Recorded at the legendary Marquee this gig marked a more hard rock direction for Gillan, after the jazz rock leanings of the Ian Gillan Band. Joining Ian Gillan were Colin Towns on keyboards from the IGB days with John McCoy (bass), Pete Barnacle (drums) and Steve Byrd (guitar) added to the more rock led line-up.

Sound wise it is not great but then this would never have been intended to be released back in the time it was recorded (you can here a German couple merrily talking away between songs!) but you can soak up the atmosphere and songs played like 'I'm Your Man' (with Colin Towns playing up a storm) and 'Back In the Game'.

Of course Ian Gillan's previous band Deep Purple feature heavily in the set list with 'Child In Time', 'Smoke On The Water' and 'Woman From Tokyo', the latter marked a distinct frenzy amongst the crowd as a certain Mr Blackmore took to the stage!

According to the sleeve notes grown men were seen to weep at his appearance on the stage. The rock 'n' roll standard 'Lucille' wraps up the set in blistering style.

A must for all Deep Purple/Gillan collectors although the casual fan be warned as the sound quality is not great but the atmosphere and the set list make-up for any sound deficiencies.

After this gig Steve Byrd left for considerable success as part of Kim Wilde's band and Pete Barnacle didn't stick around either... In their place came Bernie Torme and Mick Underwood to complete possibly the classic Gillan line-up.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

£12.99

I'm Your Man

© 2008 Angel Air Records. All rights reserved.

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly