Ian Gillan

THE THIRD VERSION OF DEEP PURPLE TO FEATURE Ian Gillan on lead vocal has just toured the world. Shortly before the Japanese leg, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore left the band yet again, so the dates concluded with Joe Satriani filling in on guitar. Steve Moss from Dixie Dregs has been recruited for the next album. In the meantime, Gillan is working on a second book – following the autobiography published last year – and anticipating the release of a CD of rock classics performed by his very first group, Hounslow's own Javelins. They last played together in 1963.