Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan built himself a very successfull career outside of his main band during the late 70's and early 80's with his hard rock act Gillan. The Glory Years features the classic Gillan line-up of guitarist Bernie Torme, bassist John McCoy, Mick Underwood on drums, and keyboard player Colin Towns, recorded live at Oxford Polytechnic University on February 18, 1981. Despite the short 40 minute set, this is a prime example of Gillan at the apex of their powers, storming through classic songs such as "Mr. Universe", "Unchain Your Brain", "Trouble", and "Mutually Assured Desruction" with plenty of power and energy. Guitarist Torme shreds like a house of fire, his licks driven by a punk attitude but fueled by lightning leads and impressive whammy bar theatrics, proving to be the perfect foil for Ian Gillan's powerful vocals. The production values on this set are very strong, camera work is effective and the sound is loud and crunchy. Over on the bonus features, you get a few Top of the Pops performances (all with the band lip synching, which was the norm back in those days), as well as a German TV clip of "Vengeance" and a commanding promo video of "Sleeping On the Job". Sadly, this band never really achieved the level of popularity of other Deep Purple offshoot acts like Rainbow or Whitesnake here in the US that they did in other parts of the world. If you've been one of the many people who somehow missed Gillan back in their 'glory years', check out this DVD and see what the fuss was all about.
Track Listing
1) Unchain Your Brain
2) Mr. Universe
3) No Easy Way
4) Trouble
5) Mutually Assured Destruction
6) On The Rocks
7) Vengeance
8) New Orleans
Bonus Tracks
1) Vengeance (German TV Performance)
2) Sleeping On The Job (Promo Video)
3) Trouble (Top Of The Pops)
4) New Orleans (Top Of The Pops)
5) No Laughing In Heaven (Top Of The Pops)
6) Mutually Assured Destruction (Top Of The Pops)