Imagine paying $20 for a “farewell concert” by your favorite band, only to realize the singer is a lone original member backed by strangers—and the crowd is throwing chairs. Welcome to Deep Purple’s 1980 fake farewell tour, a rock ’n’ roll heist so audacious it ended in lawsuits, riots, and a permanent ban from the band’s own name.
The Rise and Fall of Deep Purple’s Original Lineup
Deep Purple, pioneers of hard rock, fractured by 1976. Original vocalist Rod Evans left in 1969 after just three albums (Shades of Deep Purple, The Book of Taliesyn, Deep Purple). The band’s Mark II lineup (with Ian Gillan) skyrocketed with Smoke on the Water, but Evans faded into obscurity… until a promoter saw dollar signs.
The 1980 Fake Farewell Tour: A Recipe for Disaster
In 1980, a shadowy promoter convinced Evans to front a “Deep Purple” reunion tour. The catch? No other original members joined. The impostor band featured session musicians, billing themselves as a “farewell tour” to milk nostalgia.
The Tour’s Downward Spiral
- False Advertising: Posters used Deep Purple’s logo and classic album art, implying the full original lineup.
- Angry Fans: Crowds booed upon realizing the deception. In Las Vegas, attendees chanted “Refund!”; in Albuquerque, a near-riot erupted.
- Critical Panning: Critics called the performances “soulless” and “a cash grab.”
Real vs. Fake Deep Purple (1980)
| Aspect | Real Deep Purple (Mark II) | Fake “Farewell Tour” Band |
|---|---|---|
| Members | Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, etc. | Rod Evans + session musicians |
| Setlist | Hits like Smoke on the Water | Evans-era deep cuts + covers |
| Audience Reaction | Stadium sellouts | Refunds, walkouts, riots |
Also Read: Pechiparai Dam: The Century-Old Lifeline of Tamil Nadu’s Southern Frontier
Legal Battles: How Deep Purple Fought Back
The real band’s management sued under trademark law, arguing the tour misled fans and tarnished their brand. The case set a precedent in music intellectual property.
The Fallout
- **672,000Damages:∗∗Evansandthepromoterwereorderedtopay(≈672,000Damages:∗∗Evansandthepromoterwereorderedtopay(≈2.5M today).
- Royalties Seized: Evans lost future earnings from Deep Purple’s early albums.
- Permanent Ban: The court barred the fake group from ever using “Deep Purple” again.
Timeline of the Scandal
- 1979: Promoter approaches Evans with tour idea.
- March 1980: Fake tour begins; chaos ensues.
- April 1980: Real Deep Purple files lawsuit.
- 1981: Court rules in band’s favor; Evans exits music.
The Legacy: How the Fake Tour Changed Music
- Tighter Trademark Laws: Bands now rigorously protect names and logos (e.g., Pink Floyd’s battles).
- Fan Vigilance: Audiences learned to verify lineups pre-purchase.
- Rod Evans’ Silence: Evans retired from music, never speaking publicly again.
How to Spot Fake Band Tours Today
- Check Official Channels: Bands like Fleetwood Mac or The Eagles post updates on verified sites.
- Beware “Tribute” Tricks: Phrases like “original vocalist” ≠ full original lineup.
- Google the Setlist: Impostors often avoid big hits to dodge scrutiny.
You May Also Read: bestadvise4u.com News: How This Platform Predicts What You Need to Know Before You Do
Conclusion
The 1980 Deep Purple fake farewell tour is a cautionary tale—for fans, artists, and scammers. As Evans learned the hard way: trademark law rocks harder than any guitar solo.
FAQs
Did Rod Evans profit from the fake tour?
No—he forfeited all future royalties and paid damages.
Why did Evans agree to the tour?
Speculation suggests financial desperation; Evans never explained publicly.
Has this happened to other bands?
Yes! Fake “Van Halen” and “The Doors” tours have sparked lawsuits.
Could this scam happen today?
Harder, but not impossible. Social media helps bands debunk fakes faster.
Did Deep Purple ever reunite with Evans?
No. Evans remains estranged; the Mark II lineup reunited without him.
