Deep Purple Brought Classic Rock Royalty to Indianapolis on Monday

–by Kaitlyn Putnam

 

 

Legendary rock band Deep Purple brought their Splat! World Tour to the Everwise Amphitheater in Indianapolis on Monday, August 24, delivering an unforgettable evening filled with timeless melodies, classic rock nostalgia, and generations of music lovers coming together.

The beautiful summer evening served as a celebration of a legendary era of rock music, with songs that have continued to resonate with audiences for decades. Opening the night was the iconic progressive rock band Kansas, setting the stage with their signature blend of powerful vocals, intricate instrumentation, and unmistakable melodies.

The Kansas lineup featured Ronnie Platt on lead vocals and keys, Tom Brislin on keys and vocals, Joe Deninzon on violin and guitar, Dan McGowan on bass and vocals, Scott Bernard on guitar, and Eric Holmquist on drums. Together, the band delivered a dynamic performance that honored their decades-long legacy while bringing their classic sound to a new generation of fans.

Members of the audience jumped to their feet and rushed back from the concession stands as the opening notes of fan favorites “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son” filled the amphitheater. Two of Kansas’ most beloved songs, to this day. Instrumentals as well as vocals were so clean and powerful.

As golden hour settled over the amphitheater, Deep Purple took the stage, introduced by a trippy video showing visual art representations from each album, a burst of fiery graphics revealing the band’s name, and leading into their iconic track, “Highway Star.”

The legendary lineup featured Ian Gillan on lead vocals, Simon McBride on guitar, Roger Glover on bass, Don Airey on keyboards, and founding member Ian Paice on drums.

Deep Purple embodied the spirit of classic rock. Their performance carried a laid-back, almost hypnotic energy that seemed to transport the audience to another era, a time when people could simply sit back, share music and conversation, exchange ideas, and let the evening unfold without the constant presence of social media.

Even if someone doesn’t immediately recognize Deep Purple’s name, chances are they will recognize their iconic riffs the moment they begin.

Their music rings out in rock history, and watching the band perform decades after their formation was a reminder of just how enduring that legacy stands. We all know what track most fans were anticipating, and the band delivered. A music storeroom staple, “Smoke on the Water”. Who doesn’t know that song as soon as the first seven notes ring out?

At 78, founding drummer Ian Paice didn’t miss a beat.  Paice has been a cornerstone of Deep Purple’s sound since their beginning. His performance, alongside Gillan’s distinctive vocals and the band’s explosive playing of instruments, proved that classic rock still has a place in the hearts, and ears, of multiple generations.

 Check out the full gallery of photos from the evening after the setlists below.

Kansas Setlist: 

1. Point of Known Return
2. Paradox
3. Play the Game Tonight
4. Fight Fire with Fire
5. Song for America
6. Dust in the Wind
7. The Wall
8. Hold On
9. Down the Road
10. Portrait (He Knew)
11. Miracles Out of Nowhere
12. Carry On Wayward Son

Deep Purple Setlist:

1. Highway Star
2. A Bit on the Side
3. Into the Fire
4. *Guitar Solo*
5. Arrogant Boy
6. Lazy Sod
7. Lazy
8. When a Blind Man Cries
9. Diablo
10. *Keyboard Solo*
11. Perfect Strangers
12. Space Truckin’
13. Smoke on the Water
14. Guinnesis
15. Hush