DAVID COVERDALE AND GLENN HUGHES DISCUSS DEEP PURPLE’S ROCK HALL INDUCTION AND THE ABSENCE OF RITCHIE BLACKMORE

Rolling Stone reports:

In February, Deep Purple co-founder Ritchie Blackmore announced that he would not be attending this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony due to the unwillingness of the current band to perform with him.

…Despite Blackmore’s absence, the group looked in fine spirits as they accepted their induction from Metallica drummer and Deep Purple fanatic Lars Ulrich and performed a medley of some of their biggest hits. Members David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes spoke about Blackmore’s absence, meeting Dr. Dre and finally getting into the Rock Hall.

Rolling Stone:How does it feel? What was the whole sensation like?

David Coverdale: It was a lot of fun. It’s so interesting. A lot of people are asking, “Do you think it’s about time?” It really has nothing to do with, about time. Glenn and I are busy. He’s got his solo career, I have Whitesnake, an amazing family, an amazing life. The journey almost became with the induction of me into Deep Purple. And that adventure continues today.

RS: Glenn, what’s your take on Ritchie?

Glenn Hughes: Here’s the deal: I tried to coax him into it, but I had somebody that’s on the inside of our community that he was going to show up, and I said — on Twitter, goddammit — “I hear Ritchie’s going to show. Wouldn’t it be great for the fans?” And I got such a telling off by his camp, and I said, “I’m really sorry, I really heard that he was coming.” It was a little scary for me; I just wanted to be friends, you know? David and I can’t figure out why and the fans can’t figure out why.

DC: Ritchie’s an interesting character. He’s got his own story and I think he knows that. Glenn and I share each other’s story for over four decades. And we’ve stayed very much in touch. This is the first time I’ve seen Ian Paice for over 20-something years and he worked with me in Whitesnake with Jon Lord. So it was fascinating to reconnect, but the root of a happy family is total lack of communication, I understand.

GH: I did the Jon Lord tribute at the Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. I did get to see everybody and say goodbye to Jon, which was a really magnificent evening. But the whole thing is, Jon not being here because he’s deceased, and Ritchie not being here, is a little strange. But we’ll continue. The band is important… I dedicate this to the fans.

RS: How does it feel to get in? Did you think Deep Purple, after all this time, would never get in?

DC: When I spoke to Ritchie, we’d been communicating since 2012, and that’s I think the first time we were nominated. The fans are the ones who have been really vocal about it. But I said to Ritchie, “You going to go?” And he said, “Nah…” And I went, “Well if you’re not going, I’m not going.” Obviously, I’ve changed in four years. But it’s great. It’s a family affair for me. My daughter’s in from Germany, my son’s in from college, my wife’s [here] and I’m here with Glenn. This is a beautiful night for us.”

GH: I did the Jon Lord tribute at the Royal Albert Hall a few years ago. I did get to see everybody and say goodbye to Jon, which was a really magnificent evening. But the whole thing is, Jon not being here because he’s deceased, and Ritchie not being here, is a little strange. But we’ll continue. The band is important… I dedicate this to the fans.

How does it feel to get in? Did you think Deep Purple, after all this time, would never get in?

DC: When I spoke to Ritchie, we’d been communicating since 2012, and that’s I think the first time we were nominated. The fans are the ones who have been really vocal about it. But I said to Ritchie, “You going to go?” And he said, “Nah…” And I went, “Well if you’re not going, I’m not going.” Obviously I’ve changed in four years. But it’s great. It’s a family affair for me. My daughter’s in from Germany, my son’s in from college, my wife’s [here] and I’m here with Glenn. This is a beautiful night for us.

Read more at Rolling Stone.

source: rollingstone.com

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