The BP Pulse Arena, a venue rich with rock history, is the perfect setting for a night that is destined go down in rock memory as an epic encounter between two legendary bands.
Still affectionately known as the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) it has been rebranded many times over the years, this arena has hosted countless classic performances and will continue to do so, but on this occasion, it felt as if time itself had been suspended, and rock history was about to be written once again as DEEP PURPLE, the rock titans, and REEF, the groove-driven rockers from the heart of Britain, have each brought their unique energy to its stage. Fans waited eagerly for the legendary sounds to fill the arena, the ‘invisible airwaves’ were certainly crackling with life as the electric energy soared inside the venue. The mix of old-school rockers and younger generations were ready to witness the rock royalty of DEEP PURPLE, paired with the raw, unbridled energy of REEF, tonight promised to be one of stunning musical alchemy.
REEF, the British rock stalwarts hailing from Glastonbury, bring a warm, nostalgic energy to the night. Formed in 1993, REEF’s current lineup includes Gary Stringer’s soulful, gravelly vocals, Jack Bessant’s melodic yet powerful bass, Amy Newton’s blazing guitar riffs, and Luke Bullen’s rock-solid drumming. Together, they represented the quintessential ’90s British rock sound, filled with bluesy licks and driving, earnest lyrics. Known for their breakthrough album ‘Glow’ (1997), which launched them into rock superstardom with “Place Your Hands,” REEF’s earlier releases like ‘Replenish’ (1995) deliver a rawer sound, while their return to the scene with ‘Revelation’ in 2018 marked a new refreshed approach.
