Deep Purple has unveiled a new track titled “Lazy Sod” from their eagerly awaited album ‘=1’, set to release on July 19th. The song, which runs just under four minutes, is a compact yet powerful piece that blends robust guitar riffs with a prominent organ, evoking the quintessential Deep Purple sound. The British rock icons maintain a steady rhythm, only to break into ascending scales during the choruses and an organ-heavy prog breakdown in the bridge.
Frontman Ian Gillan delivers candid lyrics that reflect on his age—he turns 79 next month—and the chaotic state of the world: “The world’s on fire, and I can’t get my ass out of bed / The world is on fire, smoke all around my head.” In a recent interview with ROCKS magazine, Gillan shared a charming story about the song’s title and lyrical inspiration. He recounted a conversation with a young journalist who asked how many songs he had written. Gillan replied that his assistant had counted over 500 songs twenty years ago. Feeling accomplished, he was then humorously humbled when the journalist pointed out Dolly Parton’s 5,000 songs, calling him a “lazy sod.” This exchange made its way into his notebook and eventually became the song.
‘=1’ marks the first album featuring guitarist Simon McBride, who joined the band after longtime guitarist Steve Morse left in 2022 to care for his ailing wife. The current lineup includes classic members Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums), along with longtime keyboardist Don Airey. The album is produced by studio veteran Bob Ezrin, who has worked with the band on previous projects.
In support of the new album, Deep Purple is set to embark on a North American summer tour with Yes. The tour kicks off on August 14th in Hollywood, Florida, and concludes on September 8th in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Tickets are available now.
The new album ‘=1’ is already generating significant buzz. Critics are hailing it as a classic, with ROCKS magazine giving it a perfect 10/10 rating, Fireworks magazine in the UK calling it “highly recommended,” and Classic Rock UK declaring it “their finest moment this century.” The album will be available in various formats, including CD+DVD (Digipak), CD (Jewelcase), 2LP Gatefold (black, 180g), Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold (180g), Ltd. Crystal Clear 2LP (180g), and a Ltd. Box Set. The first print run of all LPs will include a 12-page LP-sized booklet. The bonus DVD features a 60-minute documentary titled ‘Access All Areas,’ offering a behind-the-scenes look at life on tour with Deep Purple.
For fans looking for exclusive items, the official album store offers a Ltd. 2LP Picture Disc, Ltd. Cassette, and a limited canvas signed by all band members—only 150 available. The track listing for ‘=1’ includes:
Side A:
1. Show Me
2. A Bit On The Side
3. Sharp Shooter
4. Portable Door
Side B:
5. Old-Fangled Thing
6. If I Were You
7. Pictures Of You
8. I’m Saying Nothin’
Side C:
9. Lazy Sod
10. Now You’re Talkin’
11. No Money To Burn
Side D:
12. I’ll Catch You
13. Bleeding Obvious
The DVD includes:
Disc 1: Audio Tracks 1–13
Disc 2: Documentary ‘Access All Areas’ on DVD (Subtitles: English, German, Spanish, French)
To celebrate the new album, Deep Purple will perform over 60 concerts worldwide this year during their ‘=1MORE TIME’ tour. Known for their relentless energy and unforgettable live performances, the band is ready to rock the world once again. The tour dates include:
Monday, November 4th – Birmingham Resorts World Arena
Wednesday, November 6th – The O2 London
Thursday, November 7th – Leeds First Direct Arena
Saturday, November 9th – Manchester AO Arena
Sunday, November 10th – Glasgow OVO Arena
Tickets are available on the band’s official website. For more updates and exclusive content, fans can follow Deep Purple on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Source: Consequence, ROCKS Magazine
