By Dawn Hamilton
On a cool crisp September evening fans of all ages showed up to the Budweiser Stage in Toronto to see not one, but three iconic bands that have been in the scene for quite sometime. The Edgar Winter Band, Alice Cooper and Deep Purple had no problems heating up the venue with their unending talents. Parents who were there tonight were now introducing these bands to their children with the same enthusiasm they had when they were first able to see them.
Toronto is one of the few dates left on their “The Long Goodbye Tour” before they hit the UK and the fans showed their appreciation as soon as they started their first song “Highway Star”. Deep Purple had no difficulties showing us individually what they are capable of performing, each one taking turns, showing us their unbelievable talents.
Deep Purple have been doing this a long time and it shows, they were flawless in their performance. It is always disheartening though knowing I could very well be watching their last performance in Toronto.
The fans in the crowd had no problem showing their gratitude, but, while sitting down. There was the odd person standing up at their seats dancing away, but for the most part they were enjoying the show seated while partaking in either a few beers or other substances. Hey, what can I say, we are all getting older and sometimes it is great just to sit back and enjoy the show which is exactly what they did. There was no need for pyro or confetti as Deep Purple let the music speak for itself.
Ian Gillan didn’t do much talking in between the songs, there was very little banter between him and his fans. I always find this a bit disheartening I want them to talk and tell short stories, it makes me feel a bit more connected to them. Halfway through the evening and much to my surprise Don Airey, during one of his “spotlight” moments, started to play “O Canada” on the keys and quite a few audience members rose to their feet. Nothing like a sense of pride sweeping through Budweiser Stage some fans even singing along with their hands over their hearts.
We are all a little bit older, a little bit wiser and maybe a little bit grayer but one thing will always remain the same, a good concert is always a good concert regardless of how much we have aged. This being called The Long Goodbye Tour” and if this is really the last time Deep Purple will play Toronto, the fans will miss you but your music will live on.
Once again thanks to the crew because without them there is no show!
All photos and review by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com
