rogerglover.com - the official site

Other Bands / Musicians

Mark Jones on 2004-03-31:
Hi Roger,
Just wondered if your daughter has done vocals on any other albums (your or anyone else's) besides Snapshot.
Cheers
Mark
RG:

Hi Mark,

She has not recorded much before but I'm sure that will change soon.
RG

Chris Brodbeck on 2004-03-22:
Perusing the site even more, I find that you are as a humble a man can be, especially when given your credentials.. Of course, I could laud you with kudos, but I am sure you get plenty of those.
You have been, always, an inspiration to me, and the quintessential bassist. Just plain "cool" before cool was cool.
I particularly want to comment on your solo in "Gemini Suite" (BBC and Jon). Man, it is killer. I had the album, with the original cover of a fish head rising towards to moon, I believe, but through several divorces, have lost lots near and dear to me. Hell, lost guitars, amps, rigs, etc. Nasty stuff divorce. Just wondering if you might be able to enlighten us as to how that was done. Sounds as if you are thumbing the bass of the bass, while picking (fingers?) the melody/higher parts. Surely not double tracked..?
Thanks for any input. You the Man, Rog. Always have been, and always will be in my book.
Chris
RG:

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the thought. The bass solo on The Gemini Suite was indeed, double tracked. To be really impressive, I'd love to able to say that is not so, but it is so. It was played on a Fender Mustang, as I recall.

RG

Andy on 2003-04-03:
Hi Roger
Who have been your Bass player role models, past and present?
RG:

Hi Andy,

Of those that I've admired over the years, Paul McCartney has the be the single biggest influence - his fluid and melodic runs were unforgettable. Jack Bruce and all the Tamla Motown players have to be mentioned. One of the best lessons I learned was from George Porter Jnr. of The Meters on the song Hey Pocky a-Way, from the album Rejuvenation back in the early 70s. There was so much space between the notes that you could have a light lunch between playing them!

RG

Tyler Eaves on 2003-12-04:
Maybe I'm a Leo is probably my favorite Purple riff. I'm curious as to just where that riff came from. I'm guessing you wrote it..., it just sounds like a riff a bass player would come up with. It's downright "funky". I spent most of today working out the bulk of that song. It's amazing just how many variations there are on that one basic musical idea.

On two related notes: In your remixed version of Machine Head (As part of the 25th Ann. version) there's a bit of studio chatter that would seem to indicate that the main track was laid down with the very first take? The song has the sort of "loose" feel that does not lend it self to endless takes, but the band at the same time just so totally nails it.

Also, I caught (Via the magic of DVD, unfortunatly...) your performance performance with Gov't Mule in New Orleans. What a show! If there ever was an "All Star" game for bassists, this show probably comes about as close as we'll ever see to it. What was it like working with Warren and Matt, and playing in that kind of envirnonment?
RG:

Hi Tyler,

I wrote the riff to Maybe I’m A Leo after hearing John Lennon’s How Do You Sleep. I liked the idea that the riff didn’t start on the down beat, like 99% of riffs do. Most of the songs on Machine were from the first take, or not long after.

Working with Warren and Matt was wonderful, they are really easy going players but with intense musicality

RG

Jamie on 2003-07-19:
Hi Roger
I want to thank you for all these years of great tunes. I was wondering if you enjoyed your experience with Govt Mule? I think they are one of the best bands around. Warren Haynes is a monster in a classic rock sense.
RG:

Hi Jamie,

I loved working with Gov’t Mule. They are all great players but Warren Haynes is an American treasure – wonderful voice and super player. Oh, and a nice guy as well!

RG

dave wilson on 2003-05-21:
those female backing vocals on butterfly ball!! Stunning.

Who arranged them?

dave
RG:

Hi Dave,

Liza Strike, Helen Chappelle and Barry St.John did the vocals on Butterfly Ball. As far as arrangements are concerned, they would have listened to what I wanted and then done "head arrangements" on the spot, sorting out their own harmonies; professionals to the core.

RG

Marcin Zalewski on 2003-04-06:
Hi Rog,
thanks for answering my previous 11 questions! :o)
I've come up with one more: do you guys listen to each other's solo albums? Has there ever been a moment when one of you said: "Gosh, what a brilliant idea, it should have been saved for Purple!"?
Good luck and see you somewhere on tour!! 🙂
Marcin Zalewski
RG:

Hi Marcin,

Yes, I usually listen to the others' solo albums but I don't recognize anything that would suit DP. DP is more of a collaborative effort. As to what I think of them... well, I don't get involved with opinions, we each have our own.

RG

Rick Goodwin on 2003-02-18:
Different kind of music altogether but what do you think of "funky" bass players - men like James Jamerson, Bernard Edwards and Marcus Miller? I'm a guitar player who has only recently started playing bass and although I've traditionally been into rock music it's these players who I find myself listening to more and more.
RG:

Hi Rick,

Fine players all. I'm not naturally drawn towards that style but I admire it immensely. I bought Louis Johnston's instructional video years ago and found it fascinating. It's hard work but rewarding if you persevere. Follow your instincts.

RG

renata on 2005-05-04:
Describe in some words every member from the band:
1.Ian Gillan
2.Don Airey
3.Ian Paice
4.Steve Morse
tell me also something about:
Ritchie B., J.Lord, Coverdale,Hughes, Joe Lynn T., Satriani,Tommy Bolin (if you know something about him)
Please don't give a short answer to a 13 years old girl who is waiting your answer
like a kitten!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.And sorry for my bad english.
RG:

Dear kitten,

Ian Gillan is a bit taller than I am, Don Airey has a lot of information that not many people know, Ian Paice likes food, Steve Morse is an expert on pizza, Ritchie Blackmore used to throw the javalin, Jon Lord never threw the javalin, David Coverdale wore glasses when he joined the band, Glenn Hughes now sometimes wears glasses, Joe Lynn Turner is from New Jersey, Joe Satriani likes noodles, Tommy Bolin often coloured his hair.

RG

evgeny on 2003-01-31:
How are you!))I want ask you about J.Lord.Is it the Finish DP?What about Blackmore?As for me,his wife is not good,as a singer, of course.I am sorry for my Engleesh
RG:

Hi Evgeny,

I am very well, thanks for asking. J. Lord (or J Lo, as I cheekily call him) is not the end of the band, as is evidenced by our continuity. What about Blackmore? I don?t think he?s a very good keyboard player. I don?t know what he thinks about his wife (sic) but I doubt that he shares your opinion.
Don?t worry, your Engleesh is fine.

RG

Rene sampsell on 2003-01-29:
Hi Roger it me agin. A friend & I were wondering about the mark 1 dp with Nick Simpler & Rod Evens, What ever happen to them?I read about Rod E. not being found, but what about Nick S ? And were they good friends. And just one more ?. Who wrote the words for hush ? Was it a band effort or just one of you ? thanks agin for the ? & answer time, RENO.
RG:

Hi Reno,

I never met Nick Simper or Rod Evans so I know very little about them. I do know that Nick is still around in the UK, and still playing in bands, Quatermass 2 I believe was the latest. Rod was in Captain Beyond for a while after DP but I think his whereabouts are not known at this time. Hush was written by Joe South. I wish I?d written it though! 😉

RG

Wajd on 2003-01-27:
Hi Roger
first thing is the everytime question, do DP have my country (Syria) on a near tour list or something i know you visited Lebanon in 67 i think with Episode Six, and in 97 with DP (which was my most hurtful memory 'cause i couldn'e be there though i had the money for the ticket and everything).
and i think you like blues and jazz so if you like that what the fav musicians in those tow styles. Well i don't know, sounds like silly question but i've been a very loyal fan to Purple since i've been a little boy, i have a oriental jazz band so can you give me some advices for my plant to record my first album (my heroes in this style are Ziad Rahbani and Aziza Mustafa Zadeh i think with an influence with some blues and rock like the doors, pink floyd and deep purple) if that's possible and i would be very thankfull. I know i talked too much but my last question is what would you say about Glenn Hughes, Jethro Tull and Pearl Jam.
thanx
RG:

Hi Wajd,

Thanks for the question. We will tour anywhere that we are invited. It?s not as if we say to our agent that we would like to tour this or that country, it?s really a question of the tours being presented to us for approval and we along with our manager, just say yes or no (actually I can?t remember ever having said no!). We are just musicians and don?t make those kind of decisions.

Glenn Hughes ? a great talent.
Jethro Tull ? a one man band in many ways but some great musicians and very influential in the early days.
Pearl Jam ? I always preferred Soundgarden and Nirvana in days of grunge but they have stayed the course and have stuck to their guns, so I respect them.

RG

Joanna on 2003-01-24:
Hello, Roger,
I've just known your "Snapshot"(I couldn't hear it earlier, our trade systems work very badly).
I'm delighted, and I'll write a review soon.
One question: why did your daughter sing one song only? She's got a beautiful voice...
Cheers, JO
RG:

Hi Jo,

Thanks, I’m glad you like Snapshot. The reason Gillian is only on one track is that I had finished a lot of the album before I even thought about inviting her. It was an experiment to see if she would ‘click’ on this old song that I’d had lying around for decades. I was proud of what she did and you can be sure that on the next solo album she will appear more. If I had the time I’d love to do an entire project with her. It is also good for her to make her own steps in music and not just be tagged on to me. She has a good voice and I encourage her as much as I can to do her own thing, which she is doing. I thank you on her behalf.

RG

Paul Eccles on 2003-01-18:
I hope the recording is for the new DP album is
going well.

Q: How did it come about for you to appear on
Gov't Mule's Deep End Vol 1?

Q: How was Maybe I'm a Leo picked for thr song
you did on the album?

Looks like Warren Haynes returned the favor and
played on your new album. Maybe you could
get Gov't Mule to open your shows for your next US
tour. That would be a kick butt line up.

Thanks
Paul
RG:

Hi Paul,

When I was recording Snapshot I asked Randall if he know of any blues
guitarists in NY and he recommended Warren Haynes. I called him up and set
a date, he came and played one afternoon and in return invited Randall and I
to a recording session in Manhattan later that night. Maybe I?m A Leo was
their late bassist Alan Woody?s favourite song and apparently he used to
drive the rest of the band to distraction by playing it over and over again.
Warren thought it was a fitting song to do, so we did it. Gov?t Mule and
DP together? I?d go for that.

RG

Dave Gellis on 2003-01-16:
Roger,

I am writing to wish you well and check in after a long time. Hoping you are doing well and looking forward to seeing you sometime in the future. Please let me know when you are in the NJ area.

Dave Gellis
RG:

Hi Dave,

Thanks my friend, great to hear from you. We will be touring the US sometime
next year so I hope to see you then. I wish you all the best of luck.

P.S. For anyone reading this (and even for those who may not), the person
to whom this reply is being directed is a very fine guitarist; Dave and I
worked together on MASK, where he pulled out some unbelievable solos and
improvisations. I'll never forget the first (and only) take of Faking It ?
almost knocked me off my chair, bending the neck like that!

RG

marc on 2003-01-07:
HI Rog,
Just got your solo album snapshot on promo cant find it in the shops but what a fantastic album. Who is the singer?(s) and the fantastic guitarist in fact I like the Hammond and the funky drummer? What was you involvement? I produce music as well so I can appreciate the quality. I also had Les Binks at my studio which prompted me to listen to Butterfly ball, wow what a gem.
Hope to hear from you in the near future, Marc.
RG:

Hi Marc,

Thank you for the good thoughts. You can find the personnel in the Snapshot section of this site. Apart from picking the players, choosing the technical guys, booking the studio, writing most of the songs, playing bass and other instruments, singing one of the songs, fathering the singer of one of the other songs, co-producing the recording and designing the cover, I didn’t have much to do with it. 😉
My involvement was that it was my album. It’s good to be the king!
Glad you enjoy it. Les Binks – haven’t seen him in yonks, I hope he’s well - he plays great.

RG

Alex on 2002-12-24:
Why Deep Purple nicknamed Martin Birch as "The Wasp"?
RG:

Hi Alex,

I haven?t a clue, sorry. I?ll ask around though and if it is a good story I?ll post it.

RG

Raj Tiwari on 2002-12-20:
Dear Roger,

You were in production for a large period of time and if I remember correctly you have produced albums for Nazarath, Judas priest and Rainbow among other artists. My question to you is what do you think makes DP stand out amongst these other good bands and why does the band have such a large international following ( I am from India and have been a fan of the band since '82 )

Regards,

Raj
RG:

Hi Raj,

Of course it?s a danger to analyze things too much because... who knows? The one thing I do know about DP is that it has always been a band that?s about music, above all else. I learned a long time ago that DP was a band of musicians who wanted to be as ?natural? as possible. In other words all one had to be was oneself. It sounds simple, but sometimes the strongest things are the simplest. Throughout it?s life, DP has also had some really gifted musicians who love to play and are not motivated primarily by the trappings of show business. This can be as much a blessing as a curse, but at least it?s a blessing. We were also fortunate enough to have been present at the start of a new era, something that cannot be engineered, and as such gained some credibility for being forerunners.

RG

Frank Beltran on 2002-12-11:
Hello RG,

If you do decide to do some solo tour dates to promote Snapshot, a suggestion for a West Coast stop would be The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano (1 hour south of LA). I think this would be a good venue for you and your band. Don't take my word though! You can always ask Steve Morse, who usually plays there with the Dregs around the NAMM show.

On to the Questions:

Now that DP has solidified life after Blackmore, is there any chance that an official live release with Joe Satriani would be released? Also, how about any of the unreleased Joe Lynn Turner era DP (aka from the Battle Rages On or the "Hey Joe" live jam rehearsal). Is this something you would like to see happen some day?

Best Regards,

Frank

P.S. Please tell IG he's a fantastic harp player, I'd love to hear some more harmonica on the new record.
RG:

Hi Frank,

There was only one proper live recording with Joe in the band and that was during the Japanese tour when he had been playing with us for a few days. The quality of the recording is very good and we had hoped for a release of When A Blind Man Cries at that time but Joe (and his management) firmly refused permission for that because he felt that it was too early on in his relationship with us and that his playing sounded like he was feeling his way. I thought it was great but we have no choice but to respect his wishes. They might surface one day, who knows? AFAIK there were no decent live recordings of our time with JLT. I don?t think, certainly at this stage in our career, that we should be trying to find dodgy recordings of writing sessions, however interesting they may be to a few people, sorry.

RG

Jim Moley on 2002-12-08:
Hi Roger:

Could ask you a million questions, but I've learned quite a bit about Purple online. You still should write the official biography of the band when you have some spare time! You guys are still the best, and I wish more people would realize that. However, considering the quality of radio these days, it's a wonder any of the great classic rock bands, still together, can stay alive.
I have two questions:
1.When Purple reformed in 83-84, did you ever feel constricted by the band's legacy, or was the writing as free flowing as in the early 70's?
2.Can you comment on the drummers you worked with in Rainbow, as well as Ian Paice. I liked all of them, but I thought Chuck Burgi was a real sleeper. I didn't hear much from him after Rainbow, but he did a fantastic job on BOC's "Heaven Forbid".
Looking forward to the new CD.
RG:

Hi Jim.

1. Before the reunion I had the feeling that maybe we should leave Deep Purple where it had come to rest; maybe it was a seventies phenomenon and should be left that way. Two things happened; first I listened to a few boots and reassessed what I thought the band was all about. Then my curiosity got the better of me and I wondered if we could still do that years later. The first thing we did was to have a jam together. At that point I knew it would work. It felt like slipping on a favourite old sweater. No, we didn't feel constricted. At least I didn't.

2. I don't like comparing people, as far as I'm concerned they each had something great to offer. Cozy was, well, Cozy - charm, power, determination and tons of charisma. Bobby had a fantastic sound, stage presence, great hair, and was, and still is, one of the funniest men I've ever met. Chuck was reliable, cool, intelligent and a superb drummer. That's why I used him on Mask.

RG

Stefan Wennerberg on 2002-12-05:
Hi Roger!
First I want to say Happy Birthday! A couple of days late, but anyway I hope that You had a good birthday with many presents and cookies. Now to my questions:

Do You play the bass on the Elton John album "Madman across the water" as some rumours say?

When are You coming to Sweden again? To Sweden Rock Festival maybe?

Why are You not playing any stuff from Abandon anymore? I think Seventh heaven is one of the best songs in many years.

What do You have to say about Dream Theater? You toured with them in the states a couple of years ago.

Thanks in advance for the answers. I have thousands of questions, but as Arnold once said: I?ll be back!

Best Regards,
Stefan
RG:

Hi Stefan,

I did not play bass with Elton John, that was another Glover.

Don't know much about touring Sweden again but it will happen, it always does.

Thanks, I like Seventh Heaven as well and I hope we play it again. We played a lot from Abandon when it came out but unfortunately, most of the crowds we play to don't know it too well. There will be new stuff on the next tour though, new new stuff and new old stuff.

Dream Theater - fine musicians but they don't know how to spell theatre.

RG

Reno on 2002-12-04:
Hi Roger,Great web site.First of all I want to thank you . We came up to Big Flats New York and seen a great show .Dio,The scorps,and of corse DP Wow .Any way the next morning my frinds & I met you at the hotel resterant, you took time out to autograph a few things for us and after are morning feast you came back over to are table and thank us for comeing out to the show. This meant a lot to us here in PA. Cant waite for the next show. Just got the Snap shot cd and been playing it alot. ? Will there be another accidentally on purpose with Ian in the the future.? Or any thing with Ronnie james Dio and Mikey Lee Soule ? Elf used to play about twenty miles from where I live . Well thanks agin Roger for everthing. RENO.
RG:

Hi Reno,

Yes, I remember. Thanks for the good thoughts.

Another AOP? Quite possible but time is not on our side right now.

Ronnie and Mickey Lee have expressed a desire for an ELF reunion album and Ronnie asked me if I'll play bass on it. I told him I would be honoured and thrilled to do that. Again, the only problem is scheduling.

RG

Peter Cross on 2002-12-03:
Hi Roger,

Couple of three questions.

Do you think you could persuade Steve's SMB to consider supporting DP for the next UK tour. (It is possible because Steve has played in SMB and the Dregs on the same night on a bootleg I've heard).

Has Ian Paice EVER missed a Deep Purple gig ?

Will you tour SNAPSHOT over this side of the pond.

Cheers Peter Cross
RG:

Hi Peter,

I think Steve could be persuaded but that's not who has to be - it's the promoters and agents again. (That would be an interesting board game, Promoters And Agents - I can think of several scenarios that could turn up on a wild card!)

To my knowledge IP has never missed a gig.

I'd love to tour Snapshot everywhere but I have to take it one pond at a time.

RG

Maxime Cromps on 2002-12-01:
Hi,
First i want to thanks you very much for all the great music you always done and will done!
So my question:
What do you think about the Jon Lord's idea to make concert and bringing toghether the people who plays in DP?
I hope to see you soon in Belgium!!!
A belgian fan
max
RG:

Hi Max,

As I've stated before, I don't believe this was ever Jon's idea, it was a question put to him by a journalist that has been erroneously attributed to Jon, who probably answered, saying something to the effect that it would indeed be a dream. I don't think it could be a reality and I don't know what positive effects it could have, it's just pure nostalgia.

RG

Marcin on 2002-12-01:
Hello Rog,

thanks for this unique opportunity to ask you a couple of things!

1) Do you ever listen to DP albums recorded by other line-ups, without you being on board? If you do, what are your feelings?
2) Would you ever consider playing on one stage with Nick Simper or Glenn Hughes, for example if JL's idea of a special DP show with all former members came to fruition?
3) What were your feelings when IG announced leaving the group in the 70's? Did you initially intend to stay in the band regardless or did Ritchie immediately let you know he wanted to reverse everything?
4) What was your input in recording Big Ian's "Cherkazoo"?
5) Are there any recordings of Joe Lynn Turner's vocals to what later became "The Battle Rages On"? Or were all the tapes erased? It would be fascinating to listen to this stuff, just for comparison.
6) Didn't the band feel irritated with the neverending tours after Jon decided to quit?
7) Did you do anything special to make Don feel comfortable in a new band? Do you both talk to each other about the times spent together in Rainbow?
8) Would IG allow you & Steve to do some backing vocals on the new DP album 🙂 ?
9) If Episode Six were to reunite for a one-off gig, would you play with them? Have you been in touch with any of E6 members?
10) Do you consider exchanging music files via internet a threat for music business or a means of promotion?
11) Would you agree for a meeting with the Polish DP Fan Club while playing in Poland?

That's it for a good start 🙂
All the best, Roger, and hope to see you soon!
Marcin
Warsaw, Poland
RG:

HI Marcin,

(taking a deep breath...)
1) Yes, sometimes I have but not recently. I had a hard time listening to Burn but had to admit that Sail Away and Might Just Take Your Life were rather good. As the others came out I lost interest and have no particular feelings about them, good or not.

2) Probably not, there is no reason to. While we're on the subject, I don't believe Jon's dream has anything to do with Jon, as far as I know it was a question put to him by a journalist that has since been taken completely out of context and is now widely believed to be Jon's idea, which it never was.

3) Sad. Ian seemed very set on the course he had chosen. I had no thoughts of leaving - the band seemed to be falling apart around me and I was trying to keep it going. Ritchie never said anything to me about his plans.

4) Cherkazoo was originally four unconnected songs that I wrote with Ian earlier on (mostly he doing the words and myself doing the music). We made the demos, involving a few different musicians, two of whom I remember - Pete York and Paul Buckmaster - and only later did Ian elaborate on the idea and add more songs to make a concept piece of his own.

5) There were some writing sessions, I have not heard them since. There was nothing finalized, don't know what exists.

6) I am not irritated by touring. It is a privilege.

7) I cleaned his shoes, made sure his bed was made and heated some milk. Occasionally a memory or two comes up.

8) Allow? It's not that sort of set up. We would do backing vocals if it sounded good. In fact he has suggested it from time to time.

9) Time permitting, yes I would. I speak to some of them fairly regularly, others I have lost touch with. Things change.

10) Both. There is nothing wrong with giving something away. Taking it without permission is stealing, there's no other word for it.

11) Yes, time permitting.

RG

Thomas Higginz on 2002-11-30:
Hi Roger!

I've been following the great music of Purple since mid seventies. But (no offence) my main band has always been Nazareth. I know that you produced 3 of their all time masterpieces in the 70's. And I just wanted to compliment you for that. Splendid job!.
Now to my question; If asked again - would you take on the task of producing the upcoming Naz album? (2003). (This question I know many Nazfans is curious to read the answer to)
Now, good luck with Purple, and your new solo album. I will check it out soon - I promise!.

Cheers!
Thomas
RG:

Hi Thomas,

Nazareth were very good for me, and to me. I thoroughly enjoyed working with them, they are great guys. I wouldn't accept production work for purely nostagic reasons, I don't have time for that. In fact I don't have time for any production work right now. If I did have time, however, I would evaluate Nazareth the same as I would any band; whether or not I could add anything positive to the equation.

RG

Wolf Schneider on 2002-11-29:
Hi Roger,

Judging from your usual .sig quote, you're a fan of Randy Newman. Whom else do you find yourself listening to these days? Also, do you listen more or less than usual when nearing song-writing sessions, either to get ideas or to avoid inadvertently picking some up?

Hope the upcoming sessions are enjoyable for all; working with Michael Bradford should make for an interesting change...

== wolf
RG:

Hi Wolf,

Bob Dylan sits at the top of the heap, of course, his output remains the motherlode of stimuli for me. I don't listen to music as an end in itself, ie. to get inspired, but listening to him always gets my mind going. What do I listen to? Always a difficult question to answer. Here in LA I went to Amoeba Music the other day, so it would be illuminating to see what I came away with;

Alice - Tom Waits - I love Tom's voice character, ugly but lovely, and he's always got interesting lyrics (there's a song on here about a man born without a body, just a head and arms, who dreams of being a famous piano player; " I had trouble with the pedals, but I had a strong left hand, and I could play Stravinsky, on a baby grand". Anyway, he joins the circus, goes to Coney Island and ends up being famous and known as Table Top Joe.)

The Essential - Blind Willie McTell - Dylan championed him early on and I never got around to getting him in my blues collection.

Manic Moonlight - King's X - A highly underrated band but an acquired taste. I acquired it after hearing Gretchen Goes to Nebraska many years ago. Nice guys too, I meet them from time to time. Saw them play the old Ritz Ballroom in NY a dozen or so years ago, superb gig. Huge sound and impeccable harmonies, and just three of them!

Senor Blues - Taj Mahal - Great voice, great writing, great blues. This album has its share of fillers, although they are always good, but the opening track has to be one of my faves over the last couple of years, Queen Bee, which I was originally exposed to on an album called Memphis To Mali, a fabulous mix of African and American music.

Relish - Joan Osbourne - It was a used CD, they specialize these at Amoeba Music, and I got it for $5 and change. Sounds great. I bought it because I recently heard her perform live on the radio in NY and I was very impressed with her as a singer and a writer. She will last and is not just as good as her latest single. IMHO

Inspiration Information - Shuggie Otis - A collection of early stuff. I have the vinyl of many of these songs, two of which are classics I fell in love with in the 70s; Strawberry Letter 23 (covered by someone who had a hit with it in the 80s), I prefer the orginal, of course) and Ice Cold Daydream. He's a superb blues guitarist but he's also a multi instrumentalist and plays great bass. As it says on the back, "Shuggie Otis should have been a West Coast superstar, a genius, a musical wizard of the highest order." RB used to like him.

Songs For The Deaf - Queens of the Stone Age - I don't usually buy new bands, very rare in fact, but someone said they sounded like early DP so I thought I'd give it a listen. It was OK.

Anyway, that's what I came away with. I could go on and on about who I listen to but this answer has already taken up so much time I won't have time for breakfast!

RG

Todd Reed on 2002-11-29:
what was Ritchie really like to be around 24-7 everyday. He is my inspiration to play guitar and write in the style of Classic Rock with a flair of Classical music inverted into rock music. But i have been told he is a royal pain in the ass to deal with? What is your feelings on this matter?
RG:

Hi Todd,

I could not possibly answer this question - it's like, "have you stopped beating the wife?" It has built in assumptions. My feelings is everyone has the propensity to be a royal pain in the ass. In the early days we had a lot of fun, and RB, as well as being a wonderful musician, had a devilish sense of humour. I'm honoured to have worked with him, as with JL, IP and IG. And SM and DA.

RG

cn on 2002-11-23:
Hi Roger
Yesterday I bought the Machine Head DVD at Best Buy and i love it. Its great to see mark 2 back together (sort of) talking and having a good time reflecting. Its a shame that after all these years you 5 can't work out your differences and work together. In no way is this disrespectful to Steve cause I think he is a great guitarist and has brought alot of enthusiasm back to the band. However, I am concerned if SM's heart is really into this. I noticed in January 03 that Steve is doing a tour (mini or whatever) with the Dregs along the west coast to coincide with the NAMM ? show. I find hard to believe that how he can just turn it on for the new cd where his mind is elsewhere touring and performing for the Dregs. Its always been my experience that with anything in life, you have to put your heart and soul into a project. Ritchie, besides being overbearing, always had his heart and soul into whatever DP recorded. Hopefully I can be proved wrong. Anyway, good luck and maybe sometime in the future we can see RB involved in some capacity before its too late. That DVD was refreshing to say the least.
RG:

Hi cn,
I appreciate the positive thoughts on the Machine Head DVD, I happen to agree that it is one of the best of its kind that I’ve seen.
However, with the greatest respect, you are labouring under a false assumption;
That Steve does not put his heart and soul into the band. If he hones his skills at what is, after all, his passion, then that makes him a better performer/writer/participant in our band – as with any of us who dabble with other interests (and that includes all of us) he comes back from such activities refreshed and envigorated, and all the better for having worked ’on the outside’ so to speak.
Second ...ah, two false assumptions - that if we in Mark ll could ’work out our differences’ we would somehow be able to recapture something of what we had thirty years ago. Even if we had no ’differences’, that would be impossible (and who’s to say that it might not be worse than imagineable). DP is frozen in time for some, and that’s fine, but it is not for me/us, it is an evolving band all the time and one cannot help but evolve with it. The fact that one may prefer the younger DP to the, how shall I put it? – more mature DP – is fine, that’s opinion and everyone is welcome to an opinion, but what can a poor boy do - get young again? Pass the pills please. 😉
I know, I know, I’m taking it to extremes and what you really mean is if we were together now, at this time, would or could it be good based on the fact that it was good once? Try that out on an ex-wife!
Third ...ah, three false assumptions – that RB always put his heart and soul into whatever we recorded. I also have always put my heart and soul into whatever we record, and I don’t know of anyone in the band that doesn’t do the same, including Steve. In fact I don’t know any respectable musician anywhere who does not put their heart and soul into what they do.
Fourth... (is this getting boring?) – that ’a lot’ is one word.

Sorry to go on, I do appreciate where the question is coming from, but it’s all hypothetical isn’t it?

Nostalgia’s OK, in its place.

RG

Evi Ivan on 2002-11-21:
Hi Roger,
the most bassplayers play without plectron. You are one of them, why? You and Jack Bruce are my favourite bassplayers, what ist your favourite bassplayer? Did you start to record the new DP-Album? I?m so courious about yo
ur artworks and I hope I can admire it soon!!! I wish you are well, all the best to you......
in greatest admiration

Evi
RG:

Hi Evi,

I play with a plectrum because for me it is more precise, and earlier on I tried very hard to be tas together with IP as possible. Actually, I prefer the the more even and mellower sound when played with fingers, but a plectrum, or pick, gives it more attack, which is good for rock.
I don't have a favourite bass player but there are a few I admire; Jaco Pastorious because was so technically and emotionally gifted, Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney, John Entwhistle, George Porter Jnr. There are probably others that don’t come to mind right now. They know who they are!

RG

john oetomo on 2002-11-20:
hi dear Rog!

I have been a huge DP fan since the middle of 80?s. I prefer DP more and more than Beatles or Stones, because they rocked us like Rock n roll earthquake, what Beatles or Stones cannot afford it.

My question is: why did u only sing one track in your recent SNAP-SHOT album? I used to listen to your old songs in THE MASK album. And I love them so much.

PS: You along with Glenn Hughes are my fave Rock Bass heroes, much much much better than Paul Mc Cartney. He is nice guy, but technically underrated!

your long time ago fan
Jon
RG:

Hi Jon,

> why did u only sing one track in your recent SNAPSHOT album? I used to listen to your old songs in THE MASK album. And I love them so much.

I've always been wary of singing things myself when they could sound so much better sung by someone else. Thanks for the boost though, maybe I'll sing more in future.

> Paul Mc Cartney. He is nice guy, but technically underrated!

I think you might mean overrated. However, I've always liked his playing, and sometimes his writing. His simplicity is his strength. What he plays on Something, Paperback Writer, Lucy In The Sky, etc. is superb, tasteful and melodic. IMHO

RG

Peter on 2002-11-18:
Hello,
Mr. Glover,

first I want to thank you for all the music you made with Deep Purple and on your own, listening to it is part of my life since 1972 and I appreciate it.

My question:

I like very much the Glover-produced album "Calling Card" from Rory Gallagher. Sadly Rory died some years ago.

How was it for you to work with him? Do you still remember him? Do you think he could have worked with Deep Purple under some circumstances?

Thanks for your answer

Peter aka Dirty Dog
RG:

Hi Dirty Dog

Rory was a lovely guy, great sense of humour, and passionate about two things - music and drink. He was a very nice man who wanted to offend nobody. One day in the studio in Musicland, Munich, someone representing The Rolling Stones called and asked if the Stones could come down the studio after their concert the following night and use the place for a jam. I said no because we'd spent days getting the mic placements and didn't want that sort of upheaval. Rory didn't want to offend and asked me to call back and say we'd changed our minds. I was considering this when he debated with himself about whether the Stones would do it for us if it was the other way around, coming to the conclusion that they wouldn't, so forget it. Then again.... This went on for a long time before we reached a compromise and I called back offering them the studio as long as they wouldn't change any of our set up. We went to see them play the next night (The Meters were supporting) and afterwards went back to the studio to await their arrival. They never showed up - apparently Mick Jagger had an early tennis game and went to bed early.
Despite his great playing I personally couldn't see him in DP., although he'd have been a great guest on a track or two.

RG

Catrin on 2002-11-17:
Hi somebody (or everybody if this gets published),

I hope this form does not limit the number of characters; but I fear I have to steal some of your reading time;-) The questions I have actually deal with a remark about Eddie Hardin:

The album "Hardin & York: Still a few Pages left" (1995, rpm) features detailed liner notes about the past of the two. The phrase that is the cause for my questions runs as follows: "[...] the Butterfly Ball album in 1975 and its immense hit single "Love is All" (top 5 in France again in 1993 thanks to a soft drinks commercial soundtrack) for Eddie (with Roger Glover), [...]"

Ever since I first read that I thought about...
Did that bring you into any French chart shows (if so, why didn't you ever mention it)? Which soft drink (and why wasn't it used in other parts of Europe)? Did they ask you for using it or was it a straight record company deal? Why is it "Eddie with Roger" - did Eddie really write the song with you only assisting him (at least this is how the remark sounds to me)? Anything else?

Thanx for giving me at least the chance to ask;-)

Bye,
Catrin
RG:

HI Catrin,

I believe Love Is All has been in the French charts three times now, it was a hit when it first came out, it was a hit for Sasha Distel (who used my backing track), and it was a hit after the commercial a few years ago. Maybe it's been a hit again more recently, I don't know. I don't know why I didn't mention it, probably I supposed everyone knew.

> Which soft drink (and why wasn’t it used in other parts of Europe)?

No idea.

> Did they ask you for using it or was it a straight record company deal?

The latter. No one asked me.

> Why is it “Eddie with Roger”

Because it's his album and he can. The writing really was a joint effort (no seriously!)

> Anything else?

The first time it was out in it went gold, in Holland, I think. I didn't realize until last year that Ronnie James Dio was very miffed back then because it was his first gold record - and his name wasn't even mentioned on it! I felt bad and vowed never to do that again with a guest vocalist. Public apologies to Ronnie, (I've already made it up to him as best I could - I bought him a drink or two).

RG