Guitarist of Rock Band Deep Purple Stuns Netherlands with Non-Stop Hit Performance, Fans Left Overwhelmed
June 6, 2025 | Amsterdam, Netherlands — Rock music fans in the Netherlands were left speechless and energized after a phenomenal performance by Simon McBride, the guitarist of the legendary British rock band Deep Purple. The concert, held at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on Wednesday night, turned into a celebration of pure rock energy as McBride delivered a relentless string of hits that left the audience overwhelmed and begging for more.
The atmosphere was electric even before the show began, with thousands of fans pouring into the venue, donning vintage band tees and holding signs bearing the names of Deep Purple’s iconic tracks like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Perfect Strangers.” But it was when McBride took center stage with his guitar that the real magic began.
The Irish guitarist, who joined Deep Purple in 2022 after Steve Morse stepped down, has already earned immense praise for his technical skill, raw energy, and seamless chemistry with the rest of the band. But last night’s performance elevated him to a new level in the eyes of fans and critics alike.
Opening with the blistering riff of “Highway Star,” McBride set the tone for the evening with a solo that roared across the arena like a sonic storm. One by one, the band moved through an almost non-stop setlist of classic Deep Purple hits, interspersed with extended solos and improvisations that showcased McBride’s guitar wizardry.
For nearly two hours, McBride’s fingers danced across the fretboard with a mix of precision and passion that paid homage to the legacy of Ritchie Blackmore and Steve Morse, while still carving out his own place in Deep Purple’s storied history. His rendition of “Lazy” was a standout moment, where he turned the bluesy riff into an epic jam that had the crowd roaring.
Fans could hardly believe what they were witnessing. “It felt like time stopped,” said Jeroen van Dijk, a longtime Deep Purple follower. “I’ve seen them three times before, but this was on a whole new level. Simon just tore the place apart. Every note hit me right in the heart.”
Another fan, 19-year-old Lotte Visser, attended her first Deep Purple show with her father. “I didn’t expect to be so moved. His solos were insane, and the crowd energy was unreal. I think I’m a fan for life now,” she said, still catching her breath after the final encore.
The band, featuring Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, and Don Airey on keyboards, was in top form throughout the show. But it was clear that McBride’s performance was the highlight of the night. At one point, even Gillan turned toward him after a particularly fiery solo and simply applauded.
Social media exploded after the concert, with fans flooding platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with videos, photos, and praise. Hashtags like Simon McBride and Deep purple Amsterdam began trending in the Netherlands within hours.
Music critics were equally enthusiastic. Dutch music magazine Rock landia published a glowing review, calling McBride’s performance “a breathtaking showcase of modern rock guitar blended seamlessly with classic Deep Purple DNA.”
As Deep Purple continues their European tour, it’s clear that the band is far from slowing down. And with McBride now firmly in the spotlight, a new generation of fans is discovering the timeless power of rock through his performance.
One thing is certain: for those lucky enough to be in Amsterdam that night, Simon McBride didn’t just play the guitar — he unleashed it. And in doing so, he reminded the world why Deep Purple remains one of the most enduring forces in rock music history.
