Deep Purple Are Back With Their Most Visceral Sound Yet
There’s something deeply satisfying about a legendary rock band refusing to rest on its laurels. Deep Purple, the architects of some of rock’s most iconic riffs, are proving in 2026 that they’ve still got plenty to say. On July 3, they’re dropping ‘Splat!’, their 24th studio album and the follow-up to 2024’s ‘=1’, and early word suggests it’s going to be a proper heavyweight contender.
What’s particularly intriguing is that the band has reunited with the legendary producer Bob Ezrin, the mastermind behind classic records with KISS, Pink Floyd, and Lou Reed. When you’ve got that kind of pedigree involved, you know something significant is brewing.
A Return to Rock’s Golden Era
Ian Gillan, the voice that’s defined Deep Purple for decades, has been candid about where the band is at creatively. According to the man himself, this incarnation of Deep Purple feels like it’s capturing the essence of the seventies without feeling nostalgic or forced. That’s the sweet spot every classic rock band is chasing, isn’t it?
“We are very much back in with material that is compatible with ‘Highway Star’, ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Lazy’ – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73,” Gillan explained. It’s a bold statement, but given the calibre of musicians involved, it’s one worth taking seriously.
The fact that the tracks were laid down live in the studio speaks volumes about the energy and spontaneity captured on ‘Splat!’. There’s nothing quite like that raw, unfiltered approach to recording – it’s where the best rock records come from.
What to Expect From ‘Splat!’
The album’s tracklist is a curious blend of provocatively titled tracks that suggest Deep Purple aren’t taking themselves too seriously whilst maintaining their musical credibility. From ‘Arrogant Boy’ and ‘Diablo’ through to ‘Jessica’s Bra’ and ‘Scriblin’ Gib’rish’, there’s a playfulness here that’s refreshing. The closing title track ‘Splat!’ presumably ties everything together.
Interestingly, the physical release is being treated as a proper collector’s item. We’re talking a 2LP gatefold 180g boxset with a 12-page booklet, CD digisleeve, three exclusive 10″ vinyl records featuring live recordings from their 2024 tour, and an exclusive 7″ featuring bonus track ‘GUINNESIS’. In an era of streaming dominance, that’s a genuine statement of intent.
The Full ‘Splat!’ Tracklist:
- Arrogant Boy
- Diablo
- The Rider
- The Lunatic
- The Only Horse In Town
- Sacred Land
- The Beating Of Wings
- Guilt Trippin’
- Scriblin’ Gib’rish
- Jessica’s Bra
- Third Call
- My New Movie
- Splat!
An Absolutely Massive Tour Awaits
Here’s where things get really exciting for fans. Deep Purple aren’t just releasing an album – they’re hitting the road with an 86-date world tour that kicks off this summer and runs through to November. That’s a serious commitment, and it demonstrates genuine confidence in the material.
The tour kicks off in Finland in June, sweeping through Scandinavia before heading into continental Europe. Festival slots at Hellfest and Montreux Jazz Festival are already locked in, and the UK leg includes a particularly prestigious show at London’s Royal Albert Hall on November 25. If you’ve ever wanted to catch Deep Purple in one of the world’s most iconic venues, this is your moment.
Key Tour Dates to Note:
June highlights: Finland, Norway, France (Hellfest), and Germany across multiple cities
July onwards: Spain, Switzerland, Italy, and beyond
November standout: Royal Albert Hall, London (November 25)
Tickets for both UK and European dates, as well as North American shows, are already on sale. Given the scale of this tour and the renewed creative energy surrounding ‘Splat!’, these dates are likely to shift quickly.
Why This Matters in 2026
Deep Purple’s return with ‘Splat!’ is significant for more reasons than just nostalgia. In a landscape where rock music is constantly being questioned about its relevance, seeing a legendary band deliver fresh, heavy material whilst refusing to compromise is genuinely encouraging. They’re not chasing trends, they’re not trying to sound young, and they’re not resting on their catalogue.
Instead, they’re doing what they’ve always done best: making the kind of music they believe in, with the best people they can find to help them realise that vision. Bob Ezrin’s involvement should tell you everything you need to know about the seriousness of this project.
Whether you’re a Deep Purple devotee or someone who’s casually bumped into ‘Smoke on the Water’ a thousand times over, July 3 is worth circling on your calendar. ‘Splat!’ has all the hallmarks of being the kind of album that reminds everyone why these guys earned their legendary status in the first place.