Deep Purple: A New Bassman — But Still No Singer

"PAUL RODGERS was asked to join us, but there were just too many things in the way. Apart from just the contractual side of it, he told us he would be letting down too many people that he respects and admires." Ian Paice told me last week, putting an end to the speculation that Rodgers would be Ian Gillan's replacement in the next version of Deep Purple.