DEEP PURPLE Ignites Sofia with Epic Live Performance and New Album 'Splat!'

In a thunderous display of hard rock mastery, DEEP PURPLE took the stage at Arena 8888 in Sofia, Bulgaria, on September 29, 2026, and left no doubt that they are still a force to be reckoned with. Captured by fan Kalin Filipov, the electrifying performance featured a setlist that spanned their illustrious career, packed with timeless classics and new material from their latest album, 'Splat!'.

Released on July 3 via earMUSIC, 'Splat!' marks the band's sixth collaboration with legendary producer Bob Ezrin, who has been at the helm since 2013’s 'Now What?!'. Described as “the heaviest DEEP PURPLE album in many years,” it has garnered rave reviews, with Uncut labeling it as “distilled, high-octane PURPLE at its finest.” Classic Rock echoed this sentiment, praising the record for encapsulating what has made DEEP PURPLE one of the titans of hard rock.

Bassist Roger Glover recently shared his thoughts on the enduring magic of performing live, particularly with iconic tracks like 'Smoke On The Water'. In an interview with the 'Creativity: Something From Nothing' podcast, Glover spoke candidly about how he never tires of the classic, stating that the experience is always fresh through the eyes of the audience. “There’s people out there that maybe it’s the first time they’ve ever heard it live,” he said, emphasizing the connection between the band and their fans.

Glover elaborated on the exhilaration he feels on stage, describing it as a moment where time collapses into microseconds, leaving him hyper-aware of his surroundings and the audience’s energy. “You’re so alive — you’re never as alive until you’re on stage,” he explained, a sentiment echoed in his previous interviews where he has expressed awe at watching fans of all ages revel in the music.

As DEEP PURPLE continues to forge ahead with new music while honoring their legacy, their show in Sofia was a testament to their undying spirit and ability to connect with fans old and new. With 'Splat!' already making waves, one thing is for sure: the band is far from done, and their live performances will keep burning bright.