Deep Purple hits The Mahaffey Theatre with Joyous Wolf

When the opening band Joyous Wolf took the stage Friday night, the crowd had no idea the amount of energy that this band was about to unleash on St. Petersburg. Little did fans know that lead singer Nick Reese, possessed acrobatic skills that rivaled his powerful vocals as the frontman flipped his way onto the stage, which brought the crowd to their feet. That was only the tip of the iceberg as Reese did somersaults, back flips, and even splits throughout the band’s set all while delivering a pitch perfect set.

Joyous Wolf has a unique sound, fusing together influences ranging from heavy metal to delta blues that creates an expressive, high-energy sound that has endeared them to fans both young and old.

The California natives recently released a new 7-song EP Place In Time via Roadrunner Records, which during tonight’s set they electrified the crowd with “feel good” tunes off it as they amped up the crowd for the evening’s headliner Deep Purple.

Joyous Wolf was formed in 2014 by vocalist Nick Reese, guitarist Blake Allard, bassist Greg Braccio, and drummer Robert Sodaro.

After a stellar performance from Joyous Wolf, fans were ready to rock out to some good ol’ fashion classics from the legendary Deep Purple. The band consisting of Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse and Don Airey announced earlier this year ‘The Long Goodbye’ 2019 North American Tour.

Deep Purple formed in 1968 in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England. The band originally began playing progressive rock and as they grew in popularity shifted their sound to heavy metal. From their chart-topping single, “Smoke On The Water,” to later “Highway Star” and all-time fan-favorite “Hush,” Deep Purple rose to the top of the charts with unique guitar solos and epic live performances.

Four decades later Deep Purple continues to rock audiences worldwide and on this Friday night in St. Pete, FL was no different. Gillian and his bandmates kicked off the show with a riveting rendition of   “Highway Star” as fans joined in singing along. 

Each tune played throughout the evening hit a soft spot for fans as the band played some of their most popular hits including “Smoke on the Water,” which dates back to the early 70’s for the band. Other great classics included “Perfect Strangers” and “Space Truckin”, while ending the night with the late 80’s priceless classic “Black Night.”

Be sure to catch this sizzling tour when it heads to your town, the guys in Deep Purple will not disappoint.