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

Music Genre:

British Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal 

Album Production information:

Produced by Deep Purple and Martin Birch

Martin Birch Martin Birch was an English music producer and engineer who was active from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. He was born on 26th June 1948 in East Molesey, England, and began his career as a producer and engineer in the late 1960s, working with several notable British bands of the time, including Deep Purple , Iron Maiden , Rainbow and others.

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Birch's biggest contributions to music came in the 1970s and 1980s, when he worked as a producer and engineer for several of the most influential and popular heavy metal bands of the era, including Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and most notably, Iron Maiden. He was an important figure in the development of the heavy metal genre, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important producers of heavy metal music.

Birch's approach to production was characterized by his use of powerful and dynamic sound, which helped to define the sound of heavy metal in the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with, and for his willingness to experiment and take risks in the studio. He was also known for his commitment to quality and his attention to detail, which helped to ensure that the albums he produced had a timeless quality and still sound great decades after their original release.

Birch worked with Iron Maiden for over two decades, producing several of the band's most iconic and enduring albums, including "The Number of the Beast," "Powerslave," and "Somewhere in Time." He was an important part of the band's creative process, and helped to shape the band's sound and style.

Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, but his legacy lives on through the music he produced and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and revered.

Martin Birch's production style was known for its clarity, power and dynamic sound. He was an early adopter of using multi-track recording and employed innovative recording techniques, such as creating layered soundscapes by recording and re-recording guitar parts multiple times, to achieve his desired sound. He was also known for his use of echo and reverb to create a sense of depth and space in his recordings.

Birch was known for his ability to bring out the best in the musicians he worked with and his hands-on approach to production. He was often involved in the arrangements and would often suggest changes to the songs to enhance their impact. He was also known for his attention to detail, taking the time to get the sound just right, and his dedication to quality, always striving to make each album sound as good as it could.

Aside from his work with Iron Maiden, Birch also produced albums for several other influential heavy metal bands, including Judas Priest , Black Sabbath and Rainbow . He was also sought after by other musicians from outside of the heavy metal genre, and worked with artists such as Fleetwood Mac , The Move, and Deep Purple .

Birch was awarded with several gold and platinum records for his work, and was recognized for his contributions to the heavy metal genre with induction into the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame in 2006.

Although Martin Birch retired from music production in the early 2000s, his legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and producers today. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of heavy metal music, and his work continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans of the genre around the world.

Shigeo Matsumoto - Sound Engineer

Keishi Akasaka - Design

Kenji Miura - Photography

Record Label Information:

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.

    Jon Lord, whose full name was John Douglas Lord, was a highly talented British composer and keyboard player. He is best known for his exceptional performances with renowned bands such as Whitesnake, Deep Purple, as well as his successful solo career.

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    Jon Lord was born on 9 June 1941 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom. He was the first child of Reginald Charles Lord, born on 18th December 1907, and Miriam Hudson, born on 16th October 1912. Sadly, when Jon Lord was 54 years old, his mother Miriam Hudson passed away in 1995. The following year, when he was 55, his father Reginald Charles Lord also passed away in 1996.

    In terms of his personal life, Jon Lord was married twice. He first married Judith Feldman in 1969 when he was 28 years old. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Together, they had a son named Sarah Lord. Later in the same year, at the age of 34, Jon Lord married Vickie Gibbs, and they had a son named Amy Lord.

    Jon Lord's professional journey as a musician began in 1968 when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple. He was 27 years old at the time. The following year, in 1969, he continued his musical career as a member of the band Self-Titled (Mk I), also known as Deep Purple, when he was 28. Throughout the 1970s, he contributed his musical talents to various Deep Purple albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1971), "Fireball" (1971), "Made in Japan" (1972), "Who Do We Think We Are" (1973), and others. Additionally, during this time, Jon Lord released solo albums such as "Windows Continuo On Bach" (1974) and "Sarabande" (1975).

    In the mid-1970s, Jon Lord expanded his musical horizons by working with Whitesnake, joining them in 1978 for their album "Trouble." He continued his collaboration with Whitesnake on the album "Live in the Heart of the City" (1980). In the early 1980s, he released another solo album titled "Before I Forget" (1982). Later, he reunited with Deep Purple for albums such as "Perfect Strangers" (1984), "The House of Blue Light" (1987), and "Slaves and Masters" (1990).

    Tragically, on 16th July 2012, Jon Lord passed away in London, England, United Kingdom at the age of 71. His remarkable contributions to the world of music, both through his performances with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and his solo work, left a lasting legacy. In 2012, he was laid to rest in Hambleden (St. Mary) New Churchyard, located in Hambleden, Wycombe District, Buckinghamshire, England. Jon Lord's exceptional talent and unforgettable compositions continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring that his impact on the music industry will never be forgotten.

  • Glenn Hughes: Bass, vocals.
  • Tommy Bolin: Guitar, vocals.

      Tom Bolin , (real-name: Thomas Richard Bolin ), an American guitarist who performed on a couple of records by the British Rock band "Deep Purple".

      Thomas Richard Bolin was born in Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa, United States on 1 Aug 1951. His parents were Richard Stanley Bolin 25/02/1919 and Barbara Jean Joseph 24/01/1924. He had two brothers: Johnnie Bolin, Richard E. “Pudge” Bolin 24/01/1957.

      Since 1975 he worked as a lead guitar in "Come Taste The Band", Deep Purple. He was 23 years old at that point. Since 1977 he worked as a guitarist in "Last Concert in Japan", Deep Purple. He was 25 years old at that point.

      On 4 December 1976, he died in Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States when he was 25 years old. In 1976, he was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Sioux City, Woodbury, Iowa, United States.

  • David Coverdale: Lead vocals.

    David Coverdale a renowned English rock singer, songwriter, and musician who has made a significant contribution to the rock music industry. He was born on September 22, 1951, in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, and grew up in Redcar. He first gained recognition in the early 1970s as the lead singer of the hard rock band Deep Purple before embarking on a successful solo career and forming his own band, Whitesnake.

    Coverdale's career began in 1973 when he replaced Ian Gillan as the lead vocalist of Deep Purple. He recorded three studio albums with the band, "Burn," "Stormbringer," and "Come Taste the Band," before the group disbanded in 1976. During his tenure with Deep Purple, Coverdale developed his unique style of blues-based rock and roll, which would later become a signature sound of his own band, Whitesnake.

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    After Deep Purple, Coverdale formed Whitesnake, which quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States. The band's first album, "Trouble," was released in 1978, followed by "Lovehunter" in 1979. In 1982, Whitesnake released their self-titled album, which contained the hit single "Here I Go Again." The song topped the charts in the United States, propelling the album to multi-platinum status. The album also included the hit singles "Still of the Night" and "Is This Love."

    Throughout the 1980s, Whitesnake continued to release successful albums, including "Slide It In" and "Whitesnake." The band's lineup changed frequently, with Coverdale being the only constant member. The band's music continued to evolve, incorporating elements of glam rock, hard rock, and heavy metal. Whitesnake's live performances were also legendary, featuring impressive guitar solos, powerful vocals, and a high-energy stage presence.

    In the 1990s, Coverdale continued to release solo albums and worked on various side projects. He also reunited with Deep Purple for a short period, performing on their 1984 album "Perfect Strangers" and their 1987 album "The House of Blue Light." In 2003, Coverdale released an album titled "Whitesnake - The Silver Anniversary Collection," which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the band's formation.

    Coverdale's music has influenced many artists in the rock and roll genre, and his powerful vocals and stage presence have made him a true rock icon. He has won numerous awards, including a Grammy for the song "Still of the Night" and an MTV Video Music Award for the video "Here I Go Again." He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of Deep Purple.

  • Ian Paice: Drums, percussion.

    Ian Paice, whose full name is Ian Anderson Paice, is a British drummer renowned for his unparalleled tenure with the iconic band Deep Purple. He holds the distinction of being the only musician to have performed in all the line-ups of the band and appears on all their studio and live albums.

    Ian Paice was born on June 29, 1948, in Nottingham, City of Nottingham, England, United Kingdom. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent and passion for drumming, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

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    Paice's remarkable journey with Deep Purple commenced in 1968 when he joined the band as their drummer. At the age of 20, he embarked on a musical odyssey that would solidify his place in rock history. Throughout the years, he lent his powerful and dynamic drumming style to numerous albums and projects undertaken by Deep Purple.

    His contributions to Deep Purple's albums include the early classics such as "Shades of Deep Purple" (1968) and "In Rock" (1970), where his energetic drumming played an integral role in defining the band's distinctive sound. Paice's rhythmic prowess shines through on iconic tracks like "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star," captivating audiences worldwide.

    As Deep Purple evolved and explored different musical territories, Ian Paice remained an essential and unwavering presence. He contributed to albums such as "Machine Head" (1971), "Made in Japan" (1972), and "Perfect Strangers" (1984), showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a drummer.

    In addition to his tenure with Deep Purple, Paice's talent extended to other musical ventures. He collaborated with artists such as Whitesnake, including albums like "Trouble" (1978) and "Live in Heart of the City" (1980), as well as Jon Lord's album "Before I Forget" (1982). These collaborations further solidified his reputation as a highly sought-after drummer in the rock music scene.

    Ian Paice's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to Deep Purple has earned him accolades and a devoted fan base worldwide. His powerful and precise drumming style, combined with his ability to adapt and evolve, have made him an influential figure in the realm of rock music.

    With a career spanning several decades, Ian Paice's impact on the music industry is immeasurable. His drumming has provided the backbone to countless rock anthems, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Deep Purple and cementing his status as one of the greatest drummers in rock and roll.

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 has undergone several line-up changes since its formation in 1968. Here are the most notable line-ups in the band's history:
    Deep Purple Mark I (1968-1973)
  • Rod Evans (vocals)
  • Ritchie Blackmore (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Nick Simper (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
    Deep Purple Mark II (1973-1976)
  • David Coverdale (vocals)
  • Ritchie Blackmore (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Glenn Hughes (bass, vocals)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
    Deep Purple Mark III (1976-1984)
  • Ian Gillan (vocals)
  • Ritchie Blackmore (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Roger Glover (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
    Deep Purple Mark IV (1984-1989)
  • Ian Gillan (vocals)
  • Ritchie Blackmore (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Roger Glover (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
  • Joe Lynn Turner (vocals)
    Deep Purple Mark V (1989-1992)
  • Ian Gillan (vocals)
  • Ritchie Blackmore (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Roger Glover (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
  • Joe Satriani (guitar)
    Deep Purple Mark VI (1993-2002)
  • Ian Gillan (vocals)
  • Steve Morse (guitar)
  • Jon Lord (keyboards)
  • Roger Glover (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)
    Deep Purple Mark VII (2003-present)
  • Ian Gillan (vocals)
  • Steve Morse (guitar)
  • Don Airey (keyboards)
  • Roger Glover (bass)
  • Ian Paice (drums)

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