Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
"To lose you, I'd rather see the endless time of space go passing by"
I was writing a song about dying, when I noticed that everyone who writes or sings about death, dies ... and usually tragically.
Tommy Bolin was a brilliant guitar player (just listen to Billy Cobham's Quadrant Four) and he had enough talent to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest guitarists.
In 1973, he replaced Joe Walsh in The James Gang.
Then in 1975, he replaced Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple, appearing on the band's 10th studio album: Come Taste the Band.
"This Time Around" appears on side two of Come Taste the Band and deals with the acceptance (or refusal to do so) of a close friend's death. Written by the bassist Glenn Hughes and sung by David Cloverdale, the band laments that they'd rather pass themselves than lose their loved one. The album was released November 1975.
In December 1976, Bolin, age 25, died from an overdose of heroin and other substances, including alcohol, cocaine and barbiturates.
Side Note: I quickly reworked the theme of my tune to be about returning home through space and time (totally not dying). I then dropped the lyrics and turned the melody into a guitar instrumental. That should be safe (youtu.be/1FuUKGrjEGY)!
"To lose you, I'd rather see the endless time of space go passing by"
I was writing a song about dying, when I noticed that everyone who writes or sings about death, dies ... and usually tragically.
Tommy Bolin was a brilliant guitar player (just listen to Billy Cobham's Quadrant Four) and he had enough talent to follow in the footsteps of some of the greatest guitarists.
In 1973, he replaced Joe Walsh in The James Gang.
Then in 1975, he replaced Ritchie Blackmore in Deep Purple, appearing on the band's 10th studio album: Come Taste the Band.
"This Time Around" appears on side two of Come Taste the Band and deals with the acceptance (or refusal to do so) of a close friend's death. Written by the bassist Glenn Hughes and sung by David Cloverdale, the band laments that they'd rather pass themselves than lose their loved one. The album was released November 1975.
In December 1976, Bolin, age 25, died from an overdose of heroin and other substances, including alcohol, cocaine and barbiturates.
Side Note: I quickly reworked the theme of my tune to be about returning home through space and time (totally not dying). I then dropped the lyrics and turned the melody into a guitar instrumental. That should be safe (youtu.be/1FuUKGrjEGY)!
