Category Archives: On The Rocks

On The Rocks only contains strong songs, mostly genuine material and now and then a well chosen ‘oldie’ cover…

Time flies when you’re enjoying yourself and that’s exactly how to describe this CD in a few words; before you know it, it’s over.

Deep Purple Fan Club (August 2002)

The band play well, Gillan as always gives his all as only he can it is well produced and packaged and also includes a 12 page booklet featuring notes from More Than Purple editor Jerry Bloom and some rare unseen band member photos from their own personal collection.

All in all a must for any Gillan or Deep Purple fans amongst us!

Steve Atkinson, Classic Rock Society (September 2002)

Gillan’s brand of punchy hard rock/old-school metal is well shown, and here the then-former Deep Purple vocalist led a set of blistering riffs, pounding rhythms and Colin Towns’ great, interweaving keyboards.

Joe Geesin, Record Collector (October 2002)

There is certainly nothing that gives the impression that the band was about to lose their guitarist…Of course, Bernie loved being the showman and how to tease the audience. His solo shows all of his different styles, before breaking into the riff ‘Smoke On The Water’. This is a powerful live album…and fans will be clamouring for this as none of the tracks have had an official release. There is also an interesting booklet which contains plenty of history and photographs.

Feedback (November 2002)

…The pinnacle line up of Gillan…an important album historically…worth having

Modern Dance, (Issue 41 November 2002)

…although the sound quality may not be too great, Gillan fans should enjoy it nevertheless…

Retford Times (January 2003)

This live CD has a great sound quality and contains some great Classic Hardrock in (of course) the DEEP PURPLE style, so lots of Hammond and screaming vocals here and there, but the GILLAN songs are also quite melodic…a not-to-be-missed piece in the collection of every DEEP PURPLE/GILLAN fan! (8.5/10)

Strutter magazine (August 2003)

The folks at Angel Air must be diehard Gillan fans because they’ve released more Gillan compilations, live performances, and CD’s from related band members than any other label. If you’re a fan of Ian Gillan or Deep Purple, you’re probably well aware of the label. On The Rocks is a recording of a June 17, 1981 performance from Aachen, Germany. A clear and well-recorded presentation…diehards will probably want to scoop it up.

Score: 3 out of 5 Battle-Axes

Chris Dugan – Metal Dreams

…Gillan devotees should enjoy the whole set immensely. No Laughing In Heaven and the Deep Purple anthem Smoke On The Water, are two of the energised highlights.

Kevin Bryan, Belfast Telegraph