Chicago-area Deep Purple fans

[KingsGene]

I must say that I really enjoyed this show. While the sound was much better than it would normally be at a typical arena or club, it was still very much a Deep Purple show, and they were definitely forefront and mixed louder than the orchestra. The orchestra was cool, but definitely relegated to "back up" status, and not accompanying the band on every song. "Perfect Strangers" was probably the highlight where you really felt the effect of the orchestra behind the band. I forget which song it was, but the orchestra director (maestro) whipped out a violin and battled back and forth with Steve Morse. Ian Gillan was cheating on a bunch of stuff, but at his age...just great to see him out there; at least he was in tune most of the evening. Don Airey was really good on keys....his chops are excellent.

Opening band was Eddie and the Automatics, a blues-rock outfit which also contains Barry Goudreau and Sib Hashian of Boston fame, and they finished their set with a medley of Boston tunes.

As for the venue, it was my first time at Ravinia after living in the Chicago area for 45 years. Very interesting mix of people, definitely not your standard rock crowd. Lots of wine and cheese and picnic-ing on the lawn.

 

[nomisofsiman]

I forget which song it was, but the orchestra director (maestro) whipped out a violin and battled back and forth with Steve Morse. Ian Gillan was cheating on a bunch of stuff, but at his age...just great to see him out there; at least he was in tune most of the evening. Don Airey was really good on keys....his chops are excellent.

The song you speak of was "Lazy" and it was an awesome addition to have a violin vs guitar battle.

As for Gillan, he did a great job I think for the most part. My only issue was him trying to do the high pitched stuff on "Highway Star" and "Space Truckin'." He should probably consider doing those parts in a different octave.

Beyond that one issue though, I have to say that it's the best rock show I've been to. I was really into it, despite the bizarre venue and crowd.