No No No

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "No No No" by Deep Purple from their 1971 album Fireball! This track is a gritty, socially charged gem that stands out on the album for its raw energy and introspective lyrics. According to Ian Gillan in a 1996 interview with Goldmine magazine, "No No No" was inspired by a sense of frustration with societal constraints and the music industry's pressures, reflecting the band’s exhaustion from relentless touring after the success of Deep Purple in Rock. The song’s driving rhythm and Jon Lord’s distinctive organ work give it a proto-prog edge, which Jon Lord later praised in a 2003 Classic Rock interview, noting it as one of his favorite tracks for its experimental vibe. Fun fact: during the recording at De Lane Lea Studios, the band was so pressed for time that Ritchie Blackmore improvised parts of his guitar riffs on the spot, as he revealed in a 1980s BBC radio session, giving the song its spontaneous, rebellious feel.

Another cool tidbit comes from Roger Glover, who shared on his Facebook page in 2011 that "No No No" was nearly left off Fireball due to disagreements over its length and structure. The band fought to keep it, believing its message resonated with their audience. Fans on the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group often cite the song’s lyrics, like “Really hate the running, really hate the game,” as a relatable anthem for those feeling trapped by routine. On X, a 2021 post by the band celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fireball, highlighting "No No No" as a track that showcased their willingness to push boundaries beyond hard rock. The song’s live performances, though rare, were electric, with Ian Paice’s drumming stealing the show, as noted by fans on the The Highway Star fan site.

Deep Purple kicked off their journey in 1968 in Hertford, England, initially under the name Roundabout, a concept dreamed up by drummer Chris Curtis. According to the band’s biography on their official website, businessman Tony Edwards and his partners John Coletta and Ron Hire backed Curtis’s vision of a rotating supergroup. Jon Lord, a classically trained keyboardist, and Ritchie Blackmore, a virtuoso guitarist, joined early on, bringing a blend of classical, jazz, and rock influences. The lineup solidified with vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, and drummer Ian Paice. Their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple, featured the hit "Hush," which reached No. 4 on the U.S. charts, as noted in a 2016 Rolling Stone retrospective. By 1970, the classic Mark II lineup—Gillan, Blackmore, Lord, Glover, and Paice—emerged, shifting to a heavier sound with Deep Purple in Rock, cementing their status as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

The band’s evolution wasn’t without challenges. As shared in a 2016 Instagram post commemorating their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, Deep Purple faced multiple lineup changes and an eight-year hiatus from 1976 to 1984. Despite this, they’ve sold over 100 million albums worldwide, earning the title of “the globe’s loudest band” in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records for a 1972 concert, as mentioned on Deep Purple Net. Their resilience and innovation kept them relevant, with albums like Fireball and Machine Head defining the genre. Fans can connect with the band’s legacy on their Facebook and Instagram pages, where they share tour updates and throwback photos.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, check out fan communities like The Highway Star, a comprehensive fan site with news, discographies, and tour archives, or Deep Purple Fans on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss rare recordings and live shows. Another great resource is Deep Purple Net, offering detailed histories and fan reviews. Follow Deep Purple on X for real-time updates on new releases and tours. So, crank up "No No No," let the Zoo Crew guide your vibe, and lose yourself in the timeless sound of Deep Purple!