If you were hoping Deep Purple would be announcing one last emotional farewell tour complete with tears, fireworks and endless “final ever” posters… don’t hold your breath, butt.
Legendary bassist Roger Glover has made it crystal clear that he’s not a fan of farewell tours, calling them “a cheap publicity thing.” And while plenty of classic rock acts are embracing holograms and digital recreations, he’s also made it known that the idea of avatars leaves him completely cold.
🤘 No Farewell Tour Thanks
As more and more iconic bands announce “last ever” tours, only to return a few years later, Roger Glover isn’t buying into the trend.
The Deep Purple legend believes farewell tours often become more about marketing than genuinely saying goodbye, describing them as “a cheap publicity thing.”
It’s a refreshingly honest take from a musician who’s spent decades touring the world without relying on retirement announcements to fill venues.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Deep Purple will tour forever, but it does suggest the band would rather keep playing while they’re enjoying it than build an entire campaign around one final lap.
👾 Don’t Expect Digital Deep Purple
Another trend Roger isn’t keen on is the growing use of virtual performances and digital recreations of legendary artists.
With shows such as ABBA Voyage proving hugely popular, and more artists exploring avatar technology, Glover admitted the concept simply isn’t for him.
In fact, he described avatars as “tacky,” making it pretty clear he’d rather fans experience the real thing than a computer-generated version.
For a band whose reputation has been built on explosive live performances and world-class musicianship, it’s perhaps no surprise that Roger believes nothing can replace genuine musicians standing on stage.
🔥 Keeping It Real
Deep Purple have always done things their own way, and Roger Glover’s comments continue that tradition.
Rather than chasing industry trends or cashing in on nostalgia, his view is that live music should remain authentic, unpredictable and human.
In an era where farewell tours, holograms and AI-generated performances are becoming increasingly common, it’s a reminder that some rock legends still believe the best concert experience is the simplest one—real musicians, real instruments and a loud amplifier turned up to eleven.
🎤 The Riff Report Says…
Love them or hate them, Roger Glover certainly isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
Whether fans agree with his opinions on farewell tours or digital avatars, there’s something refreshing about a rock legend refusing to follow the latest industry trends.
As long as Deep Purple keep delivering incredible live performances, most fans would probably agree they’d rather see the real band on stage than watch a digital version pretending to be them.
Long may the riffs continue.
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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