Deep Purple’s Roger Glover on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: ‘It’s not that important’
Roger Glover says Deep Purple’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year wasn’t “that special to us.”
Eligible since 1993 – 25 years after the release of their debut album ‘Shades of Deep Purple’ – the British rock legends were finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Despite numerous artists including Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Alice Cooper and Rush arguing for Deep Purple’s inclusion during the 23-year wait, Roger Glover insists that Deep Purple’s eventual induction wasn’t that important.
Roger told Morgan Richards Interviews: "It's not that special to us. I mean, it's special that people support us, yes — we're very thankful for that. And lots of people - from Metallica to Alice Cooper to RUSH, lots of people - wondered why we weren't in there.
“Actually, we didn't get it twice (Deep Purple were previously nominated in 2013 and 2014) before we got it, and what do you answer that with? Well, it's not that important to us. And now that we've got it, it's still not that important to us. It hasn't changed my life in any way except I got a gong and a free mug. But it's a bit of icing on the cake.
“A friend of mine, when he was getting an award like that, said, 'The real reward for what you do is getting onstage and playing. Every night, that's the reward.' Something like a recognition like that, it's just a little bit of icing on the cake — that's all. It's not that important."
Ritchie Blackmore didn’t attend Deep Purple’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, releasing an ominous statement on Facebook at the time that read: "I have my reason for not attending the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, although I appreciate the award."
Out on Friday (15th December), Issue five of Planet Rock Magazine salutes Deep Purple with a unique embossed gatefold cover and epic 15 page interview.
With the band set to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2018, we join Purple on tour in Stockholm and London to hear how the monumental In Rock album set the classic Mk. II line-up on the path to superstardom. Frontman Ian Gillan also explains why the Long Goodbye tour doesn't spell the end for this ground-breaking musical institution.
Elsewhere in the issues, there’s an emotional eulogy to the late-great Malcolm Young, interviews with Gene Simmons and Pearl Jam, and an in-depth review of Planet Rockstock.
As 2017 draws to a close we select the year’s defining albums, and former Mötley Crüe leader Nikki Sixx reveals the songs that changed his life. The issue also features Iron Maiden, Rush, Alice Cooper, Queen, Jethro Tull, Wayward Sons, Judas Priest, Joe Satriani, Blue Öyster Cult... and 10 reasons why 2018 is going to be an incredible year for rock fans!
ORDER 5 ISSUE OF PLANET ROCK MAGAZINE ONLINE HERE