As far as I see it, there is a misconception that IP had lesser ability throughout the 80s. And that he only returned to form in the mid 90s. That becomes clear when watching his approach to a song like SKOW, which he played with a lot more swing and bounce in the 80s compared to the 90s and onwards. In fact, so much so that it changes the sound of the band. On the attack vs staying behind the beat.
Of course, it helps that RB is on fire in the 1984 clip and that he and IP literally could have performed the song on their own and it would still have been exciting. IP’s bounce married extremely well with Ritchie’s loose and playful style around this time and when they go at it they set a high standard for other lineups to live up to.
Curiously, RB also gets a bad rep for his playing in the 80s, which is hard to understand when watching this clip. I notice his tone is cleaner/better here than in 1985 though, so maybe something equipment related changed along the way.
Ian has always played great anywhere, but he peaked with late Mk III, Mk IV and PAL. While he says that Glenn left him less room to lead than Roger, there was something both to Glenn‘s and Paul Martinez‘ not entirely dissimilar bass playing that neither Roger Glover nor Neil Murray managed to edge out of Paicey. That mix of swing and new funk influences saw him scale new heights. He left his comfort zone and excelled.
Certainly brings back wonderful memories of the concerts we attended in December1984 in Sydney, that first clip, thanks Daniel. Isn’t this clip from the Melbourne concert film, although it is saying Sydney on the first night, which we attended. I do remember seeing a few cameras at one of the shows, can’t remember which one. Most probably this one as George from Liverpool was at the second one that we also went to. If there were cameras there that cameo from the quiet Beatle would be obviously on professional film. What was I here for, oh that’s right, the drummer. I forget his name! Not too bad a performance, all things considered, whoever he is! Cheers.
Rock music changed so much in the 1980’s, for many musicians. Ian Paice changed with it in that regard. A lot more ‘straight ahead’ with the rhythm compared to the more ‘progressive’ and avant-garde approach of the later 1970’s. Look how the others in DP changed too, especially with the songwriting. A much more Rainbow and Gillan style which was instantly recognisable to my ears in 1984. I wasn’t surprised at all by that and let’s face it, many other bands followed suit or were already there in the ‘MTV’ era. Don’t forget the drum click either. Cheers.