Deep Purple =1, the 2024 Noise11 interview with Simon McBride

=1 is the 23rd album for Deep Purple. It is also the first Deep Purple album for Simon McBride.

Simon joined Deep Purple replacing Steve Morse who had been with Deep Purple since 1994.

=1 features the Deep Purple line-up of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Simon McBride with producer Bob Ezrin who has had more than a decade producing the band.

Simon McBride spoke with Noise11’s Paul Cashmere.

[mikejuchem]

Amazing guitarist! Perfect fit for the band ! What an album ! Seen them on tour in New York and the concert was great ! 👍.

[mikaellofgren]

Hurray for Simon McBride so happy he ended up in Deep Purple. Fenomenal guitar player.

[cornucopia]

New album is fantastic. Absolutely amazing. Superbest.

[micolsen]

I can't think of any songs that I would want cut out... Strong album. Thanks Simon!!

[ronniebridgett]

I can't stop playing the new album! Every track is a winner! Simon is a great fit for the band and the energy, ideas and musicianship are awesome. Deep Purple was the first band I ever saw back in the Seventies and this new material is every bit as exciting as the stuff I grew up with. I really hope they work on a new album at the end of the year.

[brianglenn]

Great Interview
New Album Super
Timeless

[RZmedia]

It's a great album and I can see "Show Me" being their new show opener. So much to like about this album.

Loved everything they did with Steve and will miss him, but Simon seems to fit in perfectly.

[brettengland]

I must say that Simon's tone is stellar. Huge, fat tube bite. In fact, I think it's the best tone Deep Purple has ever had. "=1" is also Deep Purple's best album.

[artsmithdrums]

Cracking album, best since Ritchie left, Simon has given us back the Deep Purple sound. He’s not Ritchie, or Steve, but his style and tone fits so perfectly and sonically with classic Purple. Lazy Sod sounds like a classic MK 2 track.

[cadle]

When Steve left I spoke to Ian about Simon being the perfect replacement.

[gerh]

Simon may well be an actual Saint!🤔 But I’m biased😁🇮🇪🇮🇪

[guillaumechabason]

A wonderful musician on every aspect
I compare Simon to Jay Graydon in another genre of music

[yellingelk]

It's good to see Purple's got a bit of a spiky, opinionated, individualistic type of character back on guitar. A rock band needs a bit of push and pull. If everything is totally harmonious, with little friction and in full agreement... it usually turns out to be dull and predictable.