As 2016 draws to a close Simon McBride is exceptionally busy. Currently recording a new album between playing sessions, In October he goes to China on behalf of guitar endorser, PRS Guitars, and then embarks on two tours.
The first of these tours, starting Nov 4, sees Simon playing guitar for Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan in a programme of Deep Purple songs and material from Gillan’s solo career.
“Ian Gillan sings Deep Purple” is a 10-show run through eastern Europe and Russia playing some of the most prestigious venues those countries have to offer, including the Kremlin Palace. A philharmonic orchestra under the direction of Don Airey will be backing Gillan.
Then in December Simon sets off with his own band for a tour through Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Holland and Slovakia. This year Simon assembled a new rhythm section of Dave Marks on bass and Marty McCloskey on drums.
IAN GILLAN SINGS DEEP PURPLE:
4/11 Sofia, Bulgaria: NDK National Palace of Culture
5/11 Skopje, Macedonia: Boris Trajikovski Sports Centre
7/11 Belgrade, Serbia: Sava Centar
8/11 Budapest, Hungary: Papp Laszlo Arena
10/11 Odessa, Ukraine: National Opera House
11/11 Kieve, Ukraine: Ukraine Palace
13/11 Minsk, Belarus; Palace of the Republic
15/11 Russia, Moscow: Kremlin Palace
17/11 Russia, St Petersburg: BKZ Oktyabrsky
19/11 Poland, Warsaw: Hala Kolo
SIMON McBRIDE BAND:
1/12 Belgium, Verviers: Spirit of 66
2/12 France, Orleans: Blue Devils
5/12 Germany, Munich: Garage Deluxe
6/12 Austria, Velden: Bluesiana
7/12 Slovakia, Bratislava: Muzeum Obchodu
8/12 Czech Republic, Ceske: Highway 61
9/12 Czech Republic, Jablonec: Club Na Rampa
10/12 Germany, Dessau: Cadillac
13/12 Germany, Leverkusen: Topos
15/12 Germany, Hannover: Blues Garage
16/12 Germany, Mayschoss: The Star Saloon
17/12 Netherlands, Hoagland: Cafe De Noot
