Former KID ROCK Engineer/Programmer Comments On Possible DEEP PURPLE Collaboration

Former KID ROCK engineer/programmer Michael Bradford has commented on the possibility of a collaboration with DEEP PURPLE in the producer role for the latter's upcoming album, due in early 2003. According to Bradford, "I got a call about two months ago from the manager of the legendary DEEP PURPLE. Next thing I know, I'm on a plane to England to meet the band and see a show in Brighton. It's the Machine Head lineup, except Steve Morse is on guitar instead of Blackmore. Incredible band! They sound as good as they did back when 'Smoke On The Water' was a new song, which is back when I was a kid. Now get this, they wanted to meet me to talk about co-writing and producing their NEW ALBUM! These guys are ready to rock again, and the tour is completely sold out!"

Michael also made the following comment to The Highway Star: "This is an exciting opportunity for me! We don't have a concrete starting date for the album, as the boys are on tour, but I think we'll probably start in the fall, around October. I do hope to collaborate with the band, as a writer as well as from an arrangement standpoint. I want to hear another classic DEEP PURPLE album. And, now that I've seen them live, I know that they have it in them. I flew to London a few months ago to meet the band, and to see their live show in Brighton. The band sounded great! Ian had a bit of flu, but when showtime came, he rose to the occasion like a professional. The crowd got their money's worth, and the band were very tight. It's almost impossible to see that level of lion-hearted professionalism in a new young band these days. That's why DEEP PURPLE has lasted 30 years, while most bands don't last 30 months. After the show, we tossed some ideas around, and I think we're all on the same wavelength. So I think we're all in for some great rock'n'roll."