Glenn Hughes Discusses Deep Purple’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction [Exclusive Interview]

The time has finally come for Deep Purple to rightfully be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place tonight (April 8) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., where the current lineup of the band will perform. We had the opportunity to sit down with 'The Voice of Rock' Glenn Hughes, who famously played bass in the MK III and MK IV Deep Purple lineups, trading off vocals with then co-singer David Coverdale.

Hughes spoke about the band getting the honor of being inducted after being eligible for over two decades. Considering the seeming eon it took for Deep Purple to get the nod, he spoke about what he felt the chances of the MK III lineup —which saw him and Coverdale replace bassist Roger Glover and singer Ian Gillan respectively — getting the Rock Hall honor, as well. The lineup was responsible for the undeniable classics Burn and the funkier and soulful Stormbringer, the former of which was the band's second largest album after Machine Head.

As has been reported, Ritchie Blackmore is not expected to make an appearance at the ceremony. We asked Hughes when the last time he spoke with the legendary guitarist who is infamously difficult to get a hold of. His answer was rather shocking as he reveals the attempts he's made to contact his former bandmate and extends his best wishes to Blackmore, calling it "a damn shame" that he will not be there to accept his award.

While Hughes doubts him and Coverdale will perform with Deep Purple, he discusses which song he would like the opportunity to play, but doesn't dwell on it stating he's there "for the fans" and reveals he and Coverdale may perform at the ceremony with Cheap Trick. Metallica drummer and Purple fanatic Lars Ulrich will be inducting the band at the ceremony after championing for the rock act since the thrash kings were bestowed the honor in 2009. Hughes speaks of his admirations for the drummer, sharing a personal anecdote from when he met a young Ulrich at a Deep Purple show in Denmark in 1973 after giving his recommendation for who he would like to see inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Watch the video above as Hughes shares his thoughts on Deep Purple and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The icon will also be embarking on a North American solo tour in August later this year and a full list of dates can be found at our 2016 Guide to Rock + Metal Tours.

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