Deep Purple Announces Abbotsford Concert with Kansas and Jefferson Starship
British hard-rock icons Deep Purple, renowned for timeless hits like Smoke on the Water and Burn, are set to deliver their signature heavy blues sound to British Columbia this autumn. The legendary group, which continues to feature original members singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, and drummer Ian Paice, will perform at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford on September 1. This marks the band's first tour in B.C. with new guitarist Simon McBride, who stepped in after Steve Morse's departure following a 28-year tenure.
New Lineup and Critical Acclaim
McBride brings an impressive musical background, including session work with Canadian folk group The Irish Rovers on their 2017 album The Unicorn, the Continuing Story. He also contributed to Deep Purple's latest release, 2024's =1. In a review for The Guardian, critic Michael Hann praised the band, noting that despite all members being in their late seventies, they are not just surprisingly good, but actually good. He highlighted new tracks such as Now You're Talkin' as standout moments in a setlist that spans the group's extensive career, proving that sometimes the old folks know best.
Support Acts and Concert Details
The Abbotsford show will feature two other giants of 1970s arena rock as support acts. Progressive rock band Kansas, famous for classics like Carry on My Wayward Son and Dust in the Wind, will join the bill. Additionally, Jefferson Starship, the successor to psychedelic pioneers Jefferson Airplane, will perform. Jefferson Starship achieved mainstream success throughout the 1970s and into the 1990s, eventually rebranding as Starship and scoring massive hits like We Built this City, co-written by Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin and composer Martin Page.
Concert Information:
- Date: September 1
- Venue: Rogers Forum, Abbotsford
- Start Time: 6:45 p.m., as listed on Livenation.ca
- Ticket Sales: Tickets go on sale April 2 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster
Canadian Tour Itinerary
The Deep Purple tour across Canada begins on August 15 at Scotiabank Centre in Halifax. Additional stops include:
- August 17: Place Bell in Laval, Quebec
- August 18: RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto
- August 19: Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, Ontario
- August 29: Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg
- August 31: Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary
This tour promises to be a nostalgic journey through classic rock history, featuring three iconic bands that have shaped the sound of generations. Fans in Abbotsford and across Canada can look forward to an evening of powerful performances and unforgettable music.
