Glenn Hughes at the Arcada Theatre (8/26/2023)

“I don’t think anyone else in Deep Purple would do this. I feel the obligation to do this for you.” These are the words Glenn Hughes spoke to a near capacity crowd at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois, in reference to the special Deep Purple set he had in store for us this evening. Technically, he’s not wrong. Founding keyboardist Jon Lord and Mk. IV guitarist Tommy Bolin are no longer with us. Ian Paice is currently drumming in Deep Purple, who seldom acknowledges their 1973-1976 era, and David Coverdale’s ongoing health woes may prevent him from ever touring again. As for Ritchie Blackmore, well, only he alone truly knows what’s going on in his world. That leaves Hughes as the sole ambassador for Purple Mk. III/IV.

I first saw Hughes play these Purple celebration shows when he debuted them stateside about 5 years ago. A second leg followed which was met with equal fanfare, and for good reason. With the exception of a special Whitesnake tour honoring this era that took place roughly a decade ago, these songs haven’t been heard live in nearly 40-45 years. Who better to honor this era than the man who co-wrote and co-sang nearly all of these songs, riding the Purple storm out until their untimely 1976 split, Glenn “The Voice of Rock” Hughes?

It was a little after 8 this past Saturday that Hughes made his triumphant return back to the Arcada stage. With his bushy mane, dark sunglasses, and red suit in tow, Hughes looked groovier than ever, adding an extra level of authenticity to this ’70s throwback show. The youthful exuberance of his wardrobe was only matched by that of his voice, which remains stronger than steel at the age of 72. Throughout the course of his set, Hughes showcased the full spectrum of his vocal heroics, unleashing everything from gravelly growls and soulful attitude, to those infamous ear-shattering shrieks that dominate Purple’s Made in Europe (1976).

It wasn’t just Hughes’ absurd display of vocal tenacity or hip threads that made his set feel like a trip back in time to 1974, but his band’s knack for lengthy, improvisational jams as well. Anyone with even a casual knowledge of Purple is more than aware that this was once a cornerstone of their sets. I’m not sure when Purple decided to revert “Space Truckin'” back to its 4 and a half minute studio length as opposed to the 20 minute glory of Made in Japan (1972), but the writing was clearly on the wall from that point forward. Hughes, on the other hand, doesn’t just continue to jam, but revels in it. The look on his face can only be described as one of joy as he and his virtuosic backing band draw out songs like “Mistreated” and “You Keep on Moving” well past 10+ minutes.

A riveting rendition of the proto-speed metal anthem, “Highway Star”, was thrown in as the token nod to Purple’s Mk. II era, opening shriek and all (another aspect of the current Purple’s shows that are long since gone). Now don’t read into this review too deeply (no pun intended). I still love Deep Purple, and their shows today continue to captivate, if only for being a showcase for the current state of metal’s longest running band, which is a feat in and of itself. However, if you’re seeking the savage energy and musical bombast of Purple in their prime, Glenn Hughes is the man for you. Forget a “tribute”; Hughes puts on a celebration that’ll leave you burning for days and weeks to follow!

Setlist