Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
In 1985, many critics dismissed Deep Purple as "burned out metal fogies." The funny part? Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore were only 39 years old.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield dives into a fascinating 1985 Circus Magazine article covering the band's historic Perfect Strangers reunion. Along the way, you'll discover why David Coverdale joked that "overdrafts brought them together," how Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple were all interconnected during this incredible period, and why so many believed the reunion would never succeed.
We'll also explore the changing world of hard rock in 1984, the careers each member built after the original breakup, the famous Born Again Stonehenge story, Roger Glover's production work, Robert Plant's surprisingly prophetic comments, and why Perfect Strangers became one of rock's greatest comeback albums.
If you remember the excitement surrounding Deep Purple's reunion—or you're discovering this era for the first time—this is a story you won't want to miss.
00:00 Burned-Out Metal Fogies?
00:28 Introduction
00:54 Rock Trivia Challenge
01:54 Circus Magazine Covers the Reunion
03:02 Critics vs. Deep Purple
04:40 Walking Off The Old Grey Whistle Test
04:59 David Coverdale's "Overdrafts" Remark
07:05 What Everyone Did After Deep Purple Broke Up
08:45 Ian Gillan and Jesus Christ Superstar
10:38 Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and the Road Back
12:27 Why the Reunion Was Such a Big Deal
14:02 Robert Plant Predicts the Future
14:56 Born Again and the End of Black Sabbath
16:00 Roger Glover's Production Career
17:52 Returning to a Very Different Music World
19:47 Recording Perfect Strangers
20:51 The Stonehenge Stage Story
22:43 Trivia Answers
23:57 Why This Reunion Still Matters
25:08 Join Me in Thailand
In 1985, many critics dismissed Deep Purple as "burned out metal fogies." The funny part? Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore were only 39 years old.
In this episode, Robert John Hadfield dives into a fascinating 1985 Circus Magazine article covering the band's historic Perfect Strangers reunion. Along the way, you'll discover why David Coverdale joked that "overdrafts brought them together," how Rainbow, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple were all interconnected during this incredible period, and why so many believed the reunion would never succeed.
We'll also explore the changing world of hard rock in 1984, the careers each member built after the original breakup, the famous Born Again Stonehenge story, Roger Glover's production work, Robert Plant's surprisingly prophetic comments, and why Perfect Strangers became one of rock's greatest comeback albums.
If you remember the excitement surrounding Deep Purple's reunion—or you're discovering this era for the first time—this is a story you won't want to miss.
00:00 Burned-Out Metal Fogies?
00:28 Introduction
00:54 Rock Trivia Challenge
01:54 Circus Magazine Covers the Reunion
03:02 Critics vs. Deep Purple
04:40 Walking Off The Old Grey Whistle Test
04:59 David Coverdale's "Overdrafts" Remark
07:05 What Everyone Did After Deep Purple Broke Up
08:45 Ian Gillan and Jesus Christ Superstar
10:38 Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and the Road Back
12:27 Why the Reunion Was Such a Big Deal
14:02 Robert Plant Predicts the Future
14:56 Born Again and the End of Black Sabbath
16:00 Roger Glover's Production Career
17:52 Returning to a Very Different Music World
19:47 Recording Perfect Strangers
20:51 The Stonehenge Stage Story
22:43 Trivia Answers
23:57 Why This Reunion Still Matters
25:08 Join Me in Thailand
