Chris Welch, Melody Maker - November 8, 1969

Saturday, May 22, 2021 5:55 PM

Massive applause greeted great sets by Deep Purple and Yes at London's Lyceum Sunday night. The climax of Deep Purple's act was one of the most exciting ones in a long time — with effective use of strobe light and a dramatic guitar solo by Ritchie Blackmore, which left his guitar feeding back on the floor of the stage.

Jon Lord blew a mighty organ solo only equalled by the drumming of Ian Paice. It was a fine night for drumming as Alan White with Griffin up a storm and Bill Bruford of Yes contributing his tasteful and powerful playing.

Yes played a brilliant set with fine organ work by Tony Kay and very meaningful vocals by John Anderson.

Griffin threaten to become one of the sensations of 1970 with exciting if neurotic approach and completing an entertaining evening were Grope, Viv "Trousers" Stanshall and deejay Jeff "Macrobiotic" Dexter.