Deep Purple - In the Absence of Pink (1991)
Deep Purple – In the Absence of Pink (1991): A Live Snapshot of a Legendary Band
By 1991, Deep Purple had firmly cemented their status as rock legends. That year, they released In the Absence of Pink, a live album capturing performances from their 1985–1987 tours, offering fans an energetic and authentic glimpse of the band on stage. Featuring the classic Mark II lineup with Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, this album highlights both the band’s hits and extended live improvisations.
Album Overview
Album: In the Absence of Pink
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1991
Label: Connoisseur Collection
Genre: Hard rock, live rock
Length: 72:40
Producer: Deep Purple
In the Absence of Pink is a live compilation drawn from several concerts during Deep Purple’s mid-1980s tours, primarily following the success of Perfect Strangers and The House of Blue Light. The album captures the raw energy of the band in concert, with extended jams, electrifying solos, and audience interaction.
The album is notable for its mix of classic 1970s material and newer tracks, providing a full picture of the band’s musical range during this era.
Mini Review
In the Absence of Pink is a powerful live album that successfully conveys the intensity and musicianship of Deep Purple in a concert setting. Opening with “Highway Star”, the album immediately immerses the listener in the band’s signature hard rock energy.
Standout tracks include “Perfect Strangers”, which demonstrates the band’s reunion-era cohesion, and “Space Truckin’”, a high-octane crowd favorite featuring extended guitar and keyboard solos. Ian Gillan’s vocals are strong and dynamic throughout, complemented by Blackmore’s virtuosic guitar work and Lord’s melodic keyboards.
The album alternates between fast, hard-hitting numbers and bluesy jams, giving a sense of the live concert’s ebb and flow. It remains a favorite among fans for its authentic live atmosphere and energetic performances.
Notable Tracks
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Highway Star: Fast-paced opener with virtuosic guitar riffs and thunderous drumming.
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Perfect Strangers: Atmospheric and dramatic, highlighting the chemistry of the reunited Mark II lineup.
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Space Truckin’: Explosive performance with extended solos and audience interaction.
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Smoke on the Water: Iconic anthem delivered with live intensity and improvisation.
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Lazy: Blues-infused jam featuring impressive organ and guitar interplay.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Multiple Tours: Recordings were sourced from several concerts during Deep Purple’s 1985–1987 tours.
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Mark II Reunion: Features the classic lineup that reunited in 1984 for Perfect Strangers.
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Extended Solos: Songs like Space Truckin’ and Lazy feature longer instrumental sections than their studio versions.
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Authentic Concert Experience: Audience sounds and live imperfections are preserved, giving a realistic concert feel.
Goofs & Missteps
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Audio quality varies slightly due to different recording venues and live conditions.
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Some tracks are edited or shortened for the album format.
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The album focuses on certain live tours, so not every era of Deep Purple’s hits is represented.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
In the Absence of Pink was primarily targeted at collectors and fans of live recordings, achieving moderate commercial success. The album is celebrated for its authentic representation of Deep Purple’s reunion-era concerts and remains a favorite live release among enthusiasts.
Over time, the album has been appreciated for capturing the energy, improvisational skill, and musicianship of the Mark II lineup during the 1980s, making it an essential addition for fans of classic hard rock.
Conclusion
In the Absence of Pink offers a thrilling live experience, capturing Deep Purple at the height of their reunion-era energy. From the explosive “Highway Star” and iconic “Smoke on the Water” to the improvisational brilliance of “Space Truckin’” and “Lazy”, the album showcases the band’s technical skill, raw energy, and enduring appeal.
For fans seeking a career-spanning live snapshot of Deep Purple, In the Absence of Pink provides an electrifying concert journey that captures the band’s legendary status in rock history.
