Infinite and Beyond: Deep Purple 1993-2022

On November 9, 1993, Deep Purple was in crisis when Ritchie Blackmore left the band. Steve Morse stepped in, leading to a new era known as the Morse Era. This book explores the highs, lows, triumphs, and tragedies of that period, charting the band's journey forward and their struggle to escape the shadow of the disastrous night at the NEC.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: Wymer Publishing

NEC Arena Birmingham, November 9th, 1993. Deep Purple found themselves in a state of crisis. The longstanding tensions between singer Ian Gillan and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore reached a breaking point, resulting in Blackmore's departure from the band. It seemed like the end for a group that had been plagued by internal conflicts for years. However, in a surprising turn of events, Steve Morse, the acclaimed six-string maestro, stepped in to replace Blackmore. This marked the beginning of the so-called Morse Era, a period that saw significant changes and a new chapter for Deep Purple.

This book takes a critical and in-depth look at the Morse Era, exploring the highs, lows, triumphs, and tragedies that characterized this era. It delves into the albums released during this time, the tours undertaken, and the constant flux of musicians joining and leaving the band. It is a captivating story of a band that pushed the boundaries of rock music, achieving remarkable success and popularity. However, despite their forward momentum, Deep Purple could never fully shake off the shadow of that disastrous night at the NEC.

The departure of Blackmore was a significant turning point for Deep Purple. It marked a new era of experimentation and exploration, as Morse brought his unique style and musical vision to the band. He infused the music with a sense of urgency and intensity, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in rock music. The albums released during the Morse Era, such as "Purpendicular," "No Way Out," and "Come Taste the Band," showcased the band's newfound creativity and musical prowess.

The Morse Era also saw Deep Purple embark on extensive tours, playing to sold-out crowds worldwide. The band's live performances were electrifying, with Morse's guitar solos and intricate melodies captivating audiences. However, behind the scenes, there were also challenges and tensions. Morse's arrival coincided with the departure of other key members, including keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice. This led to a period of adjustment and restructuring within the band.

Despite the challenges, the Morse Era was a period of growth and renewal for Deep Purple. The band continued to push the boundaries of rock music, experimenting with different genres and styles. They collaborated with other artists and musicians, such as David Coverdale and Joe Satriani, expanding their musical horizons. The Morse Era also saw the band's commercial success reach new heights, with albums selling millions of copies and charting top positions.

However, it is impossible to overlook the tragic events that occurred during this time. The band's tour bus was involved in a serious accident in 1994, resulting in the death of keyboardist Jon Lord. This was a devastating loss for the band and the music industry, as Lord was a key figure in Deep Purple's sound and songwriting. The accident left a lasting impact on the band, and they took a break from touring to grieve and reflect on their loss.

In conclusion, the Morse Era was a transformative period for Deep Purple. It marked a new chapter in the band's history, filled with experimentation, creativity, and commercial success. However, it was also a period of tragedy and loss, as the band faced the devastating loss of Jon Lord and faced challenges and tensions within the band. Despite these challenges, Deep Purple continued to push the boundaries of rock music, leaving a lasting legacy that has influenced generations of musicians.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915246387