DWEEZIL ZAPPA explains his approach to remixing DEEP PURPLE’s ‘Machine Head’

DWEEZIL ZAPPA explains his approach to remixing DEEP PURPLE's 'Machine Head' for super deluxe edition

21-03-2024

Radio host and MTV legend Matt Pinfield recently joined Dweezil Zappa, son of Frank Zappa, in his Hikari Studios in Los Angeles to discuss Dweezil‘s approach to remixing DEEP PURPLE‘s iconic album “Machine Head” for the new super deluxe edition. In the seven-minute video below, hear Dweezil illuminate his process to remixing from the original multis both for stereo and for Dolby Atmos immersive sound, and what he hopes you’ll hear in the new mixes.

Warner Records and Rhino Entertainment honor the album’s enormous legacy with a comprehensive version introducing new mixes and previously unreleased live recordings. “Machine Head: Super Deluxe Edition” will be available on March 29 as a 3-CD/LP/Blu-ray.

Highlighting the collection are several different versions of the album, including new stereo and Dolby Atmos mixes by Dweezil Zappa. The 1974 quadraphonic mix and a newly remastered version of the original album are also featured, adding depth to the extraordinary set.

DEEP PURPLE unleashed one of the best guitar riffs since the invention of rock and roll with “Smoke On The Water”, a song dubbed the “Beethoven‘s 5th of hard rock.” Since its 1972 debut on “Machine Head”, the song and the album have left an indelible mark on music, inspiring countless bands around the world.

The “Super Deluxe Edition” also contains two captivating live performances. The first, recorded on March 9, 1972, at the Paris Theatre in London, captures the group’s unrivaled stage presence during the “Machine Head” tour. The second, previously unreleased, was recorded in April 1971 at the Montreux Casino in Switzerland. The band planned to record “Machine Head” there that December, but the venue burned down right before the sessions began, an event immortalized in “Smoke On The Water”.

In the aftermath, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord, singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice relocated to the nearby Grand Hotel (empty for the winter season) to record the album. Despite the chaos, the band managed to create its most successful album ever, topping the U.K. album chart and cracking the Top 10 in the U.S., earning a double platinum certification in 1986.

The previously unreleased Montreux concert promises to be a highlight for fans. The audience recording covers songs the band recorded prior to “Machine Head”, including “Child In Time” (from 1969’s “Concerto For Group And Orchestra”),“Speed King” (from 1970’s “In Rock”),and “Strange Kind Of Woman” (from 1971’s “Fireball”).

The new Dolby Atmos and 2024 mixes provide fresh and immersive perspectives on this classic album and were made by Zappa using the original tapes. In the liner notes, Zappa says: “It’s one of those records where I think, ‘How did they come up with this?’ It’s got classical influences in the guitar and the keyboard, but then it’s got the blues and there’s little bits of funkiness. And you have this singer who has the most killer voice. All these things come together in a way where it doesn’t sound like commercial music, yet people got really excited about it. It’s a fascinating recipe.”

“Machine Head: Super Deluxe Edition” LP track listing:

LP One: Dweezil Zappa 2024 Remix
Side One
01. Highway Star
02. Maybe I’m A Leo
03. Pictures Of Home
04. Never Before
Side Two
01. Smoke On The Water
02. Lazy
03. When A Blind Man Cries– B-side
04. Space Truckin’

CD Track Listing
CD One: Dweezil Zappa 2024 Remix
01. Highway Star
02. Maybe I’m A Leo
03. Pictures Of Home
04. Never Before
05. Smoke On The Water
06. Lazy
07. Space Truckin’
08. When A Blind Man Cries– B-side

2024 Remaster
09. Highway Star
10. Maybe I’m A Leo
11. Pictures Of Home
12. Never Before
13. Smoke On The Water
14. Lazy
15. Space Truckin’

CD Two: In Concert ’72
01. Introduction
02. Highway Star
03. Strange Kind Of Woman
04. Maybe I’m A Leo
05. Smoke On The Water
06. Never Before
07. Lazy
08. Space Truckin’
09. Lucille
10. Maybe I’m A Leo– soundcheck

CD Three: Montreux ’71
01. Swiss Yodel*
02. Speed King *
03. Strange Kind Of Woman *
04. Into The Fire *
05. Child In Time *
06. Paint It Black *
07. Wring That Neck (Hard Road) *
08. Black Night *
09. Lucille *

Blu-ray (Audio Only)

Dweezil Zappa 2024 Atmos Remix
01. Highway Star*
02. Maybe I’m A Leo *
03. Pictures Of Home *
04. Never Before *
05. Smoke On The Water *
06. Lazy *
07. Space Truckin’ *
08. When A Blind Man Cries – B-side *
1974 U.S. Quad Mix
09. Highway Star
10. Maybe I’m A Leo
11. Pictures Of Home
12. Never Before
13. Smoke On The Water
14. Lazy
15. Space Truckin’

Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Mixes
16. When A Blind Man Cries– B-side
17. Maybe I’m A Leo
18. Lazy
* previously unreleased

In October and November 2024 DEEP PURPLE brings the “=1 More Time Tour” to Europe this fall.

Fronted by the legendary Ian Gillan, whose vocals have defined generations and accompanied by the masterful bassist Roger Glover, the powerhouse drummer Ian Paice, the maestro on keyboards Don Airey, and the sensational guitarist Simon McBride, DEEP PURPLE guarantees a musical journey like no other. Since joining the band in 2022, McBride has already played to DEEP PURPLE audiences totaling more than half a million people.

Selling over 100 million records and laying the ground for hard rock and metal, the band continue to tour arenas the world over and release hit albums. Their last studio album, 2020’s “Whoosh!” was their highest charting in 46 years, making No. 4 in U.K. album charts.

Combining “Now WHAT?!” (2013) and “Infinite” (2017) and “Whoosh!”, DEEP PURPLE returned as one of the best-selling hard rock bands around, with sales exceeding one million copies.

They have been touring the globe consistently since forming in 1968, travelling through rock genres and line ups to become a British institution. A measure of their influence can be seen in their fans, who count Bruce Dickinson of IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA among their most ardent numbers.

Hit songs “Hush”, “Black Night”, “Speed King”, “Fireball” and “Smoke On The Water” helped define heavy rock, riffs and all. They remain true to the band’s origins and their ever-forging future.

Joining DEEP PURPLE in continental Europe will be JEFFERSON STARSHIP, while REEF will be special guests for the U.K. shows.

“=1 More Time Tour” dates

Oct. 17 – Katowice, Poland – Spodek Arena
Oct. 19 – Berlin, Germany – Max-Schmeling-Halle
Oct. 20 – Berlin, Germany – Messehalle
Oct. 22 – Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena
Oct. 23 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
Oct. 25 – Essen, Germany – Grugahalle
Oct. 26 – Lingen, Germany – Emsland Arena
Oct. 28 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
Oct. 29 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggodome
Oct. 31 – Esch-sur-alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
Nov. 01 – Paris, France – Zenith
Nov. 04 – Birmingham, UK – Resorts World Arena
Nov. 06 – London, UK – 02
Nov. 07 – Leeds, UK – FD Arena
Nov. 09 – Manchester, UK – AO Arena
Nov. 10 – Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro

DEEP PURPLE was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in April 2016.

In July 2022, guitarist Steve Morse officially left PURPLE to care for his wife, Janine, who was battling cancer. He has since been replaced by McBride.

DEEP PURPLE‘s latest album, “Turning To Crime”, came out in November 2021 via earMUSIC. The LP contains DEEP PURPLE‘s versions of great rock classics and musical jewels — including songs originally recorded by Bob Dylan, FLEETWOOD MAC, Bob Seger, CREAM and THE YARDBIRDS — carefully chosen by each member of the band.

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