On Monday night, I returned to the original classic rock era. My buddy Robbie Cohen and I went to see a triple bill that could have easily been put together in 1980: Jefferson Starship, Kansas, and Deep Purple at Place Bell in Laval. The age range at the show varied from 25 to 80, proving that classic rock continues to cross generations.
All three bands have gone through many lineup changes over the past 50 years. Jefferson Starship, which originally evolved from Jefferson Airplane and later became Starship during legal issues surrounding the name, opened the show. The only original member in this current incarnation is David Freiberg, who is an incredible 87 years young and is presently the oldest active touring rock musician. Lead vocals are fronted by Cathy Richardson, who does an amazing job belting out songs from every era of the band.
Jefferson Starship were the first band to hit the stage, and “hit” was definitely the key word. From song to song, it was hit after hit, from the old days, including “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” all the way to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” My favourite was “Jane,” a powerhouse song from beginning to end. They even played a song from their new album.
Up next was Kansas. While two members of the band have been part of the group for many years, this lineup was not the original Kansas. They belted out their hits, including “Carry On Wayward Son,” “Point of Know Return,” “Dust in the Wind,” and my favourite, “Play the Game Tonight.”
Kansas, a progressive rock band known for its musicianship, harmonies, and amazing jam solos, put on a great show. I especially loved the Leslie organ that is played throughout their music. It fills the sound so beautifully and engulfed Place Bell.
Deep Purple is a band that inspired countless guitar players to pick up the instrument, especially because of “Smoke on the Water,” an iconic guitar riff that has famously been banned from being played in many guitar stores.
They hit the stage with a great video telling the story of the band through the years. At the same time, they were there to promote their latest album, SPLAT!, which has just been released. They played three songs from the album, which, in my opinion, is true, back-to-the-roots Deep Purple.
Robbie Cohen and Stewart Rubin
Photo: Robbie Cohen
The show kicked off with “Highway Star, raw, rough, and powerful. The setup was very modest, with the drums actually on the stage, with no riser and no bells and whistles. Just pure rock and roll.
From song to song, Ian Gillan’s vocals got stronger and stronger. At 80 years old, he proves that rockers don’t get old; they just improve like fine wine.
Bassist Roger Glover, also 80, was a member of the original band and later returned to Deep Purple. His bass chugged along so powerfully that the seats seemed to vibrate beneath us.
Drummer Ian Paice, 78, has been in every version of Deep Purple since its inception. He hit the drums so hard that you could feel your chest vibrating.
Keyboardist Don Airey, 78, joined the band in 2002 after the late Jon Lord retired. A maestro on the keys and organ, Airey plays an instrument that has always been a major part of Deep Purple’s signature sound.
The youngster of the group is guitarist Simon McBride, 47, who joined the band in 2022 when Steve Morse left.
The set featured blazing guitar solos and a keyboard solo that had you mesmerized before leading into “Perfect Strangers.” That was followed by “Space Truckin’,” and then came the song everyone was waiting for: “Smoke on the Water.” One note, and everyone knew exactly what it was.
People jumped to their feet, and phones immediately came out to record the moment. A few nights earlier, in Long Island, New York, there had even been a special appearance by original guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who joined the band for “Smoke on the Water.” Even without him in Laval, the moment was magical.
Instead of making us wait for the encore, Deep Purple went right into the instrumental “Guinnesis,” a bonus track on the 7-inch vinyl box set version of their latest album, SPLAT!. The last song of the encore was the smash hit “Hush.”
Gillan then thanked the fans and proceeded to close the evening with an a cappella version of “Good Night, Irene.”
This was a fantastic show and a wonderful return to my vinyl days.
It just proves one thing: You are never to old to Rock and Roll!
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.