how to make his point evocative.” – The Highway Star

“This is a book I really enjoyed, with the author going through each record song by song, including the numerous live releases, and at the same time looking at what was going on in the ranks of the band behind the scenes. It’s very well worth looking out for this comprehensive and well researched effort” – The Afterword 

SonicBond publishing (UK) commissioned me to write this track-by-track biography in 2024 just as Deep Purple celebrated the fortieth anniversary of its reunion. The band was also on the cusp of releasing its 23rd album, =1, which is not only a milestone, but a fabulous return to their Blackmore-era rock form. But back in 1984 some band members thought the reunion would fizzle out after one album, but it flourished well, despite internecine strife, illness and the loss of two founders, and as members approached eighty years of age they continued producing albums that went on to be among their most successful. In this book I wanted to tell this sometimes bizarre post-reunion story through the band’s music and, to an extent their touring. Neither were always completely successful, as the band seemed to be either searching for synergy in their sound or for a commercial product that did not sacrifice artistic integrity. The lyrics are especially valuable because they reveal the hardship of the road and insights into their own growing frustrations with a society they believed to be too woke, too violent, too ridiculous.  In doing this, the band has not just resurfaced but written a new story for a new audience. All these things make this phase of DP an interesting study, not just of a band loved by so many, but also of musicians who just wanted to play their music and sometimes found it was not as simple as that. I interviewed quite a few people who were part of the journey, including former band members, their long-time road manager and their live producer. It was a hell of a trip for me. I hope you enjoy it.