Hold On

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hold On" by Deep Purple from their 1974 album Stormbringer, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its funky, soulful vibe. This song stands out for its Motown-inspired sound, a departure from the band’s harder rock roots, driven by the creative influence of newcomers David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes. In a 2014 interview with BraveWords, Hughes praised the track’s groove, noting even guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who famously disliked funk, delivered a surprisingly funky performance. He said, “Check it out, play it again. That little son of a bitch, he plays funky on it!” This blend of styles caused some fan confusion at the time, as Jon Lord admitted in an interview with Mick Burgess, stating the album’s direction left some fans puzzled due to Blackmore’s focus on his upcoming project, Rainbow.

Another tidbit about "Hold On" comes from its critical reception. A review on Encyclopaedia Metallum describes it as having “amazing choruses” with Hughes and Coverdale’s harmonized vocals shining, calling it one of the album’s introspective, soulful pieces. However, not all reviews were glowing—some fans on ProgArchives felt the song dragged, weighed down by its heavy blues influence, reflecting the divided opinions on Stormbringer’s funkier direction. Social media posts, like one from ThisDayInMETAL on X, highlight "Hold On" as a key track from the album, celebrating its release on December 6, 1974, and noting the Mk III lineup’s impact. The song’s unique sound was a result of Hughes and Coverdale’s northern England roots, where they grew up on American R&B, as Hughes explained in Martin Popoff’s book Sail Away, pushing the band toward a soulful evolution.

Deep Purple got their start in London in 1968, originally as a psychedelic and progressive rock outfit before becoming pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock with their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock. Founded by Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), and Nick Simper (bass), the band drew inspiration from classical music and early rock, with Lord’s organ work setting them apart. Their early years saw lineup changes, with Ian Gillan and Roger Glover joining for the classic Mk II era, producing hits like “Smoke on the Water.” By the time of Stormbringer, the Mk III lineup with Coverdale and Hughes brought a bluesier, funkier edge, reflecting their diverse influences. The band’s ability to evolve kept them relevant, selling over 100 million records worldwide and earning them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Stay connected with Deep Purple through their official website, where you can find tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwbacks to their storied career. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Deep-Purple.net, a comprehensive fan resource, or join discussions on the Deep Purple Fan Forum at Runboard. For those craving community, check out the Deep Purple Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks and other diehards share their love for the band’s legacy.