Joe Satriani Says Deep Purple's Decision To Appoint Simon McBride As Steve Morse's Temporary Replacement

Joe Satriani (Instagram @joesatriani)

JAKARTA - Joe Satriani praised Deep Purple for signing Simon McBride as a temporary replacement for Steve Morse who took a hiatus due to family problems.

The guitar virtuoso said that the recruitment of the Irish guitarist was a great move by Deep Purple. This was revealed by Satriani when speaking with Eonmusic about his new album The Elephants Of Mars which will be released on April 8.

Morse's leave from the classic rock icon was announced on March 31. In a statement, he said that his wife Janine is battling cancer and the guitarist hopes he can rejoin Deep Purple on tour once his wife is healthy.

Speaking to Eonmusic, Satriani praised Deep Purple for choosing McBride to replace Morse.

"Simon is a cool signing, that's really good," he said; "I mean, the band is close to Simon, and Simon is a great guitarist."

Satriani was recruited as guitarist for Deep Purple to finish performing in Japan in December 1993 and stayed on for a summer European tour in 1994 following the sudden departure of Ritchie Blackmore.

However, he acknowledged that reprising his role in the band was not an option. "I think we all know we're on the same label now - earMUSIC - and they know very well I'm releasing a new album," he told Eonmusic.

Finally, Joe wishes the best for Janine Morse. "I saw her this morning, and yes, it's a shame Janine had to go through that," said Satriani. He added: "We send all our best wishes and wish him a speedy recovery."

Eonmusic's interview with Satriani, in which he talks about The Elephants Of Mars, work with Alice Cooper on Hey Stoopid and the fate of his Ibanez Blackdog JS guitar prototype, will be released next week.

Meanwhile, Morse effectively took over from Blackmore in 1994 and has since been in the group longer than Ritchie.