DEEP PURPLE – Made in Japan Live Netherlands 12" Vinyl 2LP Album
- The Legendary 1972 Performances Captured on Vinyl
Deep Purple’s "Made in Japan" is a monumental double live album recorded during their first tour of Japan in August 1972. What began as a project met with reluctance from the band turned into one of the most acclaimed live albums in rock history — a sonic document of a group at the height of its power. With “Highway Star,” “Smoke on the Water,” and “Space Truckin’,” this album immortalized the band’s unmatched energy and musicianship.
Deep Purple – "Made in Japan" (Netherlands, Purple Records 5C 188-93915/16
A milestone in live rock recording
Deep Purple’s double-live album “Made in Japan” captures the band at its creative and technical peak. Recorded during their 1972 tour of Japan, it distilled the energy, improvisation, and virtuosity that defined the era of monumental live rock. In Nederland and far beyond, fans felt they were experiencing more than a concert — they were hearing history pressed onto vinyl.
1972 – a world in transformation
The year 1972 was turbulent and electric. The Vietnam War dragged on, the Cold War kept the world uneasy, and yet youth culture exploded with self-expression. In music, rock was splitting into fascinating branches: progressive rock with Yes and Genesis, heavy blues from Led Zeppelin, and darker riffs from Black Sabbath. Deep Purple thrived right at that crossroads — loud, fearless, and ambitious.
The Netherlands was a lively musical hub: record shops in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam stocked imports within days of release. Dutch audiences, already enthusiastic for bands like Golden Earring and Focus, instantly embraced Deep Purple’s brand of high-octane hard rock.
Hard rock turning into heavy metal
Deep Purple’s sound on this album sits between hard rock and what soon became heavy metal. Alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they defined the power-trio ethos expanded into a five-piece storm. The combination of Ritchie Blackmore’s aggressive guitar tone and Jon Lord’s roaring Hammond organ created a sonic wall that few bands could rival.
At the time, other groups like Uriah Heep, Blue Öyster Cult, and Thin Lizzy were exploring similar ground, but “Made in Japan” stood out because it was entirely live — no studio polish, just raw musicianship.
Inside the performance
The album opens with “Highway Star,” charging forward like a jet engine. Ian Gillan’s voice slices through the mix, while Blackmore and Lord duel through guitar and organ solos. “Smoke on the Water,” recorded only months after its studio debut on “Machine Head,” becomes an anthem for crowd participation.
“Child in Time” stretches beyond ten minutes, building from a soft organ introduction to a thunderous climax. Roger Glover’s bass locks with Ian Paice’s precise drumming, grounding the chaos in rhythm. Every moment feels spontaneous — proof that the band’s live interplay was as important as their compositions.
Dutch gatefold edition with the gold finish and centered live stage photograph.
The people behind the sound
The Mk II lineup — Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums) — produced the album themselves. Their chemistry was born from years of relentless touring and the studio triumphs of “In Rock” (1970) and “Machine Head” (1972). Lord’s classically trained precision met Blackmore’s unpredictability; Gillan’s soaring range carried lyrics with both drama and irony.
The recordings were made at Osaka’s Festival Hall and Tokyo’s Budokan in August 1972. Engineers used mobile equipment to capture the concerts directly to 8-track tape — a demanding task in the days before digital editing. The result was a vivid snapshot of a band fully in command of its power.
A band on the edge of change
Deep Purple had formed in 1968, evolving from a mix of psychedelic pop into one of Britain’s heaviest acts. By 1972, internal tensions had started to simmer. The success of “Made in Japan” ironically arrived just before turmoil: Gillan and Glover would depart the following year, making this recording their final statement with the classic Mk II formation.
Later versions of the band, including the Mk III lineup with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, took a funkier direction, but the sound captured here remains the blueprint for hard rock performance.
Controversies and critical reactions
At the time of release, critics questioned whether any live album could truly represent Deep Purple’s intensity. Rumors circulated that overdubs had been added in the studio, though the band maintained it was almost entirely live. This debate gave the record an extra layer of mystique.
Some reviewers also dismissed the project as a label-driven attempt to cash in on the group’s Japanese success. Yet audiences disagreed: in Nederland, fans queued in record stores, drawn by the raw power of the cover photo — five musicians caught mid-blast under molten stage lights.
The Netherlands Purple Records label with catalogue 5C 188-93915 and STEMRA rights notice.
The roar of the crowd, the crackle of the amps, and Deep Purple firing on all cylinders — “Made in Japan” wasn’t just recorded, it was unleashed. You’ve felt the story and the sound; now step behind the curtain. Discover how this electrifying live album was captured, pressed, and wrapped in that iconic golden gatefold.
Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info
Music Genre:
Classic Rock, Hard Rock
Hard Rock combines heavy guitar riffs, blues-inspired melodies, and powerful vocals. Emerging from the late 1960s rock explosion, this genre became the foundation of both heavy metal and arena rock, defining a sound that dominated the 1970s.
Label & Catalognr:
Purple Records – Cat#: 5C 188-93915/16
Album Packaging
Fold Open Cover (Gatefold) with gold-tinted exterior, featuring a centered live photo of the band performing.
Inside contains concert photography, track details, and recording credits.
Media Format:
Record Format: Double 12" Vinyl Stereo
Total Weight: 460g
Year & Country:
1972 – Netherlands
Production & Recording Information:
Producers:
Deep Purple – Producers
The band took full creative control of the project, ensuring the live recordings captured the raw energy of their 1972 performances in Japan.
By 1972, Deep Purple had achieved global success with albums like “In Rock” and “Machine Head,” solidifying their reputation as one of the loudest and most technically accomplished rock bands in the world.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
Martin Birch – Sound Engineer
Martin Birch was the genius behind the boards, defining the sound of rock and heavy metal through the ’70s and ’80s. From engineering Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac to producing Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Rainbow, his touch turned riffs into legends and albums into milestones.
Read on his career
K. Flegg – Assistant Engineer
K. Flegg contributed to the technical setup and maintenance of the recording equipment during the Japan concerts, assisting in achieving the clarity and balance that defined the final mix.
Recording Location:
Festival Hall – Osaka, Japan (15 & 16 August 1972)
Budokan – Tokyo, Japan (17 August 1972)
These venues were chosen for their superior acoustics and enthusiastic Japanese audiences, whose precise attention and respect for live performance created the perfect setting for a definitive concert recording.
Mixing Studio & Location:
Mixed by Roger Glover and Ian Paice in London.
Roger Glover and Ian Paice personally oversaw the mixing process to preserve the authenticity of the live sound. Their hands-on involvement ensured that each solo and audience reaction remained as vivid as the night it was played.
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
Roger Glover – Album Design
In addition to his role as bassist, Roger Glover contributed significantly to the visual presentation of Deep Purple’s releases. His design for “Made in Japan” reflected the album’s golden tones and live grandeur, emphasizing elegance over excess.
Photography:
Fin Costello – Live Photography
Fin Costello, a celebrated rock and metal photographer, is known for his iconic images of legendary bands like Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Ozzy Osbourne. With a career spanning decades, his work has graced album covers and magazines, capturing the energy and essence of rock history.
Discover more about his incredible legacy at Fin Costello Biography.
Band Members / Musicians:
Band Line-up:
Ian Gillan – Lead Vocals
Ian Gillan is a powerhouse British vocalist best known as the frontman of Deep Purple, shaping classics like Child in Time and Highway Star with his dynamic voice. He also led the Ian Gillan Band, fronted Black Sabbath briefly, and pursued a solo career. His electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals cement his legacy in rock history. Learn more.
Ritchie Blackmore – Lead Guitar
Ritchie Blackmore, born Richard Hugh Blackmore (1945), is a legendary English guitarist known for his pioneering role in rock and metal. As a founding member of Deep Purple, his electrifying riffs on classics like Smoke on the Water defined hard rock. Later, he formed Rainbow, blending neoclassical influences with rock. Explore more in his vinyl album discography.
Roger Glover – Bass Guitar
Roger Glover is a renowned bassist, producer, and songwriter, best known for his key role in Deep Purple and Rainbow. Since joining Deep Purple in 1969, his melodic bass lines and songwriting have shaped classics like Smoke on the Water and Highway Star. Beyond Deep Purple, he produced for bands like Nazareth and worked on solo projects. Learn more.
Jon Lord – Keyboards
Jon Lord, born John Douglas Lord (1941-2012), was a pioneering British keyboardist, composer, and co-founder of Deep Purple. Renowned for his Hammond organ mastery, he fused rock and classical music, shaping hits like Smoke on the Water. Beyond Deep Purple, he worked with Whitesnake and pursued a successful solo career. Explore more in his vinyl album discography.
Ian Paice – Drums
Ian Paice is a legendary British drummer best known as the only constant member of Deep Purple, contributing to every lineup and album since 1968. His dynamic, powerful drumming shaped classics like Smoke on the Water and Highway Star. Beyond Deep Purple, he played with Whitesnake and Jon Lord. His influence on rock drumming is undeniable. Read his biography
Disclaimer: Track durations shown are approximate and may vary slightly between different country editions or reissues. Variations can result from alternate masterings, pressing plant differences, or regional production adjustments.
Deep Purple – Made in Japan (Netherlands) Album Photo Gallery:
Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover of Deep Purple’s “Made in Japan” (Dutch release) captures a live performance bathed in amber and crimson light. The five members of the band stand across the stage in commanding formation: Jon Lord on the far left behind his Hammond organ, Ritchie Blackmore with his guitar angled toward the audience, Ian Gillan in the center at the microphone, Roger Glover holding the bass to the right, and Ian Paice seated behind his gleaming drum kit.
The stage glows beneath towering stacks of Marshall amplifiers, creating a fiery halo that turns the concert scene into something almost cinematic. The crowd’s silhouettes at the bottom edge rise in dark contrast, their hands raised toward the stage in awe.
The photograph is framed in a wide matte gold border, elegant in its restraint, reflecting both the luxury of the double album and the grandeur of the performance it preserves. Above the image, the band’s name appears in minimalist black type, and below it, the understated title “Made in Japan”—a layout that mirrors the precision and power of Deep Purple’s sound.
Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Deep Purple’s “Made in Japan” radiates the same energy captured on stage. The central photograph shows Ritchie Blackmore and Ian Gillan in motion, bathed in a brilliant red spotlight that spills across the crowd. Blackmore stands poised in front of his amplifier stack, guitar angled as if in mid-strike, while Gillan moves toward the drums, his long hair illuminated by the stage glare.
The audience, packed tightly against the stage, stretches their arms toward the band—hands open, forming silhouettes against the crimson glow. It’s an image of pure live intensity, the kind of visual that defines rock at its most primal. Behind them, Ian Paice’s drum kit glints in the background, anchoring the chaos.
Above the photo, the track list is printed in a simple, elegant serif font, listing each song along with the performance location and date—Osaka or Tokyo, August 1972. The upper-right corner includes the catalog number 5C 188-93915/16 and the phrase “2 record set stereo,” a hallmark of the Purple Records Dutch edition. The entire layout is framed by a soft gold matte border, mirroring the front cover’s subdued sophistication.
Photo One of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
The inside left panel of the “Made in Japan” gatefold bursts with vivid energy, rendered entirely in fiery shades of red and orange. A bold sunburst motif radiates from the center, its angular rays slicing across the page like beams of light cutting through concert haze. Inside the circular core are the track titles and credits, printed in clean serif typography that glows against the warm background.
Within the triangular rays are three live photographs, tinted red to blend seamlessly with the design. Ritchie Blackmore appears mid-solo, guitar slung low as he commands the stage. Ian Gillan is captured in an intense moment of performance, his face lit by the glare of the stage lights. Jon Lord sits behind his organ, head tilted, his concentration palpable even through the abstract color palette.
The composition cleverly merges concert photography with symbolic design. The rising sun evokes Japan—the birthplace of these legendary recordings—while the glowing palette suggests the heat and power of Deep Purple’s live sound. A small Purple Records logo rests discreetly at the bottom right, completing the artwork’s fusion of modern design and rock iconography.
Photo Two of Inside Page Gatefold Cover
The right-hand panel of Deep Purple’s “Made in Japan” gatefold continues the blazing sunburst motif that defines the interior design. The bright red and orange tones radiate across the surface, echoing both the warmth of the Japanese sun and the molten energy of the performances within.
Within the angular rays are red-tinted live images of Ian Gillan captured mid-performance. In the upper ray, his face emerges from the glow, eyes closed as if consumed by the music. Below, another photograph shows him gripping the microphone, mouth open mid-scream, the raw power of his vocals almost visible through the design. At the bottom, Ian Paice and his drum kit appear in silhouette, surrounded by the faint shimmer of stage lights.
The track listing, technical credits, and acknowledgments—naming Roger Glover for mixing and Fin Costello for photography—sit neatly inside the central orange circle. A small Purple Records logo anchors the bottom corner, grounding the composition in authenticity. Together, both gatefold panels form a complete visual statement: a tribute to the fire, precision, and spectacle that defined Deep Purple’s 1972 tour of Japan.
Close up of Side One record’s label
This Dutch pressing of Deep Purple’s “Made in Japan” features the signature Purple Records label — a clean, elegant design in lavender with a stark white vertical bar along the left. Inside that bar, the word “PURPLE” runs vertically in tall, modern sans-serif letters, creating a minimalist contrast that’s instantly recognizable to collectors of early-70s British hard rock.
The catalog number 5C 188-93915 is printed twice: once in bold at the top right, and again in parentheses on the left near the inner rim. Both indicate Side One of the double LP. The rights organization STEMRA appears below the song list, marking it as a Netherlands release under the EMI Bovema distribution network. The text “Produced by Deep Purple” sits proudly below the track titles “Highway Star” and “Child in Time,” reaffirming the band’s control over the album’s live sound.
Around the label’s edge runs the fine legal rim text: “All rights of the manufacturer and of the owner of the recorded work reserved. Unauthorised public performance, broadcasting and copying of this record prohibited.” The entire design exudes mid-70s restraint — clear, symmetrical, and efficient. It’s a visual balance between corporate precision and rock rebellion, captured in lavender vinyl ink.
Purple Records, Netherlands Label
The Dutch Purple Records label represents the band’s independent branding under EMI Bovema. This particular lavender-and-white design was used by Purple Records between 1971 and 1974, marking the peak of Deep Purple’s global success and the expansion of their European pressings.
Colours
Lavender purple with a vertical white stripe and black text.
Design & Layout
Two-tone layout divided vertically; left bar contains the logo, right half contains centered text with catalog number and track list.
Record company logo
The word “PURPLE” set vertically within the white stripe, designed for visual simplicity and brand recognition on turntables.
Band/Performer logo
No dedicated band logo used; emphasis on the record label identity rather than artist branding.
Unique features
Dual catalog number placement (top-right and side text), clear STEMRA rights marking, and minimal decorative elements for a modernist aesthetic.
Side designation
Printed as “Side 1” in small text next to the catalog number.
Rights society
STEMRA (Netherlands).
Catalogue number
5C 188-93915 / (5C 188-93915-A).
Rim text language
English.
Track list layout
Compact, center-aligned below the album title; songs numbered 1–2 with songwriter credits in parentheses.
Rights info placement
Printed along the upper and lower edges of the label’s outer rim.
Pressing info
Pressed and distributed by EMI Bovema N.V., Netherlands, under license from Purple Records UK.
Background image
Solid lavender background; no imagery or texture, emphasizing text and logo clarity.
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