[Jeff Higgins]

I first saw Deep Purple in about 1972-73, when I was all of twelve or thirteen years old, when they were touring Machine Head. Made an impression. The one thing I did not understand, however, was Ritchie Blackmore getting all pissed off and smashing up his guitar. I learned later there were some feedback issues with his guitar and amp combination. I wonder how many classic, original Strats he busted up over the years, and what they would be worth today. Oh, and their first (with the gold cover) Made in Japan still gets regular play around here. One of the best live albums ever.