Deep Purple - Last Concert in Japan 12" Vinyl LP Album

  This album by Deep Purple released in March 1977. It records the last Japanese concert of the Mark IV-lineup with Tommy Bolin. This album was recorded on December 15, 1975 at the Tokyo Budokan, 

 

album front cover photo

Deep Purple: Last Concert in Japan - A Sonic Snapshot of Transition
Album Description:

The year is 1975, and the landscape of rock music is in a state of flux. Deep Purple, one of the titanic forces of hard rock and heavy metal, finds itself in a pivotal moment. Their "Last Concert in Japan" captures this period of transformation, encapsulated in a 12" vinyl LP album that is as much a historical document as it is a musical experience.

Deep Purple, known for their thunderous riffs, virtuosic solos, and high-octane performances, had undergone significant lineup changes by the time of this recording. The departure of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and the introduction of Tommy Bolin marked a new era for the band. Bolin, a guitarist with a distinctive flair and a penchant for blending rock with jazz and funk influences, brought a fresh, albeit controversial, dynamic to the group.

Recorded on 15th December 1975 at the Budokan Hall in Tokyo, the album stands as a testament to this transitional phase. The venue itself, an iconic site for rock concerts, imbues the recording with a sense of grandeur and cultural significance. Produced by Deep Purple in collaboration with the renowned Martin Birch, a producer celebrated for his work with heavy metal giants, the album promises a high level of technical proficiency and aural intensity.

Shigeo Matsumoto, the sound engineer, captures the raw energy of the live performance with remarkable clarity. Matsumoto’s engineering work ensures that every note, from the searing guitar solos to the pounding drumbeats, is delivered with a punch that resonates with the listener. This attention to sonic detail is crucial, as it preserves the integrity of Deep Purple’s live sound, which is both chaotic and meticulously crafted.

The cover design, spearheaded by Keishi Akasaka, reflects the era's aesthetic with a blend of visual boldness and subtlety. Kenji Miura’s photography complements Akasaka’s design, providing a visual narrative that matches the intensity of the music. The album cover, with its evocative imagery and design, sets the stage for the auditory journey within.

Musically, "Last Concert in Japan" explores a diverse range of styles. Tracks like "Burn" and "Smoke on the Water" deliver the quintessential Deep Purple sound, characterized by heavy riffs and soaring vocals. Meanwhile, Bolin's influence is evident in songs like "Love Child" and "You Keep On Moving," where his guitar work introduces a more eclectic mix of funk and blues elements. This fusion of styles, while innovative, also stirred controversy among purists who longed for the classic Deep Purple sound dominated by Blackmore’s aggressive guitar work.

Despite the internal and external controversies, the album showcases a band willing to evolve and experiment. The production team, comprising both the seasoned Martin Birch and the adept Shigeo Matsumoto, navigates these musical shifts with finesse. Their collaborative effort ensures that the album not only captures the spirit of the live performance but also the essence of a band in flux, pushing the boundaries of their genre.

Recorded at the Budokan, a venue synonymous with rock ‘n’ roll glory, "Last Concert in Japan" is more than just a live album. It is a snapshot of Deep Purple’s journey through the mid-70s, a period marked by change, experimentation, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. This album stands as a significant chapter in the band's history, reflecting both their storied past and their uncertain yet promising future.

Music Genre:

British Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal 

Album Production information:

Produced by Deep Purple and Martin Birch

Martin Birch's: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career

Shigeo Matsumoto - Sound Engineer

Keishi Akasaka - Design

Kenji Miura - Photography

Record Label & Catalognr:

Purple Records 1C 064-60 900 ( 064-60900 )

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP  Gramophone Record
Album weight: 190 gram 

Year & Country:

1977 Made in Germany
Band Members and Musicians on: Deep Purple Last Concert in Japan
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Jon Lord: Keyboards, organ, backing vocals.

    Journey through the electrifying fusion of rock and classical music with Jon Lord, the iconic keyboardist of Deep Purple! Witness his evolution from "Smoke on the Water" to symphonic masterpieces. Learn about his career

  • Glenn Hughes: Bass, vocals.

    Discover the rock and roll journey of Glenn Hughes, the "Voice of Rock." From Trapeze to Deep Purple and beyond, explore the life and music of a legendary vocalist and bassist. Read his mini-biography

  • Tommy Bolin: Guitar, vocals.

    Tommy Bolin, a guitar legend gone too soon. His fusion of rock, blues, and jazz left an enduring legacy. Dive into the life and music of this virtuoso who played with Deep Purple and released acclaimed solo albums. Read about his career

  • David Coverdale: Lead vocals.

    Unleash the raw power of David Coverdale's voice! From Deep Purple's rock anthems to Whitesnake's chart-topping ballads, his journey is a symphony of passion and perseverance. Read about his career

  • Ian Paice: Drums, percussion.

    Feel the thunderous beat of rock history! From Deep Purple's iconic riffs to collaborations with legends, Ian Paice's drumming mastery shaped generations and fueled anthems. Read his mini-biography

Complete Track Listing of: Deep Purple Last Concert in Japan

The Song/tracks on "Deep Purple Last Concert in Japan " are

  • Burn (David Coverdale, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Ian Paice) - 7:05
  • Love Child (Coverdale, Tommy Bolin) - 4:46
  • You Keep On Moving (Coverdale, Glenn Hughes) - 6:16
  • Wild Dogs (Bolin, John Tesar) - 6:06
  • Lady Luck (Coverdale, Roger Cook) - 3:11
  • Smoke on the Water
  • Soldier of Fortune (Coverdale, Blackmore) - 2:22
  • Organ Solo (Lord) - 4:01
  • Highway Star (Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, Paice) - 6:50
Album cover photos of : Deep Purple Last Concert in Japan
High Resolution # Photo DEEP PURPLE Last Concert in Japan  
Photo of Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution  Photo DEEP PURPLE Last Concert in Japan

Photo of the record's label  

High Resolution    Photo of the record's label DEEP PURPLE Last Concert in Japan  

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of DEEP PURPLE Vinyl Records and Album Cover Gallery

DEEP PURPLE - 24 Carat Purple (Germany)
 DEEP PURPLE - 24 Carat Purple (Germany) album front cover vinyl record

Purple 1C 038-1576031 , 1975 , Germany

Released on Deep Purple's own record label, '24 Carat' marked Deep Purple's debut compilation album, representing a pivotal period in their hard rock journey. This 12" LP encapsulates the band's evolution, featuring iconic tracks that defined their sound.

24 Carat Purple 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Anthology (Europe)
 DEEP PURPLE - Anthology (Europe) album front cover vinyl record

EMI 152 Y 79 6130   , 1991 , EEC

Deep Purple's 'Anthology' is a musical treasure trove spanning 150 minutes, carefully curated across three LPs. This vinyl masterpiece not only delivers the band's iconic sound but also includes the original 4-page 12" booklet, offering fans a nostalgic journey through the band's history.

Anthology 12" Vinyl 3LP
DEEP PURPLE - Burn (Italy)
 DEEP PURPLE - Burn (Italian Release) album front cover vinyl record

Purple Records 3C 064-94837   , 1974 , Italy

Deep Purple's 'Burn' marked a pivotal transition with new members David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, forming the 'Mark III' lineup. This Italian release of the album is distinguishable by the S.I.A.E 'Rights Society' imprint at 9 o'clock on the record label.

Burn (Italian Release) 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Come Taste the Band (European Releases)
DEEP PURPLE - Come Taste the Band (English Release) album front cover vinyl record

Deep Purple's "Come Taste the Band" is a pivotal album in their discography, marking a shift with Tommy Bolin on guitar. The 1975 European LP releases captured this new era, featuring iconic tracks like "Gettin' Tighter" and "Comin' Home".

- Come Taste the Band (English Release) - Come Taste the Band (French Release) - Come Taste the Band (German Release) - Come Taste the Band (Netherlands Release)
DEEP PURPLE - Deepest Purple (Gt Britain & French Release)
DEEP PURPLE -  Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) album front cover vinyl record

"Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple" is the compilation album by the British hard rock band Deep Purple, released in 1980. It features the original hits of Deep Purple before their 1984 reunion.

- Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) - Deepest Purple (French Release)
DEEP PURPLE - Self-titled aka DEEP PURPLE III (European Releses)
DEEP PURPLE - Self-titled aka DEEP PURPLE III (Netherlands Release) album front cover vinyl record

Deep Purple's 'Deep Purple III' (1976, Netherlands) marks a pivotal moment in the band's history. Originally released in 1969 on Harvest Records in the UK, it stands as the third studio album and the final one with the original lineup.

- DEEP PURPLE III (Netherlands Release) - DEEP PURPLE III (Dutch Release, with Label Code) - DEEP PURPLE III (German Release)
DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (European & USA Releases)
DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (German Release)
 album front cover vinyl record

Harvest 1C 062-92 726 , 1971 , Germany

Deep Purple's 'Fireball' album, in its original European release, boasts a unique addition - 'Demon's Eye' replacing 'Strange Kind of Woman.' This gatefold 12" vinyl LP provides an authentic experience

- Fireball (German Release) - Fireball (German Release, Fame Records) - Fireball (Netherlands Release) - Fireball (USA Release)
DEEP PURPLE - The House Of Blue Light (German & Hungarian Releases
DEEP PURPLE - The House Of Blue Light (Germany) album front cover vinyl record

Deep Purple's 'The House of Blue Light' in its German 12" vinyl LP release represents a significant chapter in the band's history. This album captures the reunion of the re-formed Mark II lineup and showcases meticulous production and sound engineering, resulting in an auditory masterpiece.

- The House Of Blue Light (Germany) - The House of Blue Light (Hungary)
DEEP PURPLE In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes (Holland)
DEEP PURPLE  In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes (Holland)
 album front cover vinyl record

Harvest 1A 138-64158 , 1980 , Holland

Deep Purple's 'In Concert Unreleased BBC Tapes,' in a gatefold cover 12" vinyl LP album, offers a captivating glimpse into the band's live prowess. Recorded in 1970 and 1972 for the BBC's 'In Concert' series, these unreleased performances are a treasure trove for fans.

In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - In Rock (European Releases)
DEEP PURPLE - In Rock 1st Pressing (France) album front cover vinyl record

Deep Purple's "In Rock" (1970), a landmark in hard rock, shook the European music scene with its raw energy. Original European LP pressings are sought after by collectors for their powerful sound and iconic gatefold cover. Tracks like "Speed King" and "Child in Time" showcase the Mark II lineup's prowess

- In Rock 1st Pressing (France) - In Rock 1st Pressing (Gt Britain) - In Rock (Holland, Fame Records) - In Rock (Italy) - In Rock (Netherlands)
Deep Purple - Last Concert in Japan (German Release)
Thumbnail of  album front cover

Purple Records 1C 064-60 900 , 1977 , Germany

This album by DEEP PURPLE released in March 1977. It records the last Japanese concert of the Mark IV-lineup with Tommy Bolin. This album was recorded on December 15, 1975 at the Tokyo Budokan,

Last Concert in Japan 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Machine Head (European Releases)
Thumbnail of DEEP PURPLE - Machine Head (Italy) album front cover

 

"Machine Head" is the sixth studio album released by English rock band "Deep Purple". It was recorded through December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, and released in March 1972. "Machine Head" is often cited as influential in the development of the heavy metal music genre.

- Machine Head (Italy) - Machine Head (Italy Francis-Day) - Machine Head Black Border/Frame (Gt Britain) - Made in Europe (French Release)
DEEP PURPLE - Made in Europe (USA Release)
DEEP PURPLE  - Made in Europe (USA) album front cover

PR 2995,Warner Records 1976, Made in USA

The USA release of "Deep Purple - Made in Europe" on a 12" vinyl LP album is a live recording capturing the band's performances in Austria, Germany, and France during April 1975. Engineered by Mick McKenna, Tapani, and Martin Birch, and mixed by Ian Paice and Martin Birch,

Made in Europe 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Made in Japan (International Releases)
DEEP PURPLE - Made in Japan (Europe) album front cover

"Deep Purple - Made in Japan Live 2LP" is a monumental double live album by the English rock band. Recorded during their inaugural tour of Japan in August 1972, this album captures the raw energy and musical brilliance of Deep Purple's live performances. Originally released in December 1972

- Made in Japan (European Release) - Made in Japan (French Release) - Made in Japan (German Release) - Made in Japan (Gt Britain Release) - Made in Japan (Italian Release) - Made in Japan (Netherlands Release)
DEEP PURPLE - Mark I and II (Germany)
DEEP PURPLE -  Mark I and II (Germany) album front cover

Purple Records 1C 188-94 865 , 1973 , Germany

"Deep Purple - Mark I and II" is a 2LP gatefold 12" vinyl album that offers a comprehensive journey through the band's evolution. The gatefold cover features captivating artwork and photos within its pages. Liner notes by Jens Larsen provide insights in both English and German

Mark I and II 12" Vinyl 2LP
DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles (Netherlands)  album front cover

Purple Records – 1A 062-61695, Purple Records – 5C 062-61695 , 1979 , Holland

The Mark 2 Purple Singles" record is a compilation album of tracks previously released as 7" singles of the "Mark II" period of the British Rock band "Deep Purple". Their Mark 2 period was from July 1969 until June 1973.

The Mark 2 Purple Singles 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Nobody's Perfect (Germany)
DEEP PURPLE - Nobody's Perfect (Germany) album front cover

Polydor 835 898 , 1988 , West-Germany

"Nobody's Perfect" is a live double LP album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released in 1988. This album captures the band's electrifying live performances and showcases their enduring musical prowess. Featuring classic tracks, it stands as a testament to Deep Purple's status as rock legends

Nobody's Perfect 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Perfect Strangers (German Releases)
DEEP PURPLE - Perfect Strangers (Germany) album front cover

Polydor 823 777 (823777) / Digital Master Mix , 1984 , West-Germqany

"Perfect Strangers" is the eleventh studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in November 1984. It represents the first album recorded by the reformed (and most successful and popular) 'Mark II' line-up.

- Perfect Strangers (Germany) - Perfect Strangers Club Edition (Germany)
DEEP PURPLE - Powerhouse (Germany)
DEEP PURPLE - Powerhouse (Germany) album front cover

Purple Records 1C 064-60 072 , 1977 , Germany

"Powerhouse" (1977, Germany) is a compilation album by Deep Purple, featuring a collection of previously unreleased live and studio tracks from the band's prime era. This album offers a nostalgic journey back to the halcyon days of Deep Purple, capturing their electrifying performances and musical prowess.

Powerhouse 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Rock Story (Belgium)
DEEP PURPLE - Rock Story (Belgium) album front cover

EMI Music For Pleasure 4M032-52169 , , Belgium

"Rock Story" from Belgium is not a Deep Purple album; rather, it's a compilation album featuring various bands and tracks from the rock genre. While it doesn't exclusively feature Deep Purple, it offers a diverse selection of rock music from different artists.

Rock Story 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall with .....
DEEP PURPLE - Concerto For Group And Orchestra (Europe) album front cover

Harvest 1C 038-157592 1 DMM , 1977 , Germany/Netherlands

The International releases of "Deep Purple - Live at the Royal Albert Hall" offers fans a spectacular musical experience. This album captures the band's live concert at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the groundbreaking "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" composed by Jon Lord.

- In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (European Release) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (France) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Germany) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Gt Britain) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Italy) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (USA)
DEEP PURPLE - Shades of Deep Purple (Netherlands)
DEEP PURPLE - Shades of Deep Purple (Netherlands) album front cover

Harvest – 5C 038-04175 , 1977 , Netherlands

"Shades of Deep Purple" (1977, Netherlands) marks the debut full-length album from the British rock band Deep Purple. It encapsulates the prevailing psychedelic and progressive rock sound of late 1960s Britain. This album serves as a historical snapshot, showcasing the band's early musical exploratio

Shades of Deep Purple 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's (Gt Britain)
DEEP PURPLE - The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's (Gt Britain) album front cover

EMI Harvest FA 3212 SHSM 2026A , 1978 , Gt Britain

"Deep Purple - Singles A's & B's" on 12" vinyl LP is a compilation album that offers a treasure trove of rare A-sides and B-sides from Deep Purple's singles. This collection provides a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to explore the band's lesser-known tracks and discover hidden gems.

The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Slaves and Masters (Germany)
DEEP PURPLE  - Slaves and Masters (Germany) album front cover

RCA PL90535 , 1990 , Germany

"Slaves and Masters" (1990, Germany) is a significant album in Deep Purple's discography. Released in 1990, it represents a unique chapter as the only album featuring singer Joe Lynn Turner, who replaced Ian Gillan in the previous year. This transitional period in the band's history brought a different vocal style

Slaves and Masters 12" Vinyl LP
DEEP PURPLE - Stormbringer (Eurospean Release)
DEEP PURPLE  - Stormbringer (Germany)
 album front cover

"Stormbringer" is the ninth studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in December 1974. On this album, the soul and funk elements that were only hinted are much more prominent. Many fans consider Stormbringer to be a major turning point in the band, and the mark of an era's end.

Stormbringer (Germany) Stormbringer (Italy)
DEEP PURPLE - Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain & French Release)
DEEP PURPLE  - Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain)
 album front cover

Who Do We Think We Are! is a hard rock album by DEEP PURPLE. Recorded in Rome July 72 and Frankfurt Oct 72 on Rolling Stones Mobile. It was their seventh studio album, and the last one with the classic Mk II lineup of the group until 1984.

- Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain) - Who Do We Think We Are (France)

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