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RAMBLING ON

In case youʼre interested Iʼve just made a fresh coffee and am ensconced before my computer, wanting to post something on the website, and wondering what it might be. As you may have noticed, Iʼm not one who cares to bleet or twog like some, several times a day even. Where do they find the time? My time is spent, as it happens, just like yours – second by second, hour by hour, etc… and itʼs a precious commodity.

But here we are with a dribble of minutes and Iʼm off the road, enjoying the unseasonably warm weather in Europe, at least the part of Europe I think Iʼm in.

A few weeks ago I was at the London Bass Guitar Show in Olympia – didnʼt know what to expect but it was great. Few and far between are the times that Iʼve talked to an audience – a daunting proposition – but Iʼve learned from experience that just being oneself is the best approach. As Iʼve said before, you rarely know how to articulate what you feel about something until someone asks, so, standing on a stage and just talking is more like a leap (of faith) in the dark. In front of around two hundred pluckers and slappers, I went in at the deep end (no pun intended) and I felt ok once Iʼd started. I rambled on about this and that, played a bit of bass, got a few laughs, and was grateful that many in the crowd asked questions. It was good to meet a few fellow bass players, including Neil Murray, Frank Bello, and the legendary Leland Sklar – a great man.

Talking about rambling on, a few random observations… I recently listened to THOBL and enjoyed hearing Black And White again. I have a soft spot for that song.

My French friend Walther Gallay (Café Bertrand) is releasing an excellent solo CD called Stigmates (Rock Revolution Records). Daughter Gillian and I are guesting on it. If I were you Iʼd check it out.

chateau-de-pelly-dining-roomI came across this photograph. It was taken in the dining room of the Chateau de Pelly, France, during the recording of Rainbowʼs Down To Earth. Every picture tells a story.

I had a great time joining Don Airey and his great band on stage the other night in Switzerland. I was surprised when Don suggested Child In Time, and I enjoyed playing it again.

So there it is….. might as well have a drink then.

Good luck,
RG

23 thoughts on “RAMBLING ON

  1. Ronnie wrote on 2014-04-02:

    Hello Roger,

    As I type this I imagine you and Purple are in the midst of rehearsals for Jon’s memorial concert. My dear friend Murray plays guitar in the house band and The Sunflower Jam is always a highlight of his year, and this year is even more so as it is a celebration of a great man who is much loved the world over. Yesterday he said that he’d just finished rehearsing Jon’s ‘Sarabande’, which I knew he was a little apprehensive about because he wanted to get it right for Jon. Murray is a wonderful musician and I have no doubt that he did the piece justice. I know he’s looking forward to seeing everyone again and he speaks very fondly of you. Have a great night.

    Another reason for putting fingertips to keyboard concerns Universals forthcoming re-release of ‘Made In Japan’. Like many I was initially excited by this release, but having read the details I am less so. What many regard as the jewel in Purple’s remarkable cannon, I was shocked to find out that they’d not asked you to get involved (especially after your fine work on previous Mark 2 remasters), or any member of the band, or even asked the DPAS for any additional information. It does appear that Purple has once again fallen foul of a record company’s rapacious appetites. It’s not in any way the fault of the band, simply another attempt to plunder Deep Purple’s rich back catalogue without any thought for the band or the fans. Such a shame.

    Kind regards,

    Ronnie

    Reply
  2. Pawel Makolski wrote on 2014-03-26:

    Dear Mr Glover, is there any chance to add some tracks from THOBL or for instance HUNGRY DAZE, SOLITAIRE, A CASTLE FULL OF RASCALS, A TOUCH AWAY ? Best wishes.

    Reply
  3. Cliff Chuba wrote on 2014-03-24:

    Hi Roger, I’m a big Tommy Bolin fan. I’m curious did you ever meet him or perhaps jam with him? And if so what were your impressions of him? I love all the Purple albums but Come Taste the Band seems that unique special purple record. Hope to come out and see you guys this summer in America.
    My best wishes to you.

    Reply
  4. Denise T. Dardarian wrote on 2014-03-24:

    Dear Roger,
    I hope this finds you well. Much to my joy, I discovered you and the rest of the guys in DP will be finally coming to America! : ) I am even more delighted to find your first tour date is right in my own backyard in Ventura. How cool is that? You know I will be there for Ventura, and would love to say hello to you again. I am planning to attend a few of your shows….this is even better than your average vacation. My father’s 77th birthday is the same day as the Ventura show, so it looks like I will have to go see him with cake and presents in hand prior to the concert date-he’ll understand. I’ve been waiting 3 years to see Deep Purple perform again, and this is going to be the best summer ever. I am excited to be traveling on the road to various destinations to see Deep Purple perform, and especially you-that will be icing on the cake. I look forward to the shows, and seeing you there. Take care. Much Love, Denise T. Dardarian : )

    Reply
  5. Buck Shroyer wrote on 2014-03-23:

    Roger,
    Any chance of meeting the band in Ontario on August 22nd? Have been going to the shows for years and haven’t had the opportunity in the past. If you can make it happen please email me.
    Thx,
    BuckShroyer@hotmail.com

    Reply
  6. Buck Shroyer wrote on 2014-03-21:

    Roger,
    Hope your enjoying a little break from the road. It’s always nice to hear from you. I’m a big fan of THOBL as well. Black and White, and Strangeways are my favorites. Wish Ian would get the harmonica out more he’s awesome. I’m very grateful that some North American dates are coming up. I purchased my tickets for the Casino Rama gig in Ontario yesterday. I’ll be coming up from Pennsylvania providing my passport application goes through without a hitch. I’ve never missed an East coast venue that I can remember. I still have one of your picks from a gig a while back in Virginia Beach. It was awesome to have you and Ronnie on the same stage!! I’m glad I had the opportunity to see him before he passed.
    Unfortunately throughout my Purple Pilgrimages, I’ve never had the luck of meeting you and the band. Who knows maybe the stars will align on August 20th in Ontario!
    I just had a Deep Purple tattoo on my arm finished today that you’re sure to appreciate. Very nice artwork similar to TBRO cover. Lovin’ it. A photo of it will be posted on Facebook this evening if you care to check it out.
    Cheers,
    Buck Shroyer

    Reply
  7. John Bartone wrote on 2014-03-21:

    Hi Roger.. Love the new cd. Just picked up the gold edition. Excellent sound!! I never miss a show on the East Coast. I hope dp plan on hitting NYC and/or Connecticut.

    Keep up the great work..
    John
    p.s. PLEASE come to Ct.. You always draw a big crowd here.

    Reply
  8. Dima Zykov wrote on 2014-03-21:

    Hi Roger, very nice to read news from you again on this site! Keep on rockin’
    See you
    Dima

    Reply
  9. Buck Shroyer wrote on 2014-03-21:

    Roger,
    Hope you’re enjoying your break. Love Black and White as well, always felt like Ian should get the harmonica out a bit more. Strangeways is another great tune off the album.
    Bought my tickets for the Casino Rama gig in Ontario yesterday. I’ll be driving up from Pennsylvania for this one. I never miss an East coast gig. Still have one of your guitar picks from a Virginia Beach show that you Co-headlined with Ronnie James Dio and the Scorpions. Truly miss Ronnie, but keep him alive via listening to him often.
    I have seen Purple 6 times since the 84 reunion and have always wanted to meet you and the band. I recently had a tattoo done that bears the likeness of the Battle Rages On album cover that I think you would appreciate. Who knows maybe the stars will align in Ontario? See you then!
    Best Wishes,
    Buck

    Reply
  10. Kev wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Great post Roger. Had the great pleasure of collaring you after a Rainbow gig at Sofia gardens in Cardiff some years ago. I have to say you were much more friendly and approachable than a certain Mr Gillan who I met at the hotel after a Gillan show in Birmingham!! Re THOBL. I love that album. Black and White and Strangeways fit very comfortably in Purples catalogue of classics. Cheers 😉

    Reply
  11. Ralf Schmidt wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Have a good time in the sun. I´m also lying in the garden, but I drink a tea. Hope, that you can play Child In Time again. Best wishes, Ralf

    Reply
  12. Heidi Göddert wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Hello Roger,

    talking about photographs and memories, I have a question I had in mind to ask you each time I had the pleasure to meet you, but in all exitement forgot. Do you have any pictures of the time you produced Calling Card for Rory Gallagher and could you share them with us?

    Cheers,
    Heidi

    Reply
    • RG wrote on 2014-03-21:

      Unfortunately, I have no photos of the Calling Card sessions. Maybe some of the band might.

      Good luck,

      RG

      Reply
    • Roberto Scortichini wrote on 2014-03-21:

      Hello Roger,

      now that Dan McCafferty stopped touring while he is available for recordings, would you be interested on making a record with him?

      Thanks
      p.s.
      have you heard what Metallica bass player said about you?

      Reply
  13. jiclements@tesco.net wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Roger I have just enjoyed reading your last scribe and must say found very inspiring , since we last spoke I’ve had a stroke and now work for the NHS telling other stroke survivors that life is not over and as I say its just the start of a new chapter I did come Base show to on my way from Manchester to Cape Town and it was most enjoyable and am now looking forward to the Albert hall show. Cheers Ian clements

    Reply
  14. Anthony MacGregor wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Hi Roger, yes nothing beats a quality coffee, especially when the craving kick in! regarding THOBL, I personally enjoy that album more than the other 2 MKII reunion albums. Better songs overall & more of them, the playing is excellent & Gillan’s vocal melodies wonderful! Any chance some day down the road when you are not so busy with all things in life, that that album could be remixed & remastered? That room image of The DTE sessions, what a room indeed! Cozy’s drums all alone, poignant & what a loss he is! Blackmore playing away there in a moment of solitude. Classic! Take care!

    Reply
    • RG wrote on 2014-03-21:

      If I get the chance, I would love to have a crack at remixing THOBL one day.

      Good luck,

      RG

      Reply
  15. Eise Silvennoinen wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Great to hear from you, and thank you for playing in Finland earlier this year. Hope you will be playing in Spain this summer, so that we might have the opportunity to add the concert in our vacation programme. Speaking of THOBL, and recollections related to making the album: what is the current state of writing your memoir or autobiography?

    See You, Eise Silvennoinen

    Reply
    • RG wrote on 2014-03-21:

      The book is coming on, I write sporadically, not leading a hermit’s existence. It’s difficult to estimate how far I’ve come because I don’t know how far I might go. But it’s coming on.

      Good luck,

      RG

      Reply
  16. Conrad Passas wrote on 2014-03-20:

    God Bless ya Roger,
    Supporting DP in Australia a bunch of times a few years back still stands as the highlight of my musical existence. Long may we hear from you in internet land and god willing, beyond…

    Reply
  17. jaro wrote on 2014-03-20:

    Finally first photo with Ritchie …
    Wait for more Roger.
    Regards.
    Jaroslaw.

    Reply
  18. Peter from Adelaide wrote on 2014-03-19:

    G’day Roger…..thanks for post, interesting stuff….just want to say that THOBL is an underrated album…I actually love it . Snapshot is great too, as is, Accidently on Purpose……keep on rockin and please come back to Australia solo or DP……ps, what do you think of GH’s new project, Cal Breed……and has there been any discussion of a renewed DP MKIII reunion, say for a charity gig, along side the current band….and of course, thanks very much for NOW WHAT! Hasn’t been out of my car CD player since purchase….cheers!!

    Reply
  19. dave aeschbacher wrote on 2014-03-19:

    Rog,

    Keep on trucking – truck my blues away…

    Dave

    Reply