Deep Purple Remixes and Expands a Long Overlooked LP — A Forgotten Gem Finally Reborn
By Rock Revival News | October 14, 2025
Few names in the history of rock music carry the same weight as Deep Purple, the pioneering British band that helped define hard rock and heavy metal. From Machine Head to Made in Japan, their legacy is etched into the DNA of modern rock. But now, in a move that has both fans and critics buzzing with anticipation, Deep Purple has announced the remix and reissue of one of their most overlooked albums, giving it the lavish attention many believe it has always deserved.
This project — described by insiders as a “sonic resurrection” — not only remixes the original tracks with modern production techniques but also expands the LP with a wealth of unreleased material, studio outtakes, and live recordings from the same era. The result, according to early reviewers and the band’s producer, is “a rediscovery of a lost chapter in the Deep Purple story.”
A Forgotten Chapter in Rock History
While Deep Purple’s most famous albums from the early 1970s—like Machine Head (1972), Fireball (1971), and In Rock (1970)—cemented their status as icons of hard rock, there was always one record that slipped through the cracks. The LP in question, often overshadowed by their more commercially successful releases, was a transitional album, born during a turbulent period of lineup changes, creative experimentation, and industry pressures.
Though not yet officially confirmed, industry insiders suggest the album being revisited is “Who Do We Think We Are” (1973) — the final record featuring the classic Mk II lineup before Ian Gillan and Roger Glover’s temporary departure. At the time, critics were divided, calling it inconsistent or rushed compared to its predecessors. Yet, in hindsight, fans have grown to appreciate its raw energy, ambitious songwriting, and hints of vulnerability beneath the band’s trademark bravado.
Now, more than fifty years later, Deep Purple aims to rewrite history—not by altering their past, but by revealing it in full clarity.
The Remix: Clarity, Power, and Precision
At the center of this reissue project is a brand-new stereo and Dolby Atmos remix helmed by Steven Wilson, the acclaimed British musician and producer known for his transformative work on remixes for King Crimson, Jethro Tull, and Yes.
Wilson’s involvement has become something of a gold standard in the rock reissue world, and his approach to Deep Purple’s material is meticulous. He explained in an interview with Classic Rock Magazine:
“When I first listened to the original multi-tracks, I was struck by how much detail was buried in the mix. You can hear every snare hit, every subtle change in Jon Lord’s Hammond organ tone, and nuances in Ian Gillan’s voice that were simply lost in the limitations of the technology back then. My goal wasn’t to modernize it—it was to let the album finally breathe.”
The remix, according to early listening sessions, is nothing short of revelatory. The thunder of Ian Paice’s drumming now sits front and center, while Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar riffs shimmer with newfound sharpness and presence. The band’s signature blend of classical-inspired keyboard lines and heavy rock grooves sounds more dynamic and three-dimensional than ever.
The upcoming release is expected to be available in multiple formats, including deluxe vinyl, Blu-ray audio, CD box sets, and digital streaming in hi-resolution formats.
The Expansion: Demos, Outtakes, and Live Power
What makes this release particularly thrilling for fans is that it’s not just a remix—it’s a complete expansion of the era. The new edition includes:
- Previously unreleased demos showcasing early versions of key tracks.
- Studio outtakes that reveal the band’s creative process.
- A collection of live performances from their 1973 European tour, many of which have never been officially released.
- A 64-page booklet featuring rare photos, interviews with surviving members, and essays by music historians chronicling the album’s complicated birth and enduring legacy.
For longtime fans, it’s a treasure trove of material that paints a fuller picture of Deep Purple during one of their most intriguing yet misunderstood periods.
Rediscovering the Spirit of the 1970s
When Who Do We Think We Are was first released, the rock world was changing rapidly. Bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Pink Floyd were all redefining what heavy and progressive music could be. Deep Purple, exhausted from years of relentless touring and creative strain, found themselves both at the peak of their fame and on the verge of internal collapse.
The new edition captures this raw duality — the sound of a band both triumphant and torn apart. Tracks like “Woman from Tokyo” and “Mary Long” are now presented with greater depth, their themes of fame, rebellion, and disillusionment resonating more deeply in today’s context.
Music historian and author Simon Robinson, who contributed liner notes to the new edition, puts it succinctly:
“You can feel the tension in every note. It’s the sound of a band fighting to hold it together, but that friction also produced some of their most powerful music. The remix brings that energy to life like never before.”
A Legacy Renewed
The timing of this reissue couldn’t be better. Deep Purple remains an active touring and recording force even in 2025, with their most recent album =1 earning widespread acclaim for its inventive songwriting and the continued virtuosity of the band’s lineup, including the late Steve Morse’s successor, Simon McBride.
This return to their past serves as both a reflection and a celebration of a band that has never stopped evolving. In a statement released through their official website, the group said:
“We’ve always been proud of everything we’ve done, even the records that didn’t get the spotlight they deserved. This project gave us the chance to revisit that music with fresh ears, to hear what we might have missed back then, and to give fans something truly special.”
It’s clear that this isn’t just a marketing move. For Deep Purple, the project is deeply personal — a chance to honor the past while keeping the music alive for new generations.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
Though the reissue hasn’t officially dropped yet, early previews shared with select journalists and fans at a private listening event in London have been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have praised the remix’s balance of fidelity and authenticity, noting how it enhances the album’s power without stripping away its vintage charm.
Online fan forums have lit up with excitement, with longtime Purple followers calling the announcement “a dream come true.” Some even compare it to the revival of Pink Floyd’s Animals and The Beatles’ Let It Be remix projects — historic albums rediscovered through modern technology.
As one fan wrote on Reddit’s r/ClassicRock thread:
“It feels like Deep Purple are finally giving this record the justice it always deserved. It’s not about rewriting history; it’s about hearing it clearly for the first time.”
The Cultural Impact: Why This Matters
In an age of streaming algorithms and disposable singles, projects like this remind listeners of the importance of the album as an art form. Deep Purple’s reissue not only revives a forgotten record but also reignites appreciation for the craftsmanship, experimentation, and risk-taking that defined 1970s rock.
For younger audiences discovering Deep Purple through platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, this release serves as a gateway to the roots of hard rock—a living bridge between eras.
Moreover, it reinforces the idea that no piece of art is ever truly finished or forgotten. With the right care, technology, and passion, even an overlooked LP can be transformed into a timeless masterpiece.
A Rebirth for the Ages
As Deep Purple prepares to unveil the remixed and expanded edition later this year, anticipation continues to build. The band’s legacy, already secure among the titans of rock, now gains another layer of depth and meaning.
What began as a long-overlooked LP has become a reborn classic—a testament to the enduring power of music to evolve, surprise, and inspire across generations.
As Ian Gillan said recently in a BBC interview:
“Music never really gets old—it just waits for the right time to be heard properly.”
For Deep Purple and their millions of fans worldwide, that time has finally come.
