Lars Ulrich volunteers to join Deep Purple

'Mk III' band reunion needs a drummer

Michael Leonard, Tue 6 Jan 2009, 8:41 am GMT

Lars Ulrich: wants to play with Deep Purple

Metallica's Lars Ulrich has been speaking to Classic Rock magazine about the possibility of a Deep Purple Mk III reunion - and he's volunteered to take over on the drum throne.

In separate interviews with Classic Rock, singer David Coverdale, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes and keyboardist Jon Lord have all intimated they would be willing to reunite the mid-'70s line-up of Deep Purple. And all parties have recently been in contact with the band's mercurial lead guitarist, Ritchie Blackmore.

In fact, Classic Rock says the only block to the band reforming, surprisingly enough, could be Ian Paice. As a member of the current incarnation of Deep Purple would probably find it difficult and uncomfortable to get involved.

But there is a solution in the form of Metallica's Lars Ulrich, who would be happy to deputise on drums for a one-off event.

Ulrich: "I'll volunteer myself"

A hardcore Purple fan, Ulrich saw Purple Mk III at their first show, in Copenhagen in 1973.

"That was the famous gig where in a newspaper article the day after, Coverdale was talking about puking in the toilets backstage before the show, he was so fired up with nerves," Lars recalls. "I remember they played a lot of new songs, I was all of nine years old."

"If Deep Purple need a drummer, David Coverdale has my number" Lars Ulrich

Ulrich admits to even being a big fan of Stormbringer, Purple Mk III's second and final studio album. "I think that Soldier Of Fortune and The Gypsy stand out and have aged well compared to the rest of the record.

"I hope that one day Metallica will do a version of [Stormbringer] songs; James Hetfield could sing Soldier Of Fortune beautifully."

And as for the reunion, Ulrich adds: "I know there's talk about the fact that if they got Coverdale, Hughes, Lord and Blackmore together they would have four members who aren't in the current Deep Purple – then they just need a drummer, I'll volunteer myself for that [laughs].

"If they need a drummer, David Coverdale has my number."

The full 20-page Deep Purple special feature is in the February 2009 edition of Classic Rock, on sale in the UK 7 January.

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User comments (2)

Darth_Sidious

25 weeks ago.

Christ,
Coverdale, Hughes AND Blackmore ALL agreed to it? To be on stage together at the same time???
I dont want to seem overdramatic, but anyone who remembers the history of this band.... This is akin to having all the members of Floyd back together again at Live 8. How many years has it been since these guys played together - hell, even got on together???
I for one, if this line up tours will go wherever in the world it takes to see them. I dont care who's in the drummer's seat, though I think Mr Ulrich will face some competition - Paicey aside, what drummer wouldnt bite their arms off for this gig??
I dont think its going to quite match the level of fervour that the Zep reunion did (which means the rest of us might just have a chance of getting tickets), but this.... this is going to be one of the last big reunions not to be missed. Especially with DC being on such sparkling form. Anyone who saw the recent Snakes/Leppard tour would vouch for that.
Excellent news. Made my day this has!

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MrGawain

25 weeks ago.

It must be a relief for Mk III to know they have a drummer with skill, feel, groove and timing available to them....

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