SWEET’s Platinum Rare 2 will be released on July 25th via METALVILLE. The album is another rarity from the band’s catalog and will now be available in stores worldwide for the first time. Following on from Platinum Rare 1 comes another collection of extremely rare SWEET songs from Andy Scott’s private collection. All tracks on Platinum Rare 2 were recorded by the four original members of the glam/hard rock legends and are therefore a real highlight of any SWEET collection. Platinum Rare 2 was originally released as a strictly limited version for US record stores and is now available worldwide for the first time on LP and CD.
CD.Tracklisting
CD1: 1. Sweet – Action (Rough Mix) 2. Sweet – Identity Crisis (Outtake) 3. Sweet – Oh Yeah (Band Demo) 4. Sweet – Lies In Your Eyes (Rough Mix) 5. Sweet – Own Up (Instrumental) 6. Sweet – Strange Girl (Band Demo) 7. Sweet – Solid Gold Brass (Outtake) 8. Sweet – Too Much Talking (Instrumental) 9. Sweet – Cover Girl (Rough Mix) 10. Sweet – Need A Lot Of Lovin (Rough Mix) 11. Sweet – Lady Of The Lake (Rough Mix) 12. Sweet – Are You Coming To See Me (Band Demo)
CD2: 1. Sweet – Fever Of Love (Rough Mix) 2. Sweet – Breakdown (Outtake) 3. Sweet – At Midnight (Instrumental) 4. Sweet – Turn It Down (Rough Mix) 5. Sweet – Tall Girls (Rough Mix) 6. Sweet – Hey Mama (Rough Mix) 7. Andy Scott – Fox On The Run 8. Andy Scott – Love Is The Cure 9. Andy Scott – Where D’Ya Go10. Andy Scott – Make Up Your Mind 11. Andy Scott – Eye Games 12. Andy Scott – California Nights 13. Andy Scott – Lettres D’Amour 14. Andy Scott – Silverbird 15. Andy Scott – Stairway To The Stars
Holy Water was the 3rd studio album from the reformed BAD COMPANY, fronted by Brian Howe. The band had reformed in the mid ’80s, but with Paul Rodgers not involved, Howe was recommended by Mick Jones (Foreigner), who had his eye on Howe as a potential replacement to Lou Gramm.
Produced by Terry Thomas (ex CHARLIE), Holy Water featured 13 tracks, more than half co-written by Howe & Thomas, with the producer also co-writing a few others. Holy Water would become the most successful Bad Company album of this period, featuring 3 hit singles – “If You Needed Somebody”, “Walk Through Fire”, and the title track. Bad Company, during this era had adjusted to the times, with a more AOR, pop-rock approach, but still guitar driven (more so here), with blues feel at times on Holy Water (courtesy Mick Ralphs’ guitar); kinda like a heavier Foreigner (IMO), and a bit of that Def Leppard 80s glam-rock feel. Lyrically, not very original, nor much different to the types of things many other 80s acts were writing about (see above mentioned bands, Loverboy, etc..) This album included other favorites and potential singles, with songs like “With You In A Heartbeat”, “Stranger Stranger”, “Fearless” (that intro reminds me of that Damn Yankees hit….wonder which came first?), plus “I Don’t Care” and “Boys Fight Dirty”, The last song is the most different here, “100 Miles”, a tasteful acoustic ballad, sung by Simon Kirke.
I really liked this era of the band, never having been a huge Bad Co fan, I thought the albums with Brian Howe especially the latter 3, were good. A shame that Howe (and this era) doesn’t get more credit for keeping the band going, And very successfully. Songs from this period are not included on any Bad Company compilations, and barely mentioned at the band’s official website (and not positively). Recently Friday Music released a limited 35th anniversary turquoise colored vinyl of Holy Water. Friday Music also released a 2-CD Holy Water w/ Dangerous Age (the previous Bad Co album), with a few bonus tracks in 2013. (RIP Mick Ralphs and Brian Howe)
Holy Water PRODUCER: Terry Thomas Atco 91371 – Classic rockers follow up 1988’s certified -gold “Dangerous Age” with an invigorating set of hard -edged stompers, laced with blues and pop sensibilities. Title track /first single is a kicking, radio-ready anthem, as is “Boys Cry Tough,” both of which are highlighted by singer Brian Howe’s powerful pipes. Contrast comes from “If You Need Somebody” and “100 Miles” (sung by drummer Simon Kirke), a pair of well -sung, cliché -free ballads. (Billboard, 06/90)
BAD COMPANY If You Need Somebody (4:21) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe, Thomas PUBLISHERS: Warner Chappell /TJT Songs /Phantom /WB, ASCAP Atco 4 -98914 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Sensitive rock ballad is given depth and dimension by singer Brian Howe’s heartfelt performance. One of many fine tracks on the band’s current “Holy Water” set. (Billboard, 10/90)
BAD COMPANY Walk Through Fire (4 48) PRODUCER: Terry Thomas WRITERS: Howe. Thomas PUBLISHERS: Chappell /TJT Songs, Phantom /WB. ASCAP REMIXER: Larry Dvoskin Atco 4053 (c /o Atlantic) (cassette single) – Third helping from band’s excellent “Holy Water” album is an acoustic – softened pop /rocker that is fueled with a sing -along chorus and well – produced performances. Equally strong choice for top-40 and album rock radio formats. (Billboard, 1991)
DEEP PURPLE RELEASE REMIXED SINGLE “CLEARLY QUITE ABSURD” — FEATURING PREVIOUSLY UNHEARD INSTRUMENTAL TAKE OF “MTV”
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP — 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TO BE RELEASEDAUGUST 29 — PRE-ORDER HERE
As part of the upcoming Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, Deep Purple today release a new single: a newly mixed and remastered version of “Clearly Quite Absurd,” backed with a previously unreleased instrumental studio rehearsal take of “MTV.”
Roger Glover today recalls, “‘Clearly Quite Absurd’ is a very unusual Deep Purple song, which I like. We’ve always liked being unusual. We don t follow traditions, really. We are just who we are at a specific time.”
The single’s B-side, “MTV (2005 Studio Jam),” is a previously unheard instrumental take from an early rehearsal session — with Don Airey, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice running through a track that later appeared as a bonus on select editions of Rapture of the Deep.
The single is a preview of the Rapture of the Deep — 20th Anniversary Remix, out worldwide on August 29, which includes a brand new mix of the full album, revised artwork, and a bonus disc filled with rare studio rehearsals and instrumental jams.
The album will be available as 2CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
There is a brand new video from BADFINGER’s HeadFirst, which was officially released (CD & vinyl) nearly 50 years after its recording.
“Keep Believing”, another classic Pete Ham cut, follow video releases for “Moonshine”, featuring Tom Evans & Bob Jackson sharing lead vocals, and the Mike Gibbins ballad “Back Again”.
One of the best (well, my favorite) and most surprising recent releases. Check it out if you haven’t!
What grew from the John Wetton memorial concert in 2023 to last year’s North American tour, now sees Geoff Downes’ new line-up of ASIA signing to Frontiers, with a new album expected next year. I saw the band last year, and really liked it. New singer/bass player Harry Whitley is a great choice to front the band, he has a voice not far off from John Wetton’s, and he is young, enthusiastic, and sincere in performing the band’s classics; so a new album (despite no Carl Palmer or Steve Howe) sounds fine by me! Check out the press info and links below. Hopefully someone recorded one of last year’s shows for live release (but, who knows!?)
Scruffy Bear Media
Frontiers Music Srl proudly announces the signing of legendary English rock supergroup ASIA, for an exciting new chapter in their celebrated history.
2024 was the Year of the Dragon – and with it came a powerful rebirth: a new ASIA lineup featuring founding member, keyboardist Geoffrey Downes, acclaimed drummer Virgil Donati, virtuoso guitarist John Mitchell, and stunning vocal newcomer and bassist Harry Whitley. This new chapter promises to reignite the band’s iconic spirit, stepping into a promising new creative era.
Founder member, songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Geoff Downes expressed his excitement for the signing:
“ASIA is thrilled to have recently signed a new deal with Frontiers Music Srl. Having been loyally supported by the label throughout the ASIA reunion period from 2005-2015, we are now entering an exciting new chapter in the band’s 45-year history with a sequence of live albums, DVDs & a brand new studio album scheduled for a 2026 release. It’s very much a homecoming for the band, and so we are greatly looking forward to a long and fruitful partnership with them in the future. Watch this space!”
Mario de Riso, A&R and Business Affairs VP of Frontiers, commented:
“So proud and excited for the label to be able to bring back this iconic band. There was certainly unfinished business to deal with and, thanks to this fabulous new line-up, new music from ASIA can now come to fruition. It will be a blast!”
In the Summer of 2023, Geoff Downes spearheaded a memorial concert to remember and celebrate the life of his late, much-loved friend and ASIA co-founder member, the great John Wetton. At the concert, he invited rock ‘n roll veteran John Mitchell, who had played with both Wetton and Downes in Icon and in Wetton’s own band, to join him on stage, taking on lead guitar duties. The duo was joined by newcomer Harry Whitley, whom Downes had discovered and whose vocal talents so closely resembled those of Wetton’s, it was nothing short of spine-tingling.
In 1982, John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer, and Steve Howe became the founding fathers of supergroup ASIA, responsible for a string of multi-million-selling albums and chart-topping hits across the globe. ASIA’s self-titled 1982 debut album was the biggest-selling album in the world that year. The band dominated the airwaves and for many, “Heat Of The Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” and “Sole Survivor,” amongst others, were the soundtrack to their youth.
Another multi-million seller, “Alpha” followed in 1983, and in 1986 “Astra” completed the trio of MTV era hits. Greg Lake briefly joined the band for a Japanese tour, where ASIA’s show from the fabled Budokan was the first intercontinental simulcast.
In 2006, the founding members reformed ASIA and released several new albums before John Wetton’s untimely passing in 2017. Since John’s passing, Geoff and Carl have toured with Sam Coulson, Billy Sherwood, Ron Bumblefoot Thal, and Steve Howe guesting.
Busy touring the globe, Carl Palmer is now immersed in a project very dear to his heart, the ‘Return Of Emerson Lake & Palmer’, while the legendary Steve Howe remains at the helm of progressive rock legends, Yes. So, Geoff made the decision to take a fresh, new-looking ASIA back out on the road, recruiting Mitchell and Whitley as new members and bringing in the drumming excellence of the incomparable Virgil Donati, who had played with Wetton in the UK.
ASIA has entertained and delighted a multitude of audiences over the last forty years. Some of the world’s greatest musicians have taken up the ASIA baton during that time. However, Geoff Downes believes that the time is right to bring a fresh, new-looking ASIA out into the light.
The Year of the Dragon foretells good fortune, abundance, and prosperity. The Dragon blessed 1982, the year ASIA was first unleashed into the world, and now the journey has come full circle. Time for the dragon to take flight once more.
• DELUXE 2CD / MULTI REGION BLU RAY VIDEO AND DVD VIDEO DISC CLAMSHELL BOXED SET RELEASE OF THE CONCERT STAGED AT G-LIVE IN GUILDFORD ON 4 DECEMBER 2023 TO REMEMBER THE ACCLAIMED FRONT MAN OF PROCOL HARUM.
• FEATURING ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW, ROGER TAYLOR, MIKE RUTHERFORD & PAUL CARRACK, JOHN ILLSLEY (DIRE STRAITS), MIKE SANCHEZ AND MEMBERS OF PROCOL HARUM AND MORE.
On 4 December 2023, many illustrious names from the world of rock music gathered together to perform a concert to remember the legendary Gary Brooker, acclaimed front man of Procol Harum and solo artist. Gary sadly passed away in February 2022 and left an incredible musical legacy. His many musical friends and admirers came together to stage this concert to celebrate Gary’s wonderful music and life and also to feature some of the music which he enjoyed.
A stellar gathering of musicians including Roger Taylor (Queen), Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike & the Mechanics), Paul Carrack (Mike & the Mechanics, Ace), Andy Fairweather Low, John Illsley (Dire Straits), Mike Sanchez, Gary’s band mates from Procol Harum and many more, staged a fantastic sold-out concert at G-Live in Guildford which raised funds for two charities close to Gary’s heart, The Royal Marsden and Cure Parkinson’s.
This clamshell boxed set features the entire concert on CD and also multi-region video Blu- Ray and DVD and is a marvelous document of this memorable evening, with some funds from the release also going to The Royal Marsden and Cure Parkinson’s charities.
“More than three years in the making, the 6CD box set will arrive in fans hands by October 24. You can pre-order NOW, with the full digital delivery due next month.”
‘Peaced Together’ is a 6CD box set in a ‘fat-pack’ jewel case, limited to strictly 500 units worldwide and priced at $99 (including worldwide shipping).
Since 2022, Carl Dixon and MRC CEO Andrew McNeice have been swapping files, sourcing audio, digitizing tapes, reels and DATs and then starting over again with new improved files. JK Northrup has been involved all along the way, adding his thoughts and overseeing the remastering of every track.
Carl Dixon states: “PEACED TOGETHER is in part the realization for me of every artist’s dream; that people care about your work and want to share it with the world. It is, I hope, part of its charm that this project is based largely on music that has never gone through the stages of refinement, polishing and presentation to the world in big-bucks album releases. This collection consists of my unreleased musical works save one or two exceptions. It spans many years and veers across different styles and genres, some more fashionable now than others, but I’m pleased that I can hear elements of my true self throughout. Some of these works were rerecorded for inclusion in album projects but most remained known only to me and to those who helped make them. I am delighted to now have these many “hidden gems” released out into the wide world by Andrew McNeice and MelodicRock Classics. I hope they bring a measure of joy to all who choose to spend time listening. Rock on wit’ ya bad selves!” ~ CD. 2025
Carl Dixon is of course the world renowned Canadian guitarist, singer and songwriter, who has been fronting CONEY HATCH since 1981 as well as releasing 6 solo albums and writing with a whole host of chart topping artists along the way.
The 6CD set will be broken up into the following categories: Disc 1 – Anthems Volume 1 Disc 2 – Anthems Volume 2 Disc 3 – More Rock & Some Roll Disc 4 – The Softer Side Disc 5 – A Little Centre of Left Disc 6 – Tracks That Can’t Be Left Behind
These songs come from a variety of sources and eras, but it’s best left to Carl to expand on his earlier comment:
“The one hundred-plus tracks on ‘Peaced Together’ are evidence of a life spent in song writing whenever and however it could be done. From my earliest studio demos with my high school chums, to the most recent DAW creations from my home studio, it’s all expressing something that I thought needed to be said. We all write, sing and play our personalities through our art. Here lies AOR Rock in various stages of development, sure, but there’s so much more in addition. Some of the AOR stalwarts who appear on Peaced Together as co-writers and performers include Stan Meissner, Marc Ribler, Van Stephenson, Brett Walker, Taylor Rhodes, Kevin Savigar, Marc Ferrari, Steve Shelski, Jack Conrad and Steve Plunkett and that’s just Disc 1! Harry Hess turns up in two songs we recorded during the run-up to the debut Harem Scarem album; that’s his unmistakable voice you hear on Too Much Paradise. Songwriters are generally an affable, collaborative bunch and I learned much from all of my partners over the years. Special mention must go to Van Stephenson who was very kind and instructive in his gentle way when I was a greenhorn turning up in Nashville for the first time. Four of these songs are my collaborations with him. Uniquely, eight tracks included here are collaborations with my father Ron Dixon, based on his poems and writings. Something of him endures through the music. A VERY wide range of styles and approaches is heard on ‘Peaced Together’. Nashville, New York, L.A., San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Toronto and smaller communities; I travelled far and wide to meet great people and make these songs. There’s lots of rock as you might expect with my history but also pop, blues, country and funk. Sometimes they were just for fun, sometimes it was like trying on a stylish hat to see if it looked good on me. I’m proud of all of these tracks, else I would not have put them out on display like this. It’s crazy to me that we haven’t emptied the cupboards to make this collection.”
All pre-orders will receive the complete audio package well in advance of the physical delivery, and is the only way to guarantee a copy of this amazing set of songs in a one-off pressing. It’s hoped most regular MRC retailers will carry copies of the set, but pre-order here to be guaranteed and get the full advance audio delivered soon.
The full track listing is as follows:
DISC 1 01. Buried Alive 3:18 02. Walk Through The Fire (Demo) 3:50 03. Cloud Of Love 5:16 04. Good Time To Be Bad 3:35 05. Don’t You See 3:20 06. I Believe In Angels 3:59 07. Love Strikes (Demo) 4.00 08. Edge Of A Heartbreak 3:41 09. Hold Your Fire 3:06 10. Kid Blue 3:21 11. Leap Of Faith 4:20 12. Love’s Gonna Take Some Time 3:18 13. Hot Streak Gone Cold (Demo) 3:35 14. She’s A Touch Like You 4:05 15. If Love Could See Me Now 3:44 16. Until The Dawn 4:13 17. Hard To Leave 4:03 18. All I Want 3:56 19. Fight For Your Love (vocal Jimmy Lawrence) 3:50
DISC 2 01. Fuel For The Fire 3:52 02. Against The Night (Demo) 3:51 03. Fools Paradise 3:03 04. Goodbye To A Good Thing 3:36 05. From Here On 4:51 06. Come My Way 3:39 07. Might Have Been 2:59 08. Here Comes Trouble 3:42 09. Taste Of Love (Demo) 4:33 10. Up To No Good 4:03 11. Animal Attraction 3:46 12. Bad To The Bone (vocal Andrew Elt) 4:12 13. Bad Seed 3:33 14. No Middle Ground 4:42 15. Shadow (Demo) 4:05 16. Magic Happens 3:54 17. Treacherous Emotions (Demo) 3:49 18. To The Love 4:13 19. I’m Rattled 2:39
DISC 3 01. A Fool in Love 3:30 02. Giving Up The Ghost 4:25 03. Too Much Paradise (vocal Harry Hess) 4:05 04. Across the Great Divide (Demo) 5:51 05. Knee Highs 5:38 06. To Fall In Love 3:18 07. Old Testament Rock 3:11 08. Don’t Walk Away Dreaming 4:35 09. Trust Me 4:09 10. Hot Florida Sunshine 4:55 11. Busted (Demo) 3:48 12. Illumination 3:49 13. Around and Around 3:22 14. Little Dancing Queen 3:58 15. I Know How to Treat a Lady (vocal Jimmy Lawrence) 3:42 16. Little Dreamer 3:58 17. Only a Fool 3:50
DISC 4 01. Can I Love You 3:34 02. Younger Generation 5:09 03. Where Do I Begin 4:06 04. Dreams Gone 2:25 05. Easy Words 3:59 06. Don’t Disappoint Me 2:58 07. Don’t Turn Out The Light 3:39 08. Song From The Island 3:04 09. Goodbye Eyes 4:59 10. Might Still Be in Love 3:15 11. Just Because 3.42 12. How’s Your World Spinning 3:55 13. Tell Her I Called 3:24 14. Green Diamond 3:00 15. Until The Dawn 3:57 16. Same Moon Shining 2:56 17. Thought It Would Be Fun (Demo) 3.49
DISC 5 01. Can’t Lose (What You Never Had) 4:17 02. Just a Few More Hours 3:08 03. Waiting In The Wings 3:27 04. Jacob & The Pig 3:39 05. That’s Right 3:11 06. Seven Day World 3:23 07. Angel On Main Street 2:50 08. Get Whatcha Wanna 3:24 09. Missing You 3:56 10. I Want You 3:53 11. Showtime 3:33 12. Stand Together (Female Vocal Jessica Benoit) 4:26 13. It Is What It Is 4:01 14. Was Your Heart Broken 4:03 15. Strange Way To Live 4:05 16. Keep Your Control 4:04 17. Behind the Open Door (Demo) 5:44
DISC 6 01. Together Takes Us Any Place 2:46 02. Make Up Your Mind 3:05 03. So Much Love 4:01 04. When I Remember 4:19 05. By My Side 3:17 06. Look For Me In Dreamland 2.53 07. It’s A Wonder 2:26 08. Just A Girl I Used To Know 3:35 09. She Breaks Your Heart 3.16 10. Strayed And Stolen 3.28 11. The Gizmo In My Head 2:24 12. Take It Out In Rock ‘n Roll 2:09 13. The Big 3-OH 3:14 14. Prisoner (with Jessica Palmer & Jessica Benoit) 3:31 15. Walk in Clouds 2:34 16. I’d Never Have Fallen 3:39 17. Theme from Tornado Hunters 0:45 18. Hendrix Tornado 0:53 19. The Blood Rises (Demo) 4:26
Carl here: – Some of these songs were written when I was this young!
The BOLTON IRON MAIDEN released 2 CDs years back, comprising of their studio & live tracks made back in the early-mid 70s, back before another band used the name and went on to become one of the biggest bands in Heavy Metal. BIM, then just known as ‘Iron Maiden’, were the 2nd British band to use the name at the time (before Steve Harris came along). Now from the band’s recordings comes a very limited vinyl release of their music, just 7 tracks, with a new cover (to the CDs). Check it out. And check out my previous features on the band, including an interview with Paul TJ O’Neill!
*Available on black vinyl (+ special edition) and colored vinyl.
Details:
Active between 1970 and 1976, the Bolton Iron Maiden (originally known as Birth and then Iron Maiden) was a psychedelic hard-rock band formed in Bolton by Ian Boulton-Smith (Beak) on lead guitar, Derek George Austin on bass and Paul TJ O’Neill on drums / vocals.
Influenced by contemporaries like Led Zeppelin, Cream, Free, Groundhogs or Andromeda, their music blended blues, hard rock, and progressive elements.
They soon built a strong reputation supporting acts such as UFO, Bedlam (with Cozy Powell), Caravan, Thin Lizzy…
In 1976, the band disbanded following the death of guitarist Ian Boulton-Smith from cancer.
In 2005, Paul O’Neill revived interest in BIM by releasing two albums, “Maiden Flight” and “Boulton Rides Again”, which compiled studio and live recordings. The proceeds from these albums were donated to Cancer Research and Macmillan Cancer Support. With the blessing of the more famous Iron Maiden and their manager Rod Smallwood, the band adopted the name “The Bolton Iron Maiden” to avoid confusion.
For the first time on vinyl, “Maiden Flight” collects their previously unreleased studio recordings from 1972 plus raw as live tracks circa 1975.
Insert with detailed liner notes and rare photos / memorabilia. Download card with extra (live) bonus tracks.
The band formed and lead by British guitarist, songwriter & producer Mick Jones was something of a ‘supergroup’, and who’s massive success started with their 1978 debut album, Jones had previously recorded 3 albums with SPOOKY TOOTH, as well as played with Leslie West. Ian McDonald had been in KING CRIMSON, (drummer) Dennis Elliott had recorded a number of albums with British band IF, and relatively unknown singer Lou Gramm had recorded 2 albums with Rochester based BLACK SHEEP.. Prior to the 3rd album, bass player Ed Gagliardi was replaced with Pete Wills, who’d played with Peter Frampton, among others.
While Foreigner and Double Vision had elements of prog on them, and were very 70s sounding (in retrospect), Head Games took on a bit of a fresh modern AOR / hard rock approach. It’s like a big step forward into the ’80s, with the production. The first hit single off this album was the hard-rockin’ lead off track “Dirty White Boy”, while the hit (single) title track lead side 2. But beyond these 2 stand-outs, Head Games featured a number of classics such as “Love On The Telephone”, “The Modern Day” (sang by Mick Jones), the ballad “Blinded By Science”, and the classic closing cut “Rev On The Red Line” (the best song here, IMO). The record went to #5 in Canada and the US.
Head Games was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, Mick Jones, and Ian McDonald, with Jones writing (or cowriting with Gramm) almost every song and being credited for ‘musical direction’ .
Head Games is my most played album of the band’s catalogue, and although Foreigner 4 was their massive hit (#1) album, I thought it all downhill after this, as the band dropped 2 members (becoming ‘4’), and going in a more pop and ballad direction. 4 I liked, though I don’t need to hear “Juke Box Hero” or “Waiting For A Girl Like You” ever again, Agent Provocateur I just never got into.
Originally released in October of 2005, DEEP PURPLE’s Rapture Of The Deep was the 4th of the Steve Morse era, and my favorite (up until then) after Purpendicular. It included favorites like “Wrong Man”, “Money Talks”, “Don’t Let Go”, and the ballad “Clearly Quite Absurd”. So (see press info below), Rapture Of The Deep has been remixed, with added tracks, and colorful new artwork!
Deep Purple‘s Rapture of the Deep turns 20 – and it’s celebrated with a complete remix and remaster, striking new artwork, plus a bonus CD/LP featuring never-before-released recordings.
It’s no secret that Rapture of the Deep isn’t the first album that comes to mind when listing Deep Purple’s classics – and while it was met with interest at the time, it gradually faded from view. Despite solid sales, the album arrived during a period when there was little spotlight on the world of classic rock, and over the years, Rapture of the Deep developed into an overlooked chapter in Deep Purple’s rich discography.
It’s equally true that this record, and the story behind it, marked a turning point — the quiet beginning of a run that would eventually lead to four consecutive No. 1 albums (2013, 2017, 2020, 2024) and the kind of success few bands experience even once, let alone decades into their career.
New insights by Kerrang! founder and Classic Rock magazine writer Geoff Barton pull back the curtain on a time when Deep Purple were navigating an uncertain era in the music industry that saw the downfall of many once-great artist careers — and unravel the strange chemistry that gave birth to Deep Purple’s 18th studio album.
As bassist Roger Glover reflects, “We were going through a bit of a hard time when we started the songwriting and production of Rapture of the Deep and, strangely enough, we didn’t have a record company at that point. Let’s face it, we were a bit lost (…).”
But from that uncertain moment emerged an album bursting with sharp songwriting, masterful playing, and pure Deep Purplegrit.
Now, newly mixed with the supervision of Glover, analogue-mastered at renowned Chameleon Studios in Hamburg, and presented with bold new artwork, Rapture of the Deep finally shines with clarity and color. “It’s a new album now to me,” says Roger Glover. Fans will hear it blooming for the first time.
This new edition also includes a bonus CD/LP featuring previously unreleased instrumental takes and studio rehearsals recorded during the songwriting process — providing a rare, unfiltered insight into the band’s creative work in the studio. Captured on multi-track in 2005 and mixed for the first time in 2025, it’s one of those rare instances where recordings resurface decades later from archives long thought lost.
Among the highlights is the track “Closing Note,” a never-before-heard piece by former guitarist Steve Morse — recorded during the album sessions and now officially released for the first time.
These tracks are available exclusively on all three physical formats — CD Digipak, 3LP Vinyl (black, 180g), and the strictly Limited 3LP Transparent Sky-Blue Vinyl.
With Deep Purple riding high on the success of their latest No. 1 record=1, the time is right to (re)discover the album that set the path for Deep Purple in the 21st century.
Photo Credit: Bruce Payne Deep Purple in 2005 — Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Roger Glover, Steve Morse.
RAPTURE OF THE DEEP 20TH ANNIVERSARY REMIX TRAC KLISTING: CD + LP: “Money Talks” “Things I Never Said”* “Rapture of the Deep” “Clearly Quite Absurd” “MTV”* “Back to Back” “Wrong Man” “Girls Like That” “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” “Don’t Let Go” “Junkyard Blues” “Before Time Again”
*Not on original studio album
BONUS LP+CD 2005 Studio Jams & Rehearsals: “MTV” “Money Talks” “Back to Back” “Before Time Began” “Closing Note”** **Unreleased instrumental track by Steve Morse
Outsider Rock 