Rockdown
The Christmas season is perpetually tied to the turning of the year, and have little to do with each other other than proximity. But the greetings of the season will always instruct us to have both a “Merry Christmas” (or holiday) and a “Happy New Year”. My desire is that all the love, joy, and warmth of the former carries over into the latter.
A few notes…
Firstly, I was moved by all of you who sent me so many birthday greetings, I was touched by your warm messages.
Thank you also for your continued support; I feel your presence all the time and I certainly miss it. Our last performance was in Mexico in March when the stirrings of the pandemic were upon us. We went equipped with masks, disinfectant, etc. and countries around the world were talking about closing borders. My concern was that we might even be stranded. As some of you know, Don Airey couldn’t be there as he was in hospital, but at short notice, Jorden Rudess, of Dream Theater, stepped in and did a superb job. I’m happy to say that Don is now fully recovered. As we walked off the stage that night to the applause of thirty thousand people (how nostalgic is that?), I jokingly said, “Wouldn’t it be funny if this was our last concert”? I wish I hadn’t said it. But I’m feeling positive that that won’t be the case.
It’s more when than if.
Three people I’d like to remember. Rupert Hine, my life-long friend and inspiration since 1965, died in June and is sorely missed. He opened my mind in so many ways.
Skoots Lynden also sadly left us in June. He was a valued part of the DP crew and introduced me to Randall Bramblett, for which I’m truly grateful.
And an overdue remembrance of Professor Dominik C. Meyer, who died last year. He, along with Prof. Christian Gerber, performed brilliant surgery on my left shoulder seven years ago and saved my career. In his memory, the ResOrtho Foundation has just created the Meyer Award for innovation in musculoskeletal medicine. Well deserved.
The enforced break from touring has had many consequences. In my case, it’s given me time to work on my creative endeavours, make music, and most importantly be with my family, who sometimes wish I’d go away again, but I’m more than thankful to be in their company.
Everyone has their story of this year, some harder than others, but we’re all in pain. I wish everyone a happy and healthy season.
Good luck for 2021.
RG
21 thoughts on “Rockdown”
Hi Roger, Merry Christmas and a happy 2021. Whoosh is a great album. Cheers, Rob
Merry Christmas Roger. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy 2021. Hope to see you ack on tour.
Joe and Sue in Connecticut
I hope to see you again on stage!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Texas. Hope you take the stage soon.
Merry Christmas Mr Glover , had the pleasure of seeing
Purple twice in my 35 years both times where truly outstanding , as a bass player myself although i never tell many people . You’ve certainly been an influence take care
Merry Christmas, Roger. And Good Luck for 2021. Keep well and stay safe. Greetings from Germany.
You’re an inspiration to me. Hoping to see DP one more time down under (Perth). Thanks Roger
Looking forward to seeing the boys back out on Oz at some stage. Been way too long!! Love the new album too and the little video with Bob Ezrin and yourself!
I’ve been following you and the boys since 1969. I own everything the band released including solo albums by You, Ian and Jon. This has been a big part of my life and I appreciate your intelligent words and calm, gentle sense of humour over the years. Long may you Rock on Rog.
HI Roger.
It’s been a terrible year for losses and for the music industry. ( I’m a repairer.) I don’t know what I’ll be doing next year. It’s going to be hard for venues to survive. I hope things will improve with the vaccines coming out, but it may be a long time yet. Here’s hoping we get to meet up again.
Merry christmas and a happy year 2021 for you and the whole group. I’m glad that you are playing, that you are. I’ve been listening to you since forever, since winning your album in Poland was almost a miracle. I lived to see some changes and I am always at your concert in Katowice in Spodek, Poland. I think I will see you again. Regards Andrzej
I was there! It would be amazing that your first show after pandemic would be also in Mexico! Best regards dear Roger! Cheers to the band!
Rog, thank you for being there. Hope I can see you playing in Brazil as soon as possible. Thank you for what you refuse to call work. May you keep not working with that effect for as long as you wish. (I used to want to see Deep Purple playing even if you had to use canes or scooters, but now my knees are wiser.)
Happy and Healthy new year 2021.
Best wishes from Istanbul.
( Tickets are ready since 2019. But health is more important than everything. See you in healthy days… )
Bora Cetin
DPTURKIYE
Merry Christmas Roger & your family
Merry Christmas Roger x
Thank-you Roger. Have you been painting?
Long time fan Alan (also a painter and curator)
Merry Xmas Roger from your cousin in Melbourne xx
It is so gratifying to be able to read you and to be sharing the same wish.
I hope to see you again on stage.
We love you
Greetings Anabella from Argentina
Hi Roger, wishing you and your family a merry xmas, from your distant relations in Australia Graeme and Sandra xx
Merry Christmas, Roger. I am wondering whether you have had time to work on your memoir recently. We all would love to read it sometime in (near) future. Good luck for years to come!
Heikki S.