Under The Gun

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Under The Gun" by Deep Purple from their 1984 comeback album Perfect Strangers, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this hard-hitting track! This song, one of the standout deep cuts from the album, showcases the reformed Mark II lineup’s raw energy. According to a review on Classic Rock Review, "Under The Gun" is nearly as impressive as the album’s opener, with its pulsating rhythm and intense delivery, reflecting the band’s ability to blend their classic ‘70s sound with the heavier sensibilities of the ‘80s. Fans on Louder have noted that while not a single, the song’s dark, driving edge makes it a favorite for those who appreciate Deep Purple’s heavier side, with Roger Glover’s relentless bass frequencies taking center stage in live performances, as highlighted in a 2013 Get Ready to ROCK! DVD review of Perfect Strangers Live.

In a 1984 interview with Songfacts, Ian Gillan described the reunion that birthed Perfect Strangers as fraught with “suspicion and worry,” yet the band found magic in their differences, which shines through in "Under The Gun." The song’s lyrics, penned by Gillan, Blackmore, and Glover, evoke a sense of urgency and defiance, fitting the album’s theme of strangers reconnecting. A fan comment on Amazon reviews called it a track where Gillan’s shrieks reclaim his vocal throne, rivaling contemporaries like Rob Halford and Bruce Dickinson. Posts on X from @ThisDayInMETAL in 2017 and 2018 celebrated the album’s release, noting its commercial success and hinting at the enduring love for tracks like "Under The Gun" among hard rock fans. The Deep Purple Fans Facebook group often buzzes with discussions about the song’s live intensity, especially from the 1985 Melbourne concert film.

Deep Purple formed in London in 1968, initially as a psychedelic and progressive rock outfit named Roundabout. The band, led by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, organist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice, evolved into pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock with their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock. According to their bio on Wikipedia, early members included vocalist Rod Evans and bassist Nick Simper, but the iconic Mark II lineup—featuring Ian Gillan on vocals and Roger Glover on bass—solidified their legacy with classics like Machine Head (1972). The band’s shift to a heavier sound came after Blackmore’s vision to rival contemporaries like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, earning them the title of the “globe’s loudest band” in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records. Despite lineup changes and an eight-year hiatus from 1976 to 1984, Deep Purple’s influence endures, with over 100 million records sold worldwide.

Stay connected with Deep Purple through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and tour updates. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s world by joining the Deep Purple Fans Facebook group or visiting fan sites like The Highway Star, a comprehensive resource for news, discographies, and fan discussions. Whether you’re a longtime Zoo Freak or new to the Purple vibe, "Under The Gun" and Deep Purple’s legacy are sure to keep the airwaves rocking!