Gleb Barabanov - South Florida Insider

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 10:24 PM

Deep Purple and Yes – The = 1 More Time Tour

Published on August 16, 2024
By Gleb Barabanov

The Legendary Hard Rock Bands Team Up for One More Ride Together in South Florida – Photos and Review of the Deep Purple and Yes Concert at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL

Fans from all over South Florida gathered at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida last night to witness two giants of the Classic Rock scene play together. Yes and Deep Purple kicked off their “= One More Time” tour, celebrating 50 years of their storied careers with an incredible show that bridged multiple generations of hard rock enthusiasts. With no opening act, the performance by these rock legends was met with great enthusiasm by fans, who were treated to a blend of iconic hits and impressive musicianship.

As the lights dimmed and Yes took to the stage, the energy in the room shifted. The legendary progressive rock band, known for their complex compositions and virtuosic musicianship, launched into a setlist that spanned the heyday of their extensive career with “Machine Messiah” (the 1980’s song would be the newest material they played that night). With a lineup featuring long-time members Steve Howe and Geoff Downes, the band played classics like “Going For The One” and “Yours is No Disgrace“, showcasing their technical brilliance and timeless sound.

Yes’s musical display was a masterclass in musicianship, with each member showcasing their skills while maintaining the cohesive sound that has defined the band for decades. Jon Davison’s vocals, while different from Jon Anderson’s, were a perfect fit for the band’s current sound, bringing a youthful energy to the classic songs. Their performance a celebration of more than 50 years of their enduring legacy, and the band finished up their time on stage with a combination of their most popular songs: “Roundabout” (much to the joy of any fans of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure in the audience) and “Starship Trooper“.

After a brief intermission, Deep Purple took the stage, and the atmosphere once again became electric as the crowd began to cheer. The hard rock pioneers wasted no time diving into their set with the thunderous “Highway Star“, and the band’s new guitarist Simon McBride showed off his incredible chops by expertly shredding through solo after solo, blending technical proficiency with raw power. Ian Gillan’s vocals, though seasoned, still carried the power and emotion that fans have come to expect, and classics like “Hard Lovin’ Man” and “Lazy” sounded just as good as ever.

The crowd was particularly thrilled with the extended solos and the band’s dynamic stage presence, which brought their classic tracks to life with renewed vigor. Deep Purple’s performance was a celebration of their more than 50 year legacy, with a setlist that included classics like “Space Truckin’“, “Into the Fire” and “Smoke on the Water“, which features the ubiquitous riff every guitarist knows. The night ended with an encore that had the entire venue on its feet, singing along to “Hush” and “Black Night“. Deep Purple’s amazing performance was a reminder of why they are considered one of the greatest rock bands of all time, delivering a show that was both nostalgic and exhilarating for fans both old and new.