George Harrison Remembers His First Deep Purple Concert

George Harrison, legendary guitarist of The Beatles, was known for his eclectic musical interests and forward-thinking approach. From the experimental sounds of the Beatles’ later years to his own solo masterpieces, Harrison constantly embraced new genres and sounds.

Despite his wide-ranging taste, one major 1970s rock band eluded him for years: Deep Purple.

Meeting the Neighbours

In a 1987 interview with Warner Brothers Music, promoting his album Cloud Nine, Harrison shared that he didn’t encounter Deep Purple’s music until after their original frontman Ian Gillan had left in 1973. His first exposure came through his neighbors, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice, who lived nearby.

“They’re my neighbours, two of them, Jon and Ian. They live near me and I’ve known them now for probably 8, 9 years,” Harrison explained. “Yet they were so famous in the 70s, I got to know them in the period after they broken up before they reformed. So I never knew their music.”

Harrison had heard of hits like “Smoke on the Water” but never experienced the band live.

First Live Experience

Harrison eventually attended a Deep Purple concert in Sydney, Australia, bringing earplugs and a curious ear. He recalled enjoying the show and the humor of Ian Gillan, describing him as “really funny.”

“I really enjoyed the show. I sat on the stage for part of the show behind the loudspeakers and then I walked down and sat right on the center of the hall and it was not too loud. It was really funny, I liked it,” he said.

At one point, Harrison even joined the band on stage:

“They said ‘Hey! Here’s a guitar, come on!’ So I just went on and sang, I don’t know what it was, I was playing the wrong key but it didn’t seem to matter.”

Harrison’s Lasting Impression

Watching Deep Purple live left a lasting impression on Harrison. He admired Ian Paice’s drumming, Jon Lord’s organ skills, and Gillan’s entertaining stage presence. The experience highlighted Harrison’s lifelong openness to music and his ability to enjoy performances across genres, from rock to progressive and beyond.

Conclusion

George Harrison’s first Deep Purple concert was more than a casual show—it was a memorable encounter with talent, humor, and musical innovation. The Beatles guitarist’s story reminds us that even legendary musicians remain fans at heart, ready to be amazed by their peers.