Spending Time With The Man In Black

"A couple of months after joining Purple in June of 1973, after spending time with Jon and Paicey, Ritchie asked if I'd like to come down to his house in South London. As always, the enigma that surrounded him was true; he is the Man In Black. He even had a black dog, black everything!

After spending time in his pub that was built in his house, we strapped our guitars on and started jamming. We got into this half-time groove in F#. The song in question was the early stage of Mistreated. It was a real blast to have just the two of us, face to face, creating this fine song.

Ritchie was very jovial and extremely passionate about his views on life and Deep Purple. All, it seemed, was fine.

The next morning, we flew out to Hamburg for the weekend. I can't remember getting any sleep. We sat in a bar (one that never closes) and talked and bonded with one another. It seemed to be the 'Mutual Admiration Society of Blackers and Hughesy.' He thought I was the best singer/bass player since McCartney. I was taken back by his generosity.

Life was good in the Summer of '73. But egos and stubbornness would soon intervene..."

Glenn, August 1999

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