Glenn Hughes, the iconic “Voice of Rock” and former bassist and singer of Deep Purple, recently took to the stage at Finland’s Tuska Festival to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Deep Purple’s legendary album, “Burn.” The concert, which took place on June 30, showcased Hughes performing classic Deep Purple hits, including songs from the MKIII and MKIV eras.
Accompanied by his talented band, consisting of Søren Andersen on guitar, Ash Sheehan on drums, and Bob Fridzema on keyboards, Hughes delivered a memorable performance that truly captured the spirit of the album. The JukkaL YouTube channel even uploaded a video of the entire concert, allowing fans who couldn’t attend the festival to experience the magic.
The reminiscences shared by Hughes about the recording process of “Burn” added an extra layer of nostalgia to the event. Reflecting on the album’s creation, Hughes recalled the joy of collaborating with his fellow bandmates in the historic Clearwell Castle in the Forest of Dean Gloucestershire, UK. They worked tirelessly each day, composing and refining songs in the crypt beneath the castle’s great hall, with the title track being the last one to come together during a magical late-night session.
The impact of “Burn” on Deep Purple’s discography cannot be overstated. Released in 1974, the album marked the introduction of David Coverdale on vocals and Hughes on bass and vocals, bringing an infusion of soul and funk into the band’s hard rock sound. The opening track, “Burn,” immediately grabs listeners’ attention with its power and intensity, effectively setting the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks, such as the slow-burning blues masterpiece “Mistreated,” further cement “Burn” as a must-have for any avid music enthusiast.
Upon its release, “Burn” achieved significant success, reaching No. 3 on the UK albums chart, No. 9 on the US Billboard 200, and even reaching No. 1 in several European countries. In 2004, the album was remastered and re-released with bonus tracks, including the previously unreleased gem “Coronarias Redig.”
Glenn Hughes’s tribute concert at Tuska Festival was a fitting celebration of the enduring legacy of Deep Purple’s “Burn.” Fans were treated to a captivating performance that not only honored the album’s history but also showcased the timeless power and influence of the songs themselves. For anyone looking to embark on a sonic journey through the annals of classic rock, “Burn” remains an essential addition to their music collection.
