A potent, no frills goodbye from Deep Purple follows a gothic extravaganza by Alice Cooper

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Outside of ruling the rock side of the radio dial throughout the 1970s, Deep Purple and Alice Cooper don’t have a ton in common, but that didn’t stop their double bill from being an explosive success, despite the obvious differences in presentation. “The Godfather Of Shock Rock” born Vincent Damon Furnier scored the first slot in front of a crowded pavilion but closed lawn at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, essentially presenting a gloriously gory play alongside hard rock favorites that stretch back to the late 1960s right up through 2017’s “Paranormal.”

Currently comprised of front man Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice, bassist Roger Glover, guitarist Steve Morse and keyboardist Don Airey, Deep Purple’s focus was on world class musicianship that was absolutely astounding from the booming opener “Highway Star,” to the Jon Lord dedication “Uncommon Man,” plus additional staples “Knockin’ At Your Back Door,” “Perfect Strangers” and “Space Truckin.’”

But beyond of the driving new cut “Paranoiac Personality,” it was exclusively a spooky trip down memory lane as the charismatic Cooper and his colorful crew cranked up “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “Billion Dollar Babies,” “Poison” and many more. “Feed My Frankenstein” was naturally accompanied by a massive monster and “I Love The Dead” came with an equally mandatory trip to the guillotine, though even without any special effects beyond sparks and streamers, “I’m Eighteen” and “School’s Out” could easily stand on their own as ageless anthems.

With the exception of maybe KISS, trying to top Cooper when it comes to spectacle isn’t remotely possible, so Deep Purple didn’t bother to try. Instead, the English band that’s bounced around hard rock, heavy metal, blues, progressive and psychedelic sounds turned in a no frills set supporting “Infinite” (its first release in four years), while also sending a wave as part of what’s being dubbed “The Long Goodbye.”

Currently comprised of front man Ian Gillan, drummer Ian Paice, bassist Roger Glover, guitarist Steve Morse and keyboardist Don Airey, Deep Purple’s focus was on world class musicianship that was absolutely astounding from the booming opener “Highway Star,” to the Jon Lord dedication “Uncommon Man,” plus additional staples “Knockin’ At Your Back Door,” “Perfect Strangers” and “Space Truckin.’” Yet it was the group’s primary guitar hero “Smoke On The Water” that lived up to its rightful place as the roaring finale, ensuring its legacy will carry on forever, whether or not this really is the final tour.

Edgar Winter Band warmed up the night with similarly superb playing chops, but everyone wasted so much time jamming during each selection, there was only room for five songs in a 45-minute time slot. Although the standard elements of “Free Ride,” his late brother Johnny Winter’s “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo” and “Frankenstein” were all enjoyable, the tinkering turned tedious and would’ve been better off in limited doses with at least a few more examples of the boogie and blues rocker’s abundant catalogue.

For additional information on Deep Purple, Alice Cooper and Edgar Winter Band, visit DeepPurple.com, AliceCooper.com and EdgarWinter.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre include Luke Bryan (Sept. 16); Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows (Sept. 17) and Brad Paisley (Sept. 23). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

Chicago Concert Reviews

We’ve got the Windy City covered.

A potent, no frills goodbye from Deep Purple follows a gothic extravaganza by Alice Cooper

Related Articles