Deep Purple - Come Hell Or High Water

Rating:
Summary: Killer Performances
Review: This performance shows the Blackmore DP era in great form. I hadn't been a die-hard DP fan, at times I much preferred Rainbow, but this DVD has helped turn me around. Although Blackmore left the band shortly after this performance (we're "treated" to some of his antics) he and the rest of the players give a simply terrific performance. The material from "The Battle Rages On" comes to life, and now it's one of my favorites. I've been a big Steve Morse fan for a number of years, and I've seen the Morse Purple live twice, but in fairness Blackmore's interaction with Paice, Lord, and Glover (Gillian does a fine job too) helps spotlight the creativity and unsurpassed talent of this band. If your a rock fan you should love this DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Purple Praise
Review: This was my first Deep Purple DVD purchase, and it is a wonderful show! I wanted my first Purple concert to have Blackmore involved, and he makes his presence well noted right in the first song! He is eccentric, but he is also an incredible, unique guitarist! In fact, all five of the band members really display their respective talents in this show. Jon Lord is the best keyboardist yet to emerge from the Classic Era of Rock, and Ian Paice nearly steals the show with his powerful, percussion skills. I also like the way that the band comments are always put at the end of the songs, so I can just tap the "next" button at any song's finish, and immediately go to the next number.
But, it is the magnificent glory of the Deep Purple sound that justifies this purchase. There has never been a better band in this genre, and this reunion show is a great opportunity to experience some of their rarely played tunes, like "Anyone's Daughter." I have viewed it each day since I got it, and it just gets better with time.

Rating:
Summary: Purple Praise
Review: This was my first Deep Purple DVD purchase, and it is a wonderful show! I wanted my first Purple concert to have Blackmore involved, and he makes his presence well noted right in the first song! He is eccentric, but he is also an incredible, unique guitarist! In fact, all five of the band members really display their respective talents in this show. Jon Lord is the best keyboardist yet to emerge from the Classic Era of Rock, and Ian Paice nearly steals the show with his powerful, percussion skills. I also like the way that the band comments are always put at the end of the songs, so I can just tap the "next" button at any song's finish, and immediately go to the next number.
But, it is the magnificent glory of the Deep Purple sound that justifies this purchase. There has never been a better band in this genre, and this reunion show is a great opportunity to experience some of their rarely played tunes, like "Anyone's Daughter." I have viewed it each day since I got it, and it just gets better with time.

Rating:
Summary: Come Hell or High Water.....
Review: very very very perfect concert Blackmore (FIVE STARS), Ian (FIVE STARS ETC..............

Rating:
Summary: Actually Zero Stars!! This shouldn't have been RELEASED!!
Review: What a disaster this dvd is!! I feel really sorry for Deep Purple on this tour!! First of all Blackmore is so angry that he comes on stage 2 minutes after the Highway Star opener!! He plays totally sloppy, almost, I think, on purpose!! The rest of the band is fuming and try to hold it together. He throws water at the camera, misses notes, and doesn't seem to care!! The rest of the band plays alright, some notes are missed but what would you expect when the guitarist is sabotaging the show!? The interviews are depressing, they go off on Ritchie, rightfully. SKIP THIS ONE!! Try to hunt down the old Rainbow vhs to see some great Blackmore!! This is not how I want to remember Deep Purple. Oh, and I returned it as well!

Rating:
Summary: Ritchie Makes His Point.
Review: When this concerts begins with no Ritchie you can see who puts the Deep in Deep Purple. As good as Jon, Roger, and the Ian's are Ritchie is still the most gifted musician of the group. Unfortunately for them he knows it. Fortunately for us we get to see this family drama unfold right before our very eyes. With interviews about it no less. Nobody really says why Richie was so POed but this is what I've pieced together from the interviews. At one point Ian Gillan says that Ritchie told him Eric Clapton doesn't know how to play guitar. Then Gillan acts like Ritchie must be crazy to have that thought. He probably is a much better guitarist than Clapton who didn't get the name slow hand for no reason. Ritchie probably hits a 100 notes in the time it takes clapton to hit 50. I like EC but he has definately slowed down from his 30 minute solo Cream days. How do you judge who's better. My criteria would be who could play the other persons music with the most ease. I'm sure Ritchie could play anything Clapton ever did note for note, but I don't think Clapton could even come close to Ritchie on songs like Lazy or Child In Time. So in the interview Ritchie tells Gillan that Clapton stinks and didn't get the response from Gillan he wanted. Maybe thats why Ritchie Glares at him on a few occasions. When Ritchie enters the scene 2 minutes into the song he is looking for blood and has to settle for water. The first thing he does is throw a cup of water on the cameraman. For whatever reason Ritchie is playing like he has something to prove. Like he is mad at the world and is taking it out on his guitar. I've seen Purple on many occasions and I know when Ritchie is for real or just going through the motions in just another concert. He means business here. Not to focus all the attention on Ritchie but he is the straw that stirs this drink. Jon, Roger, and the Ian's are all better than average musicians. Although Gillan was losing his instrument to time even back in the 70's. He should lower his vocal range now and stick to the octives he can still hit. He doesn't preen as much as he did in his hey day but a least he still has his hair. Roger seems a little on edge from Ritchies late arrival and says in the interview that he was furious with Ritchie. Roger said one of the video producers told him to act natural for the camera. I can imagine if some snot nosed video nerd tried to tell Ritchie to act natural for the camera and to be confident he probably got shown the door pretty fast. Plus a shower of water later no charge. Thats just my theory anyway. Jon said he was angry and sad at the whole Ritchie episode.Very diplomatic. You can see him and Ritchie signaling each other during solo's and bridges. They are still very in tune with and in charge of this band. Just like they have been from beginning. Once the classic rock phase lost its luster Jon's influence was not felt as much, but his presence and Organ prowess are a irreplaceable part of the mix. The other musicians can come and go but as long as you have Jon and Ritchie there will always be a Deep Purple. So if you want to see a band on the edge walking the tight wire in public this is for you. Ritchie has never been better. If you want to see another old fart that hasn't lost a lick on voice or guitar check out Todd Rundgren in San Francisco. Another guitar player that can play rings around Eric Clapton. With songs that go zoom not chuga chuga. Purple Power To The People!!!

Rating:
Summary: This could be a very good concert but its worth for 4 star
Review: Why 4 star? because Mr.Ritchie 'Rainbow in the Dark' (Sung by Dio)
have spoil the sup again with the camera man. A good showmanship can play their instrument very well and deep concerntration infront of any camera man, but not him...... nowonder their title it:Come Hell Or High Water. A lesson for all of us when not
ready, not in mood, not in confidance don't do it on Live concert, else end up with 9th song title on "Hell Freezes over"1994 concert.
Anyway this DVD is still worth for the serious "Rocker wanna be" and music lover.

Rating:
Summary: Deep Purple Live w/Bitchie Blackmore
Review: Yeah, that's right. Richie (a.k.a. Bitchie Blackmore) has a pout on his face the whole time, but it's an AWESOME concert and this is the only Deep PurPle Live DVD with Blackmore performing so enjoy. Great sound, picture, you won't be let down. That is unless you want to see alot of Richie than you may have to write him and ask where did you run and hide almost the entire show?