Metro, 8/24/06

In today's Metro: an interview with Deep Purple lead vocalist Ian Gillan (page 15). Yup, I chatted with the metal forefather about all things "Smoke On the Water," not to mention Pavarotti and still-simmering tensions (12 years later) with Richie Blackmore, as he vacationed at his villa in Portugal. All this in advance of an endearingly ridiculous show at the World Cafe Live. Not only were there more amps and equipment crammed onto that little stage than are usually there in a month; not only was there a drum riser that seemed to dwarf the room - all the better for the "Smoke" lead-in drum solo; but there was a local model who shimmied across the stage from time to time with hand-lettered cards announcing song titles like the round cards at a Vegas boxing match. Gillan himself was in fine scream - odd hearing that enormous voice emanating from such a human-sized body.