Ian Paice’s (Deep Purple) thought-provoking reflection on growing old while playing the drums

The 76-year-old musician admits he has adapted to continue performing and points out: “there aren’t many of my generation who play ‘power drums'”

Few musicians in history, regardless of musical genre, have had such a long career Ian Pace. The 76-year-old drummer has spent practically his entire life playing his instrument: before being one of the founders of Intense purple in 1968— 57 years ago (!) —, he was already working mainly on other projects The labyrinthin the mid-60s, in addition to the group that made him famous, he worked White snake, Peace Ashton Lord, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Gary Moore AND Underground velvet.

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

In 2024 alone, the group has performed 64 shows on several continents, including South America, with a visit to Brazil to play in Saint Paul and inside Rock in Rio. On average one show every five or six days, not counting the travel and other strenuous routines that touring musicians must undergo.

All this has its price. Paice, in an interview with The Guardianhe admits 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.

“A lot of the things I found easy when I was younger are now hard. But I know a lot more now than I did when I was younger. So replace things. ‘This thing will be hard, but I can do that thing.’

This is a natural process, according to Ian. The drummer underlined:

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

Two other veteran drummers, although younger than Paice, participated in the interview and confirmed: they too have made adjustments to their performances. Rat scabies69 years old, member of The damnedcommented:

“Some songs also benefit from being played a little slower. In the past, everything was played at full speed – whoever got to the end of the song first won.”

Paul Cookmember of Sex guns68 years old, he revealed that he followed training with a nutritionist and physical exercises, both cardiovascular and for the arms. Everything to help you with your touring routine. However, he highlights:

“I’m not a health nut. I haven’t become a lentil-eating hippie.”

Ian Paice rocks again

There is a certain modesty when Ian Pace he says there aren’t many drummers of his generation who play hard. Those who were able to see him live during his last visit to Brazil were certainly satisfied with the performance of the baton icon. Text to Igor Miranda’s website on the presentation at Espaço Unimed, in Sao Paulo, he highlights:

“Paice, the heart of the band, is a very rare case of a drummer who reaches such an advanced age without losing virtually none of his technique. The only sign of his 76 years is the decision to transform one of the timpani on his drum kit battery in a holder. […] Being aware of the physical limitations that the current Deep Purple may suffer even reduces fans’ expectations for their show. Each obstacle is overcome with such skill that fans are often surprised when they see them live for the first time.”

+++ READ MORE: The hardest Deep Purple song to sing according to Ian Gillan

+++ READ MORE: Deep Purple’s most important album, according to Roger Glover

+++ READ MORE: How a former member of Deep Purple almost became the lead singer of Van Halen

+++ to follow Rolling Stone Brasil @rollingstonebrasil on Instagram

+++ to follow the journalist Igor Miranda @igormirandasite on Instagram

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.