Simon McBride On Joining Deep Purple: “I Was Kind Of The Natural Fit For The Band”

The new Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride has opened up about joining the band. McBride stated that he was a good fit for the band, adding that it felt great to be a part of Deep Purple.

Formed in Hertford in 1968, Deep Purple has been considered one of the most influential bands of all time. Their music was characterized by its heavy, blues-influenced guitar riffs, intricate keyboard melodies, and dynamic, often improvisational instrumental sections. They have brought iconic albums, such as Machine Head and Made in Japan, which featured such hits as Smoke on the Water, Highway Star, and Child in Time.

The band’s line-up has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years, but they have always remained true to its signature hard rock sound and virtuosic musicianship. Its classic lineup consisted of Ian Gillan on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Jon Lord on keyboards, Roger Glover on bass, and Ian Paice on drums. Moreover, in 2016, Deep Purple was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with the induction ceremony featuring performances by the band’s classic lineup.

In March 2022, Simon McBride replaced the band’s then-current guitarist Steve Morse. After playing shows along with the band, he was officially announced a permanent Deep Purple member in September 2022.

During his recent appearance on El Expreso Del Rock, McBride commented on his joining Deep Purple. He described himself as a “natural fit” for the band.

“I know Don Airey very well,” the guitarist says. “I played with Don for about 10 years now. And I also know Ian Gillan very well, and I played with him off and on. I also know Roger [Glover, Deep Purple bass player] and I know Ian Paice as well. I’ve known them all, I’ve played with them all, but never at the same time.

“And I get on very well [with them]… I think I was kind of the natural fit for the band because – as I know Don and played with him and played with Gillan and I know the rest of the guys. We all get on very well.”

McBride then added Deep Purple had always been an iconic band. He showed he was proud of being named to the band.

“It’s a great thing to be part of Deep Purple,” he reveals. “The name Deep Purple is just iconic, and I’m very lucky that I can put my name through that, as being a part of it.

“But, yeah, the guys are great, and all the crew. It’s like a big family on the road. And we all have a lot of fun and we all get on very well. Yeah, I’m very honored to be a part of the whole thing.”