Following the departure of Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple, Clem Clempson nearly assembled an audacious supergroup featuring Glenn Hughes and David Bowie, creating a blend of music akin to Mahavishnu Orchestra with vocals.
In 1974, Deep Purple found themselves at a crossroads when guitarist legend Ritchie Blackmore bid farewell. Discussions ensued on whether the band should continue without their iconic axeman. It's rumored that David Coverdale, the newcomer, was engrossed in Billy Cobham's Spectrum at the time, showcasing Tommy Bolin's talents. Yet, there was another clear frontrunner – none other than American guitarist, Jeff Beck.
While Beck's virtuosity and innovative style aligned well with Deep Purple’s hard rock sound and progressive edge, he ultimately declined the offer due to personal concerns about the band's direction and internal dynamics. Logistical conflicts also stood in the way, making it impossible for him to fully commit to the band. This left the band with no choice but to continue their search.
When Tommy Bolin joined the band, he brought along his songwriting skills, penning seven out of nine tracks on Come Taste the Band. His wild, Echoplex-powered solo on Spectrum cut Quadrant 4 became a significant influence for Steve Stevens' iconic, toy ray gun-utilizing Rebel Yell solo. Clempson understands the band's decision, acknowledging that Bolin had numerous songs that were precisely what they needed, and his style was more akin to Blackmore's than his.
Though Clempson had more fiery chops, he didn't see himself as the right fit for the main songwriter position in the band. His audition may not have been successful, but he has fond memories of the experience, even nearly spawning another project entirely - the thought of which would have '70s rock fans salivating.
One unforgettable moment was spending a late night with none other than David Bowie, who played the role of chauffeur during Bolin's audition. The bassist was immediately drawn to the band's soon-to-be new guitarist, and they became fast friends. They wrote Gettin' Tighter the first week together and went on to create memorable music together.
Despite Bolin's only album with Deep Purple receiving a mixed response from fans and the live shows, his legend continues. His beloved Les Paul is now in the hands of Joe Bonamassa, who conducted a séance with Bolin to get his permission before the purchase. Bonamassa still considers it one of the strangest guy purchases he's ever made.
Stay tuned for our full interview with Clem Clempson, featuring fascinating insights and anecdotes about his time with Deep Purple, his audition, and the music industry.
Jeff Beck, an American guitarist known for his virtuosity and innovative style, was a clear contender for Deep Purple after Ritchie Blackmore's departure. However, logistical conflicts and concerns about the band's direction prevented him from fully committing to the role.
Joe Bonamassa, a modern guitarist, now proudly owns Tommy Bolin's beloved Les Paul guitar, a testament to the enduring legacy of this guitar maestro even after his departure from Deep Purple.
