MusicIan Paice’s (Deep Purple) inspiring reflection on growing old playing the drums

Few musicians in history, regardless of musical genre, have a career as long as Ian Paice. The 76-year-old drummer spent practically his entire life playing his instrument: before being one of the founders of Deep Purple in 1968 — 57 years ago (!) —, he was already working on other projects, especially The Mazein the mid-1960s. In addition to the group that made him famous, he worked with Whitesnake, Paice Ashton Lord, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Gary Moore and Velvet Underground.

Even in recent years, with his advancing age and the effects of a mini-stroke suffered in 2016, Paice never stopped. Deep Purple has such a busy schedule that, according to the vocalist Ian Gillanthere are shows scheduled until next year.

In 2024 alone, the group performed 64 performances on several continents — including South America, with a visit to Brazil to play in São Paulo and in Rock in Rio. On average, one show every five or six days, disregarding travel and other tiring routines that musicians on tour have to undergo.

All of this takes its toll. Paice, in an interview with The Guardianadmits that he finds it difficult to perform drum lines that he previously considered simple. However, he is not willing to stop — so he adapts his performance.

“Many of the things I found easy when I was much younger are now difficult. But I know a lot more now than I did when I was younger. So you replace things. ‘This thing is going to be hard, but I can do that thing.’”

This is a natural process, in Ian’s view. The drummer pointed out:

“Anyone who thinks they can do exactly the same thing they did 50 years ago is crazy. There aren’t many guys of my generation playing what I call ‘power drums’.”

Two other veteran drummers — although younger than Paice — participated in the interview and confirmed: they also made adaptations to their performances. Rat Scabies69 years old, member of The Damnedcommented:

“Some of the songs even benefit from being played a little slower. In the past, everything was played at the fastest speed — whoever reached the end of the song first was the winner.”

Paul Cookmember of the Sex Pistols68 years old, revealed that he underwent preparation with a nutritionist and physical exercises, both cardiovascular and for his arms. Everything to help with your touring routine. However, he highlights:

“I’m not a health fanatic. I didn’t turn into a lentil-eating hippie.”

Ian Paice still kicks ass

There is a certain modesty when Ian Paice says there aren’t many drummers of his generation playing powerfully. Those who were able to watch him live on his last visit to Brazil certainly left satisfied with the drumstick icon’s performance. Text to the Igor Miranda website about the presentation at Espaço Unimed, in São Paulo, highlights:

“Paice, the heart of the band, is a very rare case of a drummer who reaches such an advanced age without losing practically any of his technique. The only sign of his 76 years is the decision to transform one of the floor toms on his drum kit into a towel holder. […] Being aware of the physical limitations that the current Deep Purple may suffer even reduces fans’ expectations for their show. Any obstacles are overcome with such mastery that fans are often surprised when they watch them live for the first time.”

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