Ian Paice Ready to Complete Solo Album Worked with His Son

Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice (Instagram @rosshalfin)

JAKARTA - Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice has brought good news for rock music lovers around the world. The British musician admitted that he was completing a solo album project worked on with his biological son, James Paice.

Through the latest video message shared on Instagram, the figure who is the only original Deep Purple member who is still surviving gave a leak about the details of the album.

"I've also been working in the studio with my son, James, and his musical partner, Ben Batson. They have written some incredible new music for me to play," said Paice.

"It took us a long time to finish it because I wanted really good musicians on it, and their availability is not something to be taken lightly," the 77-year-old drummer added.

Paice explained that this album is a collection of new rock 'n' roll songs that are refreshing. He ensures that his solo project is not a boring drum technique demonstration album.

"Just for your information, this is not a drum album. Even the drummer eventually got tired of it. This is a new rock and roll music that is fun. I think you'll enjoy it," he said.

In the creative process, Paice invited AC/DC vocalist Brian Johnson to fill in the vocals. However, the plan failed completely due to natural disasters. A devastating storm that hit Florida forced Johnson to return to the US to save his residence, just the night before the recording session was scheduled to begin. After that, AC/DC's long tour schedule made collaboration impossible to realize in the near future.

Paice's decision to remain productive in his twilight years is not without reason. For him, keeping activity on stage is the best way to maintain muscle fitness and brain sharpness.

He reflected on his experiences during 2024, where Deep Purple took their first summer break since 1984. Even though the band is resting, Paice is still active touring with Purpendicular - a band that was originally a tribute group for Deep Purple, which has now evolved to play original songs.

"When you reach a certain age, you have to keep playing. You can't stop. When you are 21 or 22 years old, you can take a year off and you will come back with the same ability. At a later age, the muscles don't work the same way. So, you can't let them forget what they should do," he said.

Paice, who had a mild stroke in 2016, is well aware of the risk of quitting music for a drummer's physical. During his career since the late 1960s, Paice has recorded a great history, including when he joined Whitesnake with David Coverdale after the temporary dissolution of Deep Purple in 1976, to collaborating with Gary Moore and Paul McCartney.

Now, with the recording phase said to be almost complete, Paice is planning on mixing in the near future. If all goes well, the album is scheduled to greet the public at the end of next year.

While waiting for the release, Paice also confirmed that Deep Purple will return to the world stage in a global tour throughout 2026.