Rock band Deep Purple to hold concert in Korea

Legendary heavy metal band Deep Purple will hold a concert in Korea on May 18, according to concert promoters Nine Factory on Wednesday.

Nine Factory announced that the English rock ensemble will be performing at Seoul's Olympic Park Olympic Hall in May as a part of their 2010 "Upcoming World Tour" titled "Deep Purple Live in Seoul."

The band formed in 1968, releasing their first record "Shades of Deep Purple," and up until now has recorded over 18 full-length albums featuring their hits "Hush," "Smoke on the Water," "Highway Star" and "Soldier of Fortune."

They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and are considered the pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock alongside Led Zepplin and Black Sabbath.

Deep Purple began with members Ritchie Blackmore, Tommy Bolin, Joe Satriani, David Coverdale, Jon Lord and Glenn Hughes but new members Ian Gillan, Steve Morse, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and Don Airey currently carry on the band's name.

Tickets for the Seoul concert will be available on online shopping website Interpark starting April 6.

Reporter : Lucia Hong luciahong@asiae.co.kr
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@asiae.co.kr