“The banjo player took a hike”
Purple frontman Ian Gillan was always fond of calling guitarists “banjo players”. So anyone hearing the above lyric in Vavoom: Ted The Mechanic would have understood it was a sly poke at the band’s ex-guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Ted The Mechanic opened 1996’s Purpendicular, Deep Purple’s first album since Blackmore’s departure, and it introduced fans to their new guitarist Steve Morse. It’s instantly clear from the opening riff that this lineup of Purple means business. There’s a palpable musical chemistry with Morse and Gillan is in classic dirty form on a playful rocker that will have you wiggling in your chair. And best of all, the tricky opening riff where Morse makes electric use of a picking technique called… the banjo roll. See what he did there? Top man.
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
That was a great track from a great album! I need this one on vinyl Scott.
I always like the banjo 🪕 😂
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Unless there’s been a reissue I think this one would be pretty hard to find on vinyl
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Guess I will be waiting for the reissue at some point than 😂
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I aspire to one day be a banjo player – based on my skills on the instrument so far, I’d be more of a banjo enthusiast at this stage!
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Well, that’s the start of the banjo journey. How long have you been playing for?
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I’ve had the banjo for 10 years – I’m definitely still a guitar player with a banjo though!
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I didn’t wiggle in my chair Scott. Should I be worried?
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Maybe. Are you able to get up?
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That’s a little personal!
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Morse is a great addition. I’m a big fan of his playing. This is a nice selection.
However I do feel the quality of DP has slipped a little bit and I think it has to do with Ian’s melodies and lyrics on the last few albums.
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He was a great addition and it’s a shame he’s had to step down. But I agree with you on the quality. For a band of their vintage they do great but I’m not as excited about them as I used to be.
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