SUPPORT - SCOTT MCKEON
Vocalist/bass guitarist/songwriter Glenn Hughes is a true original. No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style blending the finest elements
of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is Hughes’ calling card. He’s known as a singer’s singer: in fact, Stevie Wonder once called Hughes
his favourite white singer.
The first important band Hughes was a member of that achieved notable success was Trapeze, while in 1973 he joined one of the most popular bands
in the world, Deep Purple. The trailblazing hard-rock legends had just weathered the departure of vocalist Ian Gillan and bass guitarist Roger Glover, but
guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice continued with the addition of Hughes and David Coverdale. Any scepticism
was squelched with the 1974 release of "Burn". This stunning album rejuvenated the band and stands tall among Deep Purple classics.
In the halcyon days, Purple headlined at the famous California Jam in 1974 in front of quarter of a million people. World tours via Purple's own jet plane,
"The Starship" and two more studio albums later, (the Hughes influenced "Stormbringer" and "Come Taste the Band"), Deep Purple finally split in 1976.
Now living in Los Angeles, Glenn's first solo album Play Me Out was released in 1977. He joined former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form
Hughes/Thrall, which released an acclaimed self-titled album in 1982. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Hughes made countless guest appearances (both
credited and un-credited) as a vocalist, bass guitarist or songwriter on other artists’ albums, in particular he appeared on the vastly underrated "Seventh
Star", was officially credited as 'Black Sabbath Featuring Tony Iommi'. Hughes and Iommi remained friends and in the past few years they have
released one brand new studio album together.
More commercial recognition came when the KLF dubbed Glenn Hughes "The Voice of Rock", proudly featuring him on their international best selling hit
single, "America- What Time is Love?"
"Soul Mover" saw the continuation of the successful creative partnership with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith that began with Glenn's live
DVD Soulfully Live in the City of Angels (2004). "Soul Mover" was voted 12th best album of the year by highly influential UK magazine, CLASSIC ROCK.
After the release of his last studio album, the critically acclaimed Music For The Divine in 2006, 2007 saw Glenn embark on tours of Russia, South
America, Italy, Norway and Spain, along with solo dates in London - at the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire - Bulgaria and Greece. Glenn headlined
festivals in France and Norway. He took a prominent part in the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New York, which was highly successful. He also
appeared as a guest presenter at the Classic Rock Awards in both 2006 and 2007. Another highlight of a diverse and colorful year were the two sold out
solo shows at the famous Whisky in Los Angeles and BB King's in New York.
Glenn's new studio album, First Underground Nuclear Kitchen is the latest chapter in an extraordinary musical evolution, and is quite possibly the most
compelling and positive musical statement in a distinguished career already abundant with highlights and milestones. Chad Smith again plays out of his
skin on the drums, and Glenn has rarely - if ever - sounded more inspired, written with such grace, or sung with more passion.
Make no mistake: the Voice of Rock never left the building.