von Joanna Ostrowiecka

If it weren't for our colleague with his car, we wouldn't go to Switzerland this year, so I was glad that he agreed to take us there. The travel was very interesting and full of adventures because we got stuck in a small village in the Alps, beautiful yet impassable. We reached Crans-Montana at last, but it got very late.

The Grand scene was a tent, standing places only. We managed to stand near the stage - what a luck. The show started with Magma, and I must admit it isn't my music. They tired me. I couldn't wait for our band, and what's more, Deep Purple made us wait too long. But they entered at last and started with "Silver Tongue", of course. I like it very much.

Now when I read my Swiss review on the "Highwaystar" website, I feel ashamed a little. I complained so much there. Yes, the songs were the same as in England. The musicians' form wasn't as good as in November and they often played out of tune. Also Steve Morse played off key and he spoiled that famous riff in "Perfect Strangers". Yes, Ian Gillan forgot his lyrics again. But I must have been in poor form as well because I didn't notice that the band played very dynamically and with a lot of fun. Steve Morse's solo and "Contact Lost" came out beautifully. Don Airey didn't forget to play something special for the Swiss people. The audience was enthusiastic, often sang with Purple and I think they would demolish that tent if the band didn't play encores. And Gillan's hair has grown again at last! :))). He looked very dignified when he sat down during "Contact Lost".

In general, I was well- satisfied with the gig although Purple didn't play as well as in Brighton. I had a good time, especially as Roger Glover recognized my larger half Zenek. So did Steve Morse, then Ian Gillan looked at us as if he wanted to shout "Where on earth did you come from???" We had a good laugh indeed. Oh, yes, they often see us lately:).

We even managed to catch one of Glover's plectrums. Now I'd like to catch one of Ian Paice's drumsticks. Maybe...

I only regret that the show was so short. It was a very good idea to go to Crans. In March, I thought it would be the only DP gig in this year. Now I know there will be more shows in May, but for various reasons, I can't go to Norway or Denmark.

That's why I'm so glad that I could go to Switzerland in March. Purple can play better or worse, but I always listen to them with pleasure. Now they intend to record their new CD, but I hope there will be more gigs later, in Germany for instance...

Independently of all, I suggest that the band change the setlist a little. There are so many fine hits: "Maybe I'm a Leo", "Rat Bat Blue", "Ramshackle Man", "Bad Attitude", "The Purpendicular Waltz", "Walk On" for example... What do you say to that, dear Purple?

-Joanna Ostrowiecka