Europe guitarist John Norum joined Deep Purple on stage on Thursday night (23rd November 2017) at the O2 arena in London, for a run through the classic ‘Smoke On The Water’. Bolstering Deep Purple’s line-up to a two guitar band, Norum’s unannounced addition came on the final night of both bands’ joint UK run.
Photo: eonmusic.
By Eamon O'Neill.
Europe guitarist John Norum joined Deep Purple on stage on Thursday night (23rd November 2017) at the O2 arena in London, for a run through of the classic ‘Smoke On The Water’. Bolstering Deep Purple’s line-up to a two guitar band, Norum’s unannounced addition came on the final night of both bands’ joint UK run.
Having earlier played a set with his own band, lifelong Richie Blackmore devotee Norum stepped on stage with the classic rock originators as guitarist Steve Morse began the totemic riff one of the most influential rock songs of all time.
Exuding nervous energy as he jostled for space with some of his heroes, John soon appeared right at home, not least with his almost note-perfect take on Blackmore’s iconic solo.
Playing opposite Purple bassist Roger Glover, the Swede looked to be living out his boyhood fantasy, as singer Ian Gillan - with ample help form the capacity O2 crowd - sang the track’s infamous choruses.
Earlier in the evening, Europe, who have been playing as special guests to Deep Purple across the UK on their ‘The Long Goodbye’ tour, paid tribute to the band, with Joey Tempest telling the crowd; “A long time when we were punks living in Stockholm, Deep Purple showed the way with an album called ‘Made In Japan’”.
Going on to recall how the wide-eyed youths had caught Deep Purple at a date on their ‘Perfect Strangers’ tour in 1985, the singer continued; “We’re so honoured to be on this tour.”
Europe, who are currently on the road in support of new album ‘Walk The Earth’, are due to return to the UK with their own headline dates in Autumn 2018. Dubbed ‘Tour The Earth 2018’, the band are set to play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall as part of the trek. Tickets for all dates are available now.
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Europe ‘Tour The Earth 2018’ UK Dates.
Fri 14 Sep – Manchester, Academy
Sat 15 Sep – Glasgow, Barrowlands
Mon 17 Sep – Newcastle, Academy
Tue 18 Sep – Nottingham, Rock City
Wed 19 Sep – Birmingham, Institute
Fri 21 Sep – Cardiff, St David’s Hall
Sat 22 Sep – Portsmouth, Pyramids Centre
Sun 23 Sep – London, Royal Albert Hall
Mon 24 Sep - Brighton Dome
Europe guitarist John Norum joined Deep Purple on stage on Thursday night (23rd November 2017) at the O2 arena in London, for a run through of the classic ‘Smoke On The Water’. Bolstering Deep Purple’s line-up to a two guitar band, Norum’s unannounced addition came on the final night of both bands’ joint UK run.
Having earlier played a set with his own band, lifelong Richie Blackmore devotee Norum stepped on stage with the classic rock originators as guitarist Steve Morse began the totemic riff one of the most influential rock songs of all time.
Exuding nervous energy as he jostled for space with some of his heroes, John soon appeared right at home, not least with his almost note-perfect take on Blackmore’s iconic solo.
Playing opposite Purple bassist Roger Glover, the Swede looked to be living out his boyhood fantasy, as singer Ian Gillan - with ample help form the capacity O2 crowd - sang the track’s infamous choruses.
Earlier in the evening, Europe, who have been playing as special guests to Deep Purple across the UK on their ‘The Long Goodbye’ tour, paid tribute to the band, with Joey Tempest telling the crowd; “A long time when we were punks living in Stockholm, Deep Purple showed the way with an album called ‘Made In Japan’”.
Going on to recall how the wide-eyed youths had caught Deep Purple at a date on their ‘Perfect Strangers’ tour in 1985, the singer continued; “We’re so honoured to be on this tour.”
Europe, who are currently on the road in support of new album ‘Walk The Earth’, are due to return to the UK with their own headline dates in Autumn 2018. Dubbed ‘Tour The Earth 2018’, the band are set to play the prestigious Royal Albert Hall as part of the trek. Tickets for all dates are available now.
Like this story? Like us on FaceBook and follow us on Twitter for regular updates & more of the same.
Europe ‘Tour The Earth 2018’ UK Dates.
Fri 14 Sep – Manchester, Academy
Sat 15 Sep – Glasgow, Barrowlands
Mon 17 Sep – Newcastle, Academy
Tue 18 Sep – Nottingham, Rock City
Wed 19 Sep – Birmingham, Institute
Fri 21 Sep – Cardiff, St David’s Hall
Sat 22 Sep – Portsmouth, Pyramids Centre
Sun 23 Sep – London, Royal Albert Hall
Mon 24 Sep - Brighton Dome
