GLENN HUGHES Is Pushing For 'Burn'-Era DEEP PURPLE Reunion

Glenn Hughes spoke with Rocknworld's Morley Seaver recently to discuss his new record, "Music for the Divine", as well as his past addictions, his working relationship with RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith and the long-rumored reformation of the "Burn"-era lineup of DEEP PURPLE. Here's an excerpt of the interview:

Rocknworld: In your heart of hearts, do you think the long-anticipated reunion of PURPLE Mk III will ever happen?

Glenn: I think everybody…except Ian Paice….Ian is still in MkII. We've all spoken about it, through third parties. We've all spoken. I mean David [Coverdale] and Jon Lord and I have spoken about it at great length. Ritchie [Blackmore] has now spoken to people. I mean… Look, I'd like to do it for two reasons. The first simply being to play with my brothers again and to complete the chapter. But you know, I think it would be great to play with Ritchie again and David and Jon and Ian again. I think it would be really, really good. I think it would be a really great band. One last time, you know.

Rocknworld: Looking back, no one would ever say it was a blessing, but was your addiction a catalyst for you to get to where you are today. In that you had to hit bottom so that you could rebuild your life?

Glenn: Oh God. Absolutely! You know from '87 to '91 when I was really really, in the throes of addiction, I was really, really praying for God to remove that, you know. To get me a moment of clarity where I could just have the strength to check into a hospital. And it took about four years of praying and trying to get well, and then when I did finally changed my lifestyle, I have changed my life 180 degrees. Like complete change, you know. You see, I don't remember. I don't remember 1977 to 1991, I don't remember too much. I know I did a record with Tony Iommi. I know I did with Pat Thrall and Gary Moore, but I don't remember too much about it. So when I started to get clean and sober, it's like my life completely made sense to me. I mean I know a lot of great icons in this industry that struggle with drugs and alcohol, but feel their way of like you know, I am so and so. I can't play clean and sober. I've got to have a drink. I've got to have some type of crutch to lean on. But God does not want....athletes don't use drugs to work, and you know, musicians shouldn't do it either. It's clean living that's brought me to this point. And you know something, Morley? I really am a happy person. I'm always fighting for the better sound, or the better arrangement or the best production. I wasn't doing that 17 years ago.

Read the entire interview at www.rocknworld.com.