What’s Goin’ On Here

The Zoo Crew is spinning Deep Purple's "What’s Goin’ On Here" from the 1974 album Burn, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks grooving with its bluesy swagger and rock energy. This song, a hidden gem on the album, showcases the Mark III lineup’s fresh chemistry, with David Coverdale’s charismatic vocals and Jon Lord’s lively piano riffs setting a playful, almost carefree vibe. According to Coverdale, the song drew inspiration from Jimi Hendrix’s "Highway Chile," reflected in its 28-bar verse structure that expands to 32 bars in the final verse. The lyrics, like “Spent the night chasin’ up a listed old flame / Lyin’ on the floor I can’t remember her name,” capture a self-deprecating humor, painting a hazy night of revelry and confusion. Ritchie Blackmore’s slide guitar in the chorus adds a gritty edge, making it a standout for fans who love the band’s looser, jam-oriented side.

Behind the scenes, the recording of "What’s Goin’ On Here" was part of a smooth yet intense session in Montreux, Switzerland, in November 1973. The band, working with producer Martin Birch, laid down tracks at a brisk pace, often completing one song per day. This track, recorded on November 12, 1973, benefited from the soundproof top floor of the new Convention Centre, a step up from their earlier mobile studio setups. Coverdale and Glenn Hughes shared vocal duties equally, a dynamic that sparked some tension, as Blackmore pushed for a single lead vocalist with a more masculine tone. Despite these debates, the song’s infectious groove and relatable storytelling—about waking up in a west side bar with no memory—make it a fan favorite, often praised on platforms like Reddit for its underrated charm.

Deep Purple began in London in 1968, emerging as pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock alongside bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. The band’s origins trace back to drummer Chris Curtis and keyboardist Jon Lord, who recruited guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, fresh from Germany, along with drummer Ian Paice and singer Rod Evans from The Maze. Initially dabbling in psychedelic and progressive rock, they shifted to a heavier sound with their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock, cementing their place in the “unholy trinity” of British hard rock. Their early days were marked by bold experiments, like the 1969 Concerto for Group and Orchestra, composed by Lord and performed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Despite Blackmore’s dislike for such classical fusions, the band’s raw energy and virtuosity—especially Blackmore’s blistering guitar and Lord’s Hammond organ—propelled them to global fame, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

The band’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. Lineup changes, like the departure of Ian Gillan and Roger Glover in 1973, led to the Mark III era, which produced Burn. Coverdale, a then-unknown vocalist, and Hughes, a soul-influenced bassist from Trapeze, brought blues and funk elements that slightly shifted the band’s sound. Their relentless touring, including a headline slot at the 1974 California Jam, and their 1972 live album Made in Japan, showcased their electrifying stage presence, once earning them a Guinness World Record as the “globe’s loudest band.” Over decades, Deep Purple evolved through multiple lineups, spawning offshoots like Rainbow and Whitesnake, and finally earned a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016, though Blackmore skipped the ceremony due to disagreements.

Fans can dive deeper into Deep Purple’s world through their official website, where you’ll find news, tour dates, and merchandise. Stay connected on their Facebook, with nearly 2 million followers, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and tour updates. On X, the band shares milestones, like celebrating Burn’s 50th anniversary in 2024. For fan-driven content, The Highway Star, the oldest and largest fan-run site, offers news, reviews, and history. The Deep Purple Fan Forum is another hub for Zoo Freaks to discuss albums and share stories, while Facebook groups like Deep Purple Fans keep the community vibe alive with memories and debates about tracks like “What’s Goin’ On Here.”