Deep Purple
August 4, 2026
Raleigh, NC
Red Hat Amphitheater
Review by Joseph Hett

Deep Purple Launches North American Tour with Electrifying Raleigh Show

Deep Purple launched their North American tour supporting their recently released “Splat!” album on Tuesday night in downtown Raleigh at the Red Hat Amphitheater. When the threat of summer storms subsided, it made for a splendid evening to see such a legendary band make a rare appearance in the area.

A space-themed video played on the large screen, making references to numerous past and present Deep Purple albums. Ian Gillan (vocals), Ian Paice (drums), Roger Glover (bass), Don Airey (keyboards) and Simon McBride (guitar) walked onto the stage and immediately cranked up “Highway Star.”

The majority of the set focused on the new “Splat!” and seminal “Machine Head” albums. Gillan’s vocals were spot-on. He did struggle to hit some high-note screams as he did in his younger years, but there was nothing to complain about.

After “A Bit on the Side” and “Into the Fire,” it was time for McBride’s guitar solo. He took us on an intricate journey that led us directly into the aggressive “Arrogant Boy.”

It was now time for a double shot of lazy, starting with “Lazy Sod.” Airey’s keyboard solo introduced the epic “Lazy.” He even humorously played an extended note with no hands while taking a sip of wine. Gillan played harmonica on the jamming song.

Gillan has recently stated that he has limited eyesight left. That made the bluesy “When a Blind Man Cries” even more emotional.

David Freiberg and Cathy Richardson of Jefferson Starship, who opened the evening, joined Deep Purple for “Diablo.” Speaking of supporting acts, Kansas also was on the bill. Kansas, which normally tours with no original members, had founding member Rich Williams, who lives locally, join them for a few songs. That made the Kansas set more satisfying.

Airey’s solo this time ranged from harpsichord to helicopter sounds and a bomb to end it. That led us into “Scriblin’ Gib’rish.”

The classic “Space Truckin’’ sent us into outer space before the one and only ‘Smoke on the Water’ closed out the set. McBride stood out front and hit a few teaser riffs before fully launching into it. The crowd even got to sing the chorus aloud.

The blazing, progressive instrumental “Guinnesis” began the encore before the legendary “Hush” closed out the evening.

There were many iconic songs left out of Deep Purple’s set. This is just the nature of the beast when it comes to promoting a new album and playing abbreviated sets as part of a multiple-band bill. The new stuff did sound better performed live than on the studio recordings.

Deep Purple rarely makes full tour treks across North America, so this was a real treat. They will continue across the U.S. and Canada before ending on the West Coast in mid-September. The road warriors will then continue touring around the world through the end of the year.