The Road To Knebworth

Deep Purple's reunion in 1984 was a dream come true for its legions of fans: Particularly as it reunited the classic line-up that had split in 1973. Following the release of the comeback album Perfect Strangers they embarked on a nine-month world tour, kicking off in Australia in November `84 and working its way around the globe, taking in a huge tour in North America and Japan before the band reached Europe in June 1985. Purple played four sold out shows in Sweden, two large festivals in Germany, three gigs in France and many more around the continent. Yet in their homeland fans had to settle for just one open-air concert at Knebworth House in Hertfordshire on 22nd June. It was the wettest June day since records began but for the 75,000 who attended it was an experience to savour, with many too young to have seen Purple in the seventies, witnessing them for the first time. The Road To Knebworth is a celebration of that first year for the reunited band, and in particular that one and only UK concert with a huge number of previously unpublished photos of the event. According to Sounds photographer Tony Mottram who had braved the weather all day, prior to Purple taking the stage, they were all moved from the press pit. Fortunately it didn't deter the photographers too much and whilst some took photos from further back, Alan Perry had wormed his way into the front of the crowd to take his shots. Mick Gregory however was fortunate enough to be allowed to stand on Jon Lord's side of the stage and his photos offer a different perspective. The Road To Knebworth looks at the build up and the aftermath with the story told by Purple aficionado Jerry Bloom. Drawing on interviews and memories from the band and crew it also includes personal recollections from the photographers, the fans and much more.