Deep Purple have released "Portable Door," the first single and video off their forthcoming 23rd album, =1 (equals one).
Guitarist Simon McBride says the album "reflects what the five of us create in the rehearsal room. Many of the songs, like ‘Portable Door,’ were written in the first sessions and literally came together in five or 10 minutes. It all was so easy and natural.”
And singer Ian Gillan adds, "Throughout Deep Purple’s history, our best songs have always been those that were written in no time at all. We’ve played what felt good and developed songs as we have always done.”
This is Purple's first album with McBride, who replaced Steve Morse in 2022. And it's their fifth studio album in the last 11 years, and fifth in a row produced by Bob Ezrin.
Set for release on July 19th, it contains 13 songs and will be available in multiple configurations, including some that contain the bonus DVD Access All Areas, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the band on tour.
The album title =1 symbolizes the idea that in a world growing ever more complex, everything eventually simplifies down to a single, unified essence. Everything equals one. Its full meaning will be revealed in the coming weeks, with the artwork also playing its part.
Purple, with Yes opening, start their U.S. tour on August 14th in Hollywood, Florida.
Deep Purple and Yes Coming to Dickies Arena in Ft. Worth on Monday August 19th.