Fire In The Basement

The song Fire In The Basement from Deep Purple's 1990 album Slaves And Masters is a standout track noted for its bluesy, hard-rock energy and suggestive lyrics. Critics and fans have praised its killer riff and mind-blowing organ solo by Jon Lord, which adds a fiery intensity to the song. One reviewer on ProgArchives described it as a fantastic bluesy-esque track that echoes the band’s classic sound while incorporating a more melodic, AOR style. The song’s innuendo-heavy lyrics, which playfully hint at passion and desire, were seen as a continuation of Deep Purple’s knack for cheeky wordplay, similar to their earlier hit Knocking At Your Back Door. Interestingly, the track was a favorite on Detroit airwaves during the album’s release, as noted in a ProgArchives review, highlighting its regional popularity despite the album’s overall lukewarm reception.

Another piece of trivia about Fire In The Basement ties to the album’s unique place in Deep Purple’s history. Slaves And Masters was the only album featuring vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, formerly of Rainbow, which led to comparisons with Rainbow’s melodic rock style. In a 2015 retrospective by ZRockR Magazine, the song was lauded as a great bluesy classic rock tune that kept listeners engaged with its mix of heavy and melodic elements. The track’s recording sessions also contributed to a song rearranged for the 1990 movie Fire, Ice and Dynamite soundtrack, though Jon Lord did not participate in that particular performance, as noted on Wikipedia. Despite the album peaking at a modest No. 87 on the US Billboard 200, Fire In The Basement remains a fan favorite among those who appreciate the band’s brief AOR detour.

Deep Purple began in 1968 in Hertford, England, originally under the name Roundabout. The band’s name was later inspired by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore’s grandmother’s favorite song, Deep Purple by Peter DeRose, as shared in a post on X. Founding members included Jon Lord (keyboards), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), Nick Simper (bass), and Ian Paice (drums). Their early sound blended psychedelic pop with progressive rock, with early singles like Hush and Kentucky Woman gaining traction. By 1970, with the addition of Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass), the band shifted to a heavier, riff-driven hard rock sound, releasing seminal albums like Deep Purple In Rock and Machine Head. These albums, featuring classics like Smoke On The Water and Highway Star, cemented their status as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, as detailed in their bio on Amazon Music.

The band’s journey was marked by multiple lineup changes, with the classic “Mark II” lineup (Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, Lord, Paice) reuniting in 1984 for the successful Perfect Strangers album. However, tensions led to Gillan’s departure in 1989, paving the way for Joe Lynn Turner’s brief tenure on Slaves And Masters. Over their decades-long career, Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums, driven by what Jon Lord called “musical restlessness” in a 2012 quote from Amazon Music. Their ability to evolve while maintaining a powerful live presence has kept them relevant, with recent albums like Infinite (2017) showing their continued creativity. They were ranked No. 22 on VH1’s Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, as noted on Lyrics.com.

Fans can connect with Deep Purple through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merchandise, and behind-the-scenes content. Fan communities thrive online, including the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss albums, share memorabilia, and celebrate the band’s legacy. Another notable fan site is The Highway Star, which offers news, discographies, and fan reviews, serving as a hub for Zoo Freaks and other dedicated followers of the band’s storied career.