Live Report: Deep Purple, Jayler (Telecom Center

The past, present and future of classic rock took center stage at

what was potentially the final appearance of DEEP PURPLE in Greece. This alone gave the evening of October 13 at Telecom Center Athens a historic significance, as the priceless legacy of one of the most important bands in rock history met the freshness and ambition of a new generation of musicians in the form of JAYLER. All of this unfolded at a time when the music industry, as well as society as a whole, stands at a crossroads of developments that are redefining everything we have known until now.

There was certainly a sense of curiosity about what JAYLER had to offer, following the impressive reception of their debut album, “Voices Unheard,” released last May. Their stage presence was a direct throwback to the golden age of ’70s rock, from their clothing and movements to their overall aesthetic, with the influence of LED ZEPPELIN and other great acts of that era being more than evident.

The main question was whether they could deliver the complete package without coming across as pale imitations of those legendary bands. I have to admit that they largely succeeded. Their performance had the right retro feel, their energy levels were high, and they ultimately managed to win the audience’s applause. However, it was clear that the majority of the crowd were not particularly familiar with their music, as the only moment when the audience seemed genuinely enthusiastic was during a brief but distinctive tribute to BLACK SABBATH’s “War Pigs,” which they seamlessly incorporated into their final song, “The Rinsk.”

Setlist

Down Below
The Getaway
No Woman
Alectrona
Riverboat Queen
Need Your Love
Over the Mountain
The Rinsk

Without a doubt, however, the night belonged entirely to the legendary DEEP PURPLE, who took to the stage amid enthusiastic applause following a short video filled with vibrant colors and striking imagery. Aside from Simon McBride’s truly impressive guitar solos and, above all, the phenomenal Don Airey’s keyboard wizardry — which even included renditions of “Zorba the Greek” and “The Children of Piraeus” — DEEP PURPLE delivered a set featuring 15 songs, six of which represented the band’s respectable present through material from the albums “Splat!” and “=1.” The remaining tracks took us back to their glorious past, with the 1972 masterpiece “Machine Head” naturally receiving special attention. All the songs, of course, came from periods when Ian Gillan was their frontman.

Speaking of the charismatic and communicative Gillan, it was evident that the set had been structured in such a way as to allow him to reach the finish line with enough energy left in the tank. Extended instrumental passages, lengthy solos and brief anecdotes between songs gave both Gillan and the other musicians the opportunity to catch their breath. Apart from Simon McBride, who is practically a youngster by the band’s standards, the only musician who seemed completely unfazed was the wizard himself, Don Airey. Close-up shots of his fingers dancing across the keys were among the highlights of the evening.

As expected, the loudest bursts of enthusiasm from the crowd peaked during “Highway Star,” which opened the concert, as well as the equally classic “Black Night” and “Into the Fire.” The biggest sing-along moment belonged to “Smoke on the Water,” one of the most recognizable songs of the previous century. Meanwhile, the pairing of the newer tracks “Arrogant Boy” and “Diablo” also made a strong impression.

The visual aspect of the show played an important supporting role as well. The lighting and video walls complemented the overall experience without monopolizing the audience’s attention. After all, DEEP PURPLE is a band of such stature and significance that everything else is ultimately secondary.

Setlist

Highway Star
A Bit on the Side
Into the Fire
Guitar Solo
Arrogant Boy
Diablo
Keyboard Solo
Lazy
Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming
Sacred Land
Lazy Sod
Keyboard Solo
Perfect Strangers
Space Truckin’
Smoke on the Water
Guinessis
Hush
Black Night

In any case, comparing the DEEP PURPLE of 2026 with the band as it was in 1976 or 1986 is largely pointless. The legendary trio of Ian Gillan, Ian Paice and Roger Glover has nothing left to prove to anyone. The musical legacy they will leave behind when they eventually decide to retire is, in itself, the strongest testament to their immense contribution to the evolution of rock music.

The real challenge for DEEP PURPLE is no longer about their past, but rather their ability to remain creative, active and relevant despite the passing years. This is a challenge they appear to be meeting triumphantly, both through their recent studio albums and their ongoing live activity. Their extensive tour, which is expected to continue until around mid-December, is further proof that their desire to remain onstage is still very much alive.

We cannot know whether this particular concert was their farewell to the Greek audience. If it does turn out to have been their final appearance in the country, however, the show at Telecom Center Athens will be remembered as a magnificent and emotionally charged farewell, worthy of the history, contribution and enduring significance of one of the greatest bands ever to grace the world of rock music.

And the remarkable thing is that they are still adding more chapters to their history…

Correspondent: Kostas Boudoukos