In 2017, Deep Purple launched “The Long Goodbye” tour, calling it their final world tour. The name alone suggested that the band was saying farewell to the road for good. But many fans were skeptical. Was “The Long Goodbye” truly their last tour, or was it just another “Deep Purple fake farewell tour” designed to boost ticket sales and media attention?
In this article, we’ll examine the Deep Purple fake farewell tour of 2017, analyzing whether it was really a goodbye or a well-crafted marketing tactic. We’ll also explore the band’s history with farewell tours, the psychological impact of such announcements on fans, and how this particular “final” tour contributed to Deep Purple’s legacy.
The 2017 “Long Goodbye” Tour: Was It Really the End?
When Deep Purple announced their “The Long Goodbye” tour in 2017, it was marketed as their last tour. Ian Gillan, the band’s lead singer, mentioned age and the physical toll of touring as reasons for their decision to retire from the road. Fans were initially excited about the prospect of seeing Deep Purple one last time, especially given their long history as a pioneering rock band.
However, many fans had been here before. Deep Purple had announced farewell tours several times in the past, only to return to the stage shortly after. The 2017 tour was no different. This raised a question: Was this really the end, or was it just another “fake farewell tour” from Deep Purple to sell more tickets?
A Look Back at Deep Purple’s Previous Farewell Tours
Deep Purple has a long history of “farewell tours”. In fact, the band had already announced their retirement from touring multiple times before 2017, only to return to the stage after a few years. Here’s a quick look at some of their previous “final” tours:
1. 1993: The Final Concerts
In 1993, Deep Purple announced “The Final Concerts”, claiming that it would be their last shows. Fans were excited, but in just a few years, the band was back on the road. Their “farewell” was anything but final.
2. 2002: The Final European Tour
Again, in 2002, the band declared that their European tour would be their last. However, Deep Purple quickly returned with new tours and fresh performances, leaving fans questioning the sincerity of the announcement.
3. 2007: Another “Final” Tour
In 2007, Deep Purple announced yet another “final” European tour. Yet, just like before, the band returned to perform in the following years, leaving fans wondering whether their farewells meant anything at all.
The Appeal of a Farewell Tour: Why Do Bands Do It?
So, why do bands like Deep Purple keep announcing farewell tours, only to return for more shows? The answer lies in the marketing power of a “final tour”. Here are some key reasons why farewell tours are so effective at selling tickets and boosting the band’s brand.
1. Nostalgia Drives Ticket Sales
Farewell tours tap into the nostalgia of fans. It’s the last chance to see a band that has defined a generation. Fans rush to get tickets, fearing they might miss their one and only opportunity to experience the band live. The emotional appeal of “the last tour” often trumps the actual retirement plans of the band.
2. Media Buzz and Publicity
When a major band like Deep Purple announces their final tour, it generates massive media coverage. News outlets, rock magazines, and social media buzz about the farewell. This publicity is a key factor in the success of a farewell tour. “The Long Goodbye” tour was no exception, generating headlines and attracting new fans.
3. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event
A farewell tour is more than just a series of concerts. It’s an event. The idea of seeing a band one last time makes the experience feel special. It creates a sense of urgency among fans to attend before it’s too late, which helps sell out shows.
4. Exclusive Merchandise and Limited Editions
Farewell tours often come with exclusive merchandise. Fans can buy limited-edition items that commemorate the final tour. These special items are part of the experience, making fans feel connected to the moment and adding another layer to the marketing strategy.
Was “The Long Goodbye” Tour a Fake Farewell?
Given Deep Purple’s history of returning after announcing farewell tours, many fans couldn’t help but wonder if “The Long Goodbye” tour was just another “fake farewell” designed to make money. On the one hand, the band’s announcement seemed sincere. Gillan spoke about the challenges of touring at an older age. On the other hand, the band had used this strategy before.
It’s not unusual for bands to announce a final tour to sell out arenas, especially as they grow older and approach the end of their touring careers. However, by returning after claiming they were finished, Deep Purple continued a trend of “fake farewell tours”. Whether it was intentional or not, this strategy worked. Fans came out in droves to see them, bolstering ticket sales and generating excitement.
Impact of the Deep Purple Fake Farewell Tour on Fans
For fans, the repeated announcements of “final tours” can be frustrating. After all, when a band claims it’s the last time they’ll ever perform, it’s emotional. Fans who bought tickets to say goodbye feel betrayed when the band returns for more concerts in the future.
On the other hand, many fans understand that the music industry is a business. They’re just happy to see their favorite band perform, regardless of whether it’s the last time or not. Deep Purple’s legacy is secure, and their fake farewell tours still offer fans the chance to experience their music live.
The Legacy of Deep Purple: Beyond Farewell Tours
Even though Deep Purple’s farewell tours might not always be genuine, the band’s impact on rock music is undeniable. They are one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, and their music continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Their “fake farewell” tours may have been designed to sell tickets, but they also provided fans with one more chance to celebrate Deep Purple’s history. Whether “The Long Goodbye” was truly their last tour or not, Deep Purple’s legacy will live on, both in the hearts of their fans and in the annals of rock history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Was Deep Purple’s 2017 “The Long Goodbye” tour really their last?
While the band announced it as their farewell tour, Deep Purple returned to touring shortly afterward, leading many to believe it wasn’t the end. - Why do bands like Deep Purple announce farewell tours?
Farewell tours create excitement, sell tickets, and tap into fans’ nostalgia, boosting ticket and merchandise sales. - How many times has Deep Purple announced a farewell tour?
Deep Purple has announced several farewell tours, starting in the early 1990s, but they’ve returned to touring each time. - What is the marketing strategy behind a farewell tour?
A farewell tour creates urgency, making fans feel they must attend before it’s too late, which increases ticket and merchandise sales. - Is the 2017 farewell tour a marketing stunt?
Many believe the “Long Goodbye” tour was more about marketing and ticket sales than a true retirement from touring. - Does Deep Purple plan to stop touring?
Although they’ve announced several final tours, Deep Purple continues to tour, with no clear end in sight.
