by William Alexander (with the invaluable contributions of Colin Hart and Roger Marcoux)

In the tranquil mountains of Stowe, Vermont, an unexpected musical revival took place that would reshape rock history. In 1984, one of hard rock's most influential bands, Deep Purple, chose our unassuming New England ski town as the birthplace of their remarkable comeback.

Far from the prying eyes of the music industry and surrounded by Vermont's serene landscape, the “Mark II” lineup reunited after an eight-year hiatus to create what would become their platinum-selling album “Perfect Strangers.”

Stowe, Vermont – The Unlikely Setting for a Rock Reunion

Deep Purple—once labeled “the world's loudest band” by the British music press—might seem an odd fit for the quiet mountain community of Stowe. Known more for its ski slopes and scenic beauty than its rock credentials, Stowe offered precisely what the band needed: isolation, tranquility, and anonymity.

“In Stowe, people accepted us just as a bunch of long-haired idiots that rented the house up the road…”

… bassist Roger Glover recalled in a 1985 Boston Globe interview. “Stowe is a small town and most people didn't give a damn who we were.”

This environment proved perfect for a band attempting to rebuild relationships after nearly a decade apart. The classic “Mark II” lineup—Ian Gillan (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Roger Glover (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums)—had not played together since 1973, and tensions, particularly between Gillan and Blackmore, had contributed to their earlier breakup.

From Reunion to Recording: The Vermont Journey

In April 1984, the “classic” Mark II line-up of Deep Purple (Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan and Roger Glover) reunited after eight years apart. This was the same lineup from 1969-1973 that had recorded their most well-known material. The following recordings are two of the best:

Machine Head (1972) was their most commercially successful album, featuring the iconic track “Smoke on the Water” along with “Highway Star” and “Space Truckin'”.

Made in Japan (1972) Was widely considered one of the greatest live rock albums ever made, capturing the band's explosive stage performance.

The band's journey to Vermont began with a simple idea: gather in a neutral location to see if they still had chemistry. Colin Hart, Deep Purple's tour manager, recommended Stowe after scouting the area. The band had no concrete plans to record an album when they arrived in May 1984.

They initially set up their equipment at “The Base Lodge” on an estate owned by the Von Trapp family (of “The Sound of Music” fame), where they jokingly gave their potential project the working title “The Sound of Music.” The first days were spent jamming, allowing the musicians to reacquaint themselves with playing together.

“After two minutes of that jam in the ski house, there was a big grin on my face and a big grin on everybody else's face, because it really was a moving experience,” Glover later reminisced. “I'd played with a lot of musicians and I'd never really thought of how much importance is attached to the word ‘team' or ‘group.' Playing together is just not like playing with anyone else.”

The Vermont Recording Sessions – When Green Mountains Made Perfect Purple Music

The reunited band signed a worldwide deal with PolyGram, with Mercury Records handling US releases and Polydor Records for the UK and other markets.

They recorded their comeback album “Perfect Strangers” in Vermont, which was released in October 1984. The album was commercially successful, reaching number 5 in the UK Albums Chart and number 12 on the Billboard 200 in the US.

The album featured singles that would become concert staples, including “Knockin' At Your Back Door” and the title track “Perfect Strangers.” It eventually became the second Deep Purple album to achieve platinum status in the US (after “Machine Head“).

The video above contains a question that William Alexander (author of this post) submitted to Ritchie Blackmore, about his thoughts on recording in Vermont (and no, he says he didn't ski in Stowe). According to Roger Marcoux, Ritchie was more of a soccer aficionado. Jon Lord, perhaps not so much of a soccer lover, joined in on the fun anyway.

The Hills Come Alive With A Creative Collaboration

As ideas began to flow—with Blackmore reportedly “full of riffs”—the band recorded their jam sessions to identify promising material. What had started as a casual reunion evolved into serious creative collaboration. When the time came to record, however, they faced an unexpected hurdle: Vermont authorities denied their application to record at The Base Lodge, possibly concerned about Blackmore's idea to “place speakers around the valley and record the results.”

The Creative Stowe Haven Where Rock Legends Forged Their Comeback

Undeterred, the band found a new location in early July—a property called “Horizons” at the top of Weeks Hill Road. With its spacious basement perfect for rehearsals and composition, Horizons became the birthplace of “Perfect Strangers.”

Without a traditional recording studio at their disposal, they brought in Le Mobile Studio, a Canadian mobile recording facility housed in a rigid truck. Recording sessions began on July 10, 1984, and continued for six weeks.

The Stowe Effect: How Vermont Shaped the Music

The bucolic Vermont environment had a profound impact on the band's creative process. Free from distractions and the pressures of the music industry, Deep Purple found themselves in a relaxed, productive state that contrasted sharply with their previous experiences.

“We had such a good time in Stowe,” remembered Colin Hart. “The people were great, the pubs and food were great. No one bothered us. The people of Stowe gave us all the privacy we needed. It was a really comfortable situation. Very relaxing and totally different from the usual rock-and-roll lifestyle.”

There was also a casual, group photo of the Deep Purple band just behind the counter of Pickwicks Pub in Stowe at the former Ye Olde England Inne. Located at 433 Mountain Road, it was shuttered in early 2015 after falling into foreclosure. The inn reopened as Field Guide Lodge by Lark Hotels in the fall of 2015.

Vermonter Roger Marcoux: Deep Purple Playing Soccer with the Locals

The band didn't just work in Stowe—they lived there, becoming part of the community. They frequented a local establishment called “The Pub,” owned by Richard Hughes, where they spent evenings “sipping English beer and reminiscing about old times,” according to Glover.

They played soccer with locals, including young police officer Roger Marcoux, who recalled, “They took their game very seriously.” Roger recruited kids from the local high school in Stowe to play soccer with the band. Later on, others joined in to enjoy a a game or two of soccer, such as CHOM-FM, a well-known, Montreal radio station, enjoyed by many in Vermont.

Roger Marcoux, a Deep Purple fan who later became the Lamoille County Sheriff, in Vermont, remembered the band as “gracious” despite being “on top of their game.” Glenn Jones, who worked as a cook at The Pub during this period, described them as “good guys, not pompous or superior. They were just guys who were in a band, they liked to play soccer, have a drink, and party.”

There was one story about some people from out of state who heard that the band were in Stowe. They attempted to bring cocaine into Vermont and supply it to the band. Roger Marcoux heard about it and they were arrested when they arrived in Stowe to sell it.

Roger describes the band as being “really great, down to earth and friendly guys” in 1984. He enjoyed playing soccer with them. In his own words, he said “… they treated me like family“. He fondly remembers helping them move out of Horizons when they were finished recording at the location. Jon Lord gave Roger a piano, in gratitude for his help, which he greatly treasured, for his assistance with the equipment.

Ritchie Blackmore, despite his reputation for pranks, etc., was also cordial and welcoming, according to Roger.

Rescuing families during a Vermont flood

Roger Marcoux and Colin Hart helped rescue keyboard player Jon Lord's family during a flash flood in Vermont while they were residing in the area.

This integration into Stowe's community life gave the band a sense of normalcy that had been absent during their heyday in the early 1970s. It allowed them to reconnect not just as musicians but as friends.

“Perfect Strangers”: The Comeback Album

Released in October 1984, “Perfect Strangers” exceeded expectations, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and number 12 on the Billboard 200 in the US. It went gold and platinum around the world, becoming the second Deep Purple album to achieve platinum status in the US after “Machine Head.”

The album featured standout tracks like “Knocking at Your Back Door” and the title track “Perfect Strangers,” which became concert staples. Critics generally received the album favorably, though not universally—Rolling Stone gave it just two stars, describing much of the material as “hastily knocked-off jams.”

Fans, however, embraced the album enthusiastically. The subsequent tour was the second-highest-grossing of 1985, behind only Bruce Springsteen. Deep Purple had successfully navigated the challenging terrain of a reunion album, proving themselves relevant in a musical landscape that had changed dramatically during their absence.

Return to Stowe: “The House of Blue Light”

The band's positive experience in Vermont prompted them to return to Stowe in December 1986 to record their follow-up album, “The House of Blue Light.” This time, they set up at The Stowe Playhouse (which later became the Rusty Nail nightclub), again using Le Mobile Studio.

Released in January 1987, “The House of Blue Light” received mixed reviews. Band members later admitted that they had compromised the album by trying to make their music “current.” Organist Jon Lord reflected, “We made the massive mistake of trying to make our music current. We discovered that people didn't want us to do that.”

Unlike the harmonious sessions for “Perfect Strangers,” however, the recording of “The House of Blue Light” was fraught with tension. By 1986, “much of the muse and seemingly all of the good will had dissolved,” according to one account. Vermont's charms couldn't overcome the resurfacing conflicts, particularly between Blackmore and the rest of the band.

As one writer from Past Prime similarly described it, “Whereas Vermont had been a salve not so long ago, by 1986 it was merely an isolated getaway for four men earnestly hoping to succeed and one scowling guitarist who did not want to be there. No amount of platinum albums, sold out stadiums—or apparently green mountains, fresh air, peace and quiet—could thaw the Cold War between Ritchie Blackmore and his band.”

In 1991 the Rusty Nail, a Stowe night spot, moved into the Playhouse building, sharing tenancy in the same fashion as the Baggy Knees had done at the earlier playhouse location. But in March of 1994 the Stowe Playhouse/Rusty Nail was destroyed by fire. It was the second major fire in Stowe in two months. Currently, as of 2025, the location is now occupied by American Flatbread.

Legacy in the Green Mountains

Deep Purple's time in Stowe left a lasting impression on both the band and the town. A platinum album of “Perfect Strangers” was presented to the Town of Stowe and hung for years at The Pub, where the band spent much of their downtime. Band members formed lasting friendships with locals, including Colin Hart's enduring connection with Roger Marcoux.

For Stowe, hosting one of rock's legendary bands during their comeback created a unique chapter in the town's cultural history. Local establishments like The Pub (at 311 Mountain Road, now Ranch Camp) became unofficial landmarks for rock enthusiasts.

For Deep Purple, the Vermont sessions represented more than just recording locations—they marked a crucial turning point in their career. The environment fostered a creative renaissance that allowed them to recapture their musical chemistry and launch a successful second act in their storied career.

Between Two Eras: Deep Purple's Place in the Changing Music Landscape

The band's Vermont reunion occurred at a pivotal moment in musical history. As one account noted, “During their extended hiatus, Pop music had subsumed Rock music. Notwithstanding the success of Bruce Springsteen, 1984 was the year of Pop—Madonna, Prince, and, of course, Michael [Jackson].”

Meanwhile, heavy metal was on the cusp of the mainstream, with bands like Van Halen incorporating synthesizers to gain MTV appeal while underground acts like Metallica were building momentum. Deep Purple's reunion positioned them to bridge this gap, representing what one writer called “the third prong of that trident” of the “Unholy Trinity of Heavy Metal,” alongside Led Zeppelin (no longer active) and Black Sabbath (on hiatus).

The Vermont Sound of Music with a Purple Flair

What made “Perfect Strangers” special was its authenticity. Unlike many 1980s rock albums that chased contemporary production trends, Deep Purple created music that honored their legacy while sounding fresh. The Vermont environment encouraged spontaneity and organic collaboration, resulting in a record that captured the essence of the band.

The album's sound—powerful, catchy, and distinctly Deep Purple—resonated with longtime fans while introducing the band to a new generation. As Glover noted with surprise, “To be successful in one generation and successful in the next is something I never would have dreamed of, but we seem to have it. Many kids are coming to the concerts who have never seen us before.”

In choosing Stowe, Vermont—an unlikely setting for hard rock icons—Deep Purple created not just albums but a compelling story of artistic renewal amid natural beauty. Their Vermont revival stands as one of rock music's most successful comebacks, made possible by a small Vermont town that, in Glover's words, “didn't give a damn who we were”—and in doing so, gave them exactly what they needed.

RIP Jon Lord: Pioneer of Classical-Rock Fusion

Jon Douglas Lord (June 9, 1941 – July 16, 2012) emerged as one of rock music's most innovative keyboard virtuosos, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the influential hard rock ensemble Deep Purple. As a founding architect of the band in 1968, Lord maintained continuous involvement until 1976, returning during their 1984 revival and remaining active until stepping away in 2002.

• Lord's musical legacy with Deep Purple represents a revolutionary approach to rock instrumentation:
• He crafted an unprecedented bridge between classical composition and hard rock energy, establishing a distinctive musical identity that defined Deep Purple's sonic character.
• The Hammond organ under Lord's command became a central force within Deep Purple's powerful sound palette, helping establish the tonal foundations that would influence countless heavy metal artists.
• Lord's compositional talents helped shape numerous Deep Purple classics that resonated globally, including such enduring tracks as “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Lazy.”
• His ambitious “Concerto for Group and Orchestra” represented a landmark achievement in merging rock band dynamics with full orchestral arrangements, premiering at London's prestigious Royal Albert Hall with Deep Purple performing alongside a symphony orchestra.

During his tenure, Deep Purple achieved extraordinary commercial success, with worldwide album sales exceeding 100 million units and live performances reaching more than 10 million fans. Following his 2002 departure from Deep Purple, Lord pursued solo endeavors that further explored his classical influences and personal artistic vision.

Where are they now? Deep Purple in 2025

As of March 2025, Deep Purple remains an active and vibrant band, showing no signs of slowing down. The legendary rock group is currently in its Mark IX lineup, featuring Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride

Sadly, Ian Gillan's wife, Bron, passed away on November 19, 2022, at the age of 67. They were married since 1984 and were married at Brush Hill Road in Stowe. They have one daughter, Grace Gillan.

In Gillan's word: “My darling wife, Bron, died of heart failure on Saturday 19 November, 2022, in Exeter Hospital. It's taken some weeks until I could find the words to dignify her publicly. Publicly, because our life together, (forty. wonderful, happy years), was mainly private.”

Deep Purple's Future: No Plans to Step Away from the Stage

The iconic rock group Deep Purple shows no signs of hanging up their instruments anytime soon. Far from contemplating retirement, the legendary band members remain enthusiastic about their musical journey and live performances.

Bassist Roger Glover made their intentions clear with his straightforward declaration: “There's no intention to stop.” This sentiment was echoed by vocalist Ian Gillan, who revealed they have commitments stretching well into the future, being “already booked to the end of '26.”

Rather than orchestrating a formal farewell tour or announcing a definitive end date, Deep Purple appears to embrace a more organic approach to their eventual conclusion. They seem content to continue their musical odyssey until external factors or circumstances naturally bring about its conclusion.

With nearly six decades in the spotlight, Deep Purple's continued creativity and persistent drive demonstrate why they remain a formidable and respected presence in rock music. Their refusal to bow out speaks volumes about their lasting passion for their craft.

Ritchie Blackmore's Musical Journey After Deep Purple

Following his final departure from Deep Purple in 1993, guitar virtuoso Ritchie Blackmore embarked on a fascinating musical odyssey that reflected his evolving artistic vision:

After parting ways with the legendary hard rock outfit, Blackmore revived his band Rainbow for a brief period, culminating in the 1995 release “Stranger in Us All” – an album that would serve as a transition point in his career.

By 1997, Blackmore had undergone a dramatic musical transformation, founding Blackmore's Night alongside vocalist Candice Night (who later became his wife). This new venture allowed him to delve into his long-standing fascination with medieval and renaissance compositions, crafting a distinctive sound that blended historical musical elements with folk-rock sensibilities.

This significant change in direction stemmed from Blackmore's growing disenchantment with hard rock conventions and his desire to explore more nuanced, organic musical expressions. Renaissance music particularly captivated him, providing the complex melodic frameworks he had been seeking.

The formation of Blackmore's Night granted him unprecedented creative autonomy, free from the commercial pressures that had characterized his final years with both Deep Purple and Rainbow.

Conclusion: Mountain Magic and Vermont Values

Deep Purple's Vermont chapter demonstrates how environment can influence creative output. Far from the music industry's pressures and distractions, surrounded by mountain vistas and welcomed by unassuming locals, the band found the space to reconnect with what had made them special in the first place.

The success of “Perfect Strangers” validated their decision to reunite and confirmed that their music still resonated with audiences. Though the harmonious spirit wouldn't last through their second Vermont recording session, that initial reunion in Stowe remains a testament to the power of the right environment to nurture creativity and heal old wounds.

Where Personal Connections Matter More Than Status

As Vermonters, we are uniquely aware that our small state where just about “everyone knows everyone else's business” makes us a perhaps a bit curious about newcomers and celebrities. Vermont's small towns and rural communities tend to prize authenticity, privacy, and treating everyone as neighbors first.

The state's population is just over 600,000, fostering a culture where being a good community member matters more than being well-known. The state offers a place where they can be community members first and famous people second.

A very special thanks to Colin Hart for his contributions to this long overdue article

Colin Hart was a road manager and tour manager for Deep Purple, working with the band from approximately 1969 to 1976 during their classic “Mk II” lineup period and beyond. His role was crucial in managing the band's complex touring logistics during their peak years of success. Most of the photos within this article were contributed by Colin and his input was vital in composing this article.

Colin Hart: The Man Behind Deep Purple's Success

Colin Hart stands as an unsung hero in rock music history, dedicating over three decades of his life to one of hard rock's most influential bands. Beginning as a roadie in 1971 after touring with Matthew's Southern Comfort, Hart quickly established himself as more than just Deep Purple's tour manager—he became their anchor during the band's most turbulent and successful years.

From Roadie to “Mother Hen”

Hart's journey with Deep Purple began at a pivotal moment in rock history. Shortly after joining their road crew, he witnessed the infamous Montreux Casino fire that would inspire “Smoke on the Water.” Present as the flames engulfed the building and smoke drifted across Lake Geneva, Hart observed firsthand the birth of what would become one of rock's most recognizable riffs.

Jon Lord aptly nicknamed Hart the “mother hen” of Deep Purple, a title that captured his multifaceted role. Beyond logistics and scheduling, Hart served as confidant, protector, mediator, and caretaker for band members navigating the pressures of international fame. His presence at legendary concerts in Japan and the California Jam performance before 400,000 fans helped ensure Deep Purple's operations ran smoothly during their commercial peak.

Navigating Band Dynamics

Perhaps Hart's most valuable contribution was his deft handling of Deep Purple's notoriously volatile lineup changes. When Ian Gillan and Roger Glover departed, Hart facilitated auditions that brought David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes into the fold. His diplomatic approach—often using his trademark phrase “We'll get back to you” when rejecting hopefuls—helped maintain professionalism during potentially awkward transitions.

When Ritchie Blackmore left in 1975 to form Rainbow, Hart's loyalty to the guitarist led him to follow, taking on tour management for the new venture. For nine years, he navigated Rainbow's constantly shifting personnel, sometimes having to replace musicians before they had even performed their first show.

The Return and Beyond

The 1984 Deep Purple reunion brought Hart back to his original post, where he oversaw another decade and a half of lineup fluctuations. He mediated during Gillan's departure and return, Joe Lynn Turner's brief tenure, Blackmore's eventual exit, and Steve Morse's integration into the band. Throughout these changes, Hart maintained operational continuity that allowed Deep Purple to focus on their creative output.

Hart remained with Deep Purple until his retirement in 2001, capping a remarkable three-decade career that spanned the band's evolution across multiple eras. His experiences, later documented in his co-authored book “A Hart Life,” offer a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on one of rock's most enduring acts.

In an industry often defined by ego and excess, Colin Hart's steadfast presence provided the stability that helped transform Deep Purple from a band into a musical institution. While his name rarely appears on album credits, his contributions to rock history remain immeasurable.

A Hart Life – On the Road with Deep Purple

Hart became an important figure in Deep Purple's history not only for his work behind the scenes but also for documenting the band's story. After his time with the band, he wrote a memoir titled “A Hart Life” (sometimes referred to as “Deep Purple: A Hart Life“) which provided an insider's account of life on the road with Deep Purple during their most successful period.

His book offers valuable insights into the inner workings of the band, their personalities, and the challenges of touring during rock's golden era. As someone who was there day-to-day, Hart's perspective is considered an important contribution to understanding Deep Purple's history and dynamics during their classic years.

You can visit Colin's Facebook page and enjoy his many, wonderful photos and memories. It's a great historical deep dive into one of the world's most iconic bands with many fascinating photos for both Deep Purple fans and those who enjoy Vermont history. You will find many more photos and stories on Colin's page about the band and other historic moments from the golden era of rock music.

The Final Words from Colin Hart About Vermont

“Great memories and lasting friendships from our multiple visits to Vermont over the years, both personal and band related. Skiing in Stowe and Killington, band projects in Stowe, Stratton and Killington. Met some wonderful people. I’m happily retired these days and spend almost all of my time in Florida, playing golf weekly with a bunch of my Brit friends and trying to stay out of trouble! Would love to get back to Stowe sometime soon.”

Thank You to Our Sources

• Interviews with Colin Hart, Deep Purple's tour manager
• Roger Marcoux of the Lamoille Vermont County Sheriff's Department
• Stowe Guide & Magazine, Summer/Fall 2015 (page 54)
• Deep Purple Reunion Nurtured in Green Mountains
• Chicago Tribune, 1987
• The Highway Star website
• Deep Purple Appreciation Society
• Past Prime blog
• Accounts from Stowe and other area locals including Glenn Jones
• and last but not least, special thanks to Deep Purple for their invaluable contributions to music

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