In a recent interview with Guitar Interactive magazine, former Deep Purple bassist and singer Glenn Hughes openly criticized longtime band members Ian Gillan, Roger Glover and Ian Paice for their behavior at the ceremony Deep Purple’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Looking back on the ceremony, Hughes expressed his frustration and disappointment with his former teammates. “I will never speak to any of them again, simply because they were rude”did he declare. “Roger, Ian and Gillan were rude to David [Coverdale] and me. I didn’t give a damn, actually, because I knew they were rude from the start.”
Hughes highlighted his sobriety at the event and the dismissive attitude he received from Gillan. “I was the only sober man. I don’t care about these guys. Gillan was rude to me on stage, accepting the award. I went to congratulate him. He looked into my eyes as if I didn’t exist. This guy has a problem with me, period. I let him do it. I feel bad for him. I’m really sorry for his wife [Bron, la femme de Gillan depuis 40 ans, est décédée en 2022]. I tried to contact him. He doesn’t want to know anything.”
Despite his efforts over the years, Hughes revealed that his attempts to build a friendship with Gillan were in vain. “I’ve tried to form some sort of friendship with him over the last 40 years”did he declare. “He doesn’t want to know anything. David Coverdale and I don’t exist for him. I wish him the best, but I don’t have any more time to waste on this behavior.”
Both Hughes and Gillan had notable careers, including stints with Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, although they never played together in either band.
In addition to discussing the strained relationships within Deep Purple, Hughes also spoke about his current projects. He mentioned the upcoming release of Black Country Communion’s new album, V, his involvement with the Dead Daisies, the short-lived California Breed project, and his collaborations with notable artists such as Gary Moore, Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, and The KLF.
