Deep Purple – Total Abandon: Australia ’99 (1999): Explosive Live Energy Down Under
By 1999, Deep Purple had cemented their post-Blackmore lineup with Steve Morse as guitarist, blending veteran experience with fresh energy. Their live prowess was captured in the release of Total Abandon: Australia ’99, a live album and concert video documenting the band’s explosive performance in Melbourne. This recording highlights the band’s unmatched live intensity, virtuosity, and stage chemistry at the turn of the millennium.
Album Overview
Album: Total Abandon: Australia ’99
Artist: Deep Purple
Release Date: 1999
Label: Eagle Records
Genre: Hard rock, live rock
Length: 105:00 (double CD / video format)
Producer: Deep Purple
The album features the lineup of Ian Gillan (vocals), Steve Morse (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums). Recorded during the band’s Australian tour, Total Abandon: Australia ’99 captures Deep Purple performing classic hits alongside material from the Morse era, showcasing the perfect balance between their legendary past and contemporary sound.
The release emphasizes extended solos, improvisation, and audience interaction, making listeners feel like they are part of a powerful live experience.
Mini Review
Total Abandon: Australia ’99 is a masterful live recording that demonstrates Deep Purple’s sustained energy and technical brilliance. The concert opens with “Ted the Mechanic”, immediately showcasing Steve Morse’s virtuosic guitar work and Ian Gillan’s commanding vocals.
Classic tracks like “Smoke on the Water”, “Highway Star”, and “Black Night” are delivered with raw intensity and extended solos, while newer material such as “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” adds melodic depth and modern flair. Bluesy jams like “Lazy” provide space for the band’s instrumental interplay, highlighting Jon Lord’s keyboards and Ian Paice’s intricate drumming.
Fans praise the album for its authenticity, capturing the electricity of Deep Purple’s live shows and the seamless integration of Morse-era material with the band’s classic repertoire.
Notable Tracks
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Ted the Mechanic: Upbeat opener with energetic riffs and dynamic vocals.
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Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming: Melodic and emotional track from the Morse era.
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Smoke on the Water: Iconic anthem performed with audience engagement and extended solos.
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Highway Star: Hard rock classic with virtuosic guitar and keyboard interplay.
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Lazy: Blues-infused jam featuring technical mastery and improvisation.
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Black Night: Rock staple delivering crowd-pleasing riffs and energy.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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Steve Morse in Action: This tour solidified Morse’s role as a permanent member and key contributor to Deep Purple’s live sound.
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Australian Audience: Melbourne’s enthusiastic crowd provides electric energy throughout the performance.
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Live Video Release: The album was also released as a DVD, offering visual insight into the band’s stage presence.
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Extended Solos: Several tracks feature improvisational segments showcasing each member’s musicianship.
Goofs & Missteps
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Some audio balancing issues occur due to the challenges of live concert recording.
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A few tracks are slightly edited for CD length, though the full video provides the complete set.
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Fans seeking exclusively 1970s material may find Morse-era tracks stylistically different.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
Total Abandon: Australia ’99 was praised by fans and critics for capturing Deep Purple’s live intensity and musical precision at the end of the 1990s. The album reinforced the band’s reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in rock history.
The release is historically significant for showcasing the successful integration of Steve Morse into the band while delivering a career-spanning setlist, making it an essential live recording for collectors and fans alike.
Conclusion
Total Abandon: Australia ’99 is a must-listen for fans seeking a front-row experience of Deep Purple’s live brilliance. From the explosive “Ted the Mechanic” and the melodic “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” to the iconic “Smoke on the Water” and bluesy “Lazy”, the album captures the band’s energy, technical skill, and stage presence.
For both longtime fans and newcomers, Total Abandon: Australia ’99 delivers a thrilling, authentic, and unforgettable live Deep Purple experience.
