Ian Gillan has revealed Deep Purple are holed up in their Portugal studio writing material for what will be their 20th studio album.

And he says they’re having a great time despite the “no frills” lifestyle.

Gillan tells Zeitung: “The whole band is here. We have a studio in the Algarve where we’re working on new songs.

“In the evening we take a sip of good red wine and enjoy the tranquility. I’m woken up at dawn by a rooster in the neighbourhood and I get up when it gets light. When it gets dark in the evening, I go to bed. It’s a no frills life; but it’s a good life down here.”

Purple last month launched a deluxe edition of classic live set Made In Japan – but Gillan admits he has no interest in listening to it.

“I don’t like live albums especially,” he says. “But I know the importance and significance of Made In Japan. The tour, 42 years ago, blew me away. It was my first time in a country where I felt fundamental differences in mentality to Europe.

“It was a culture shock to me. But it’s influenced me in a positive sense.”

And despite album work, the singer says it’s still all about playing live for him – to the extent that he doesn’t see himself ever stopping.

“I can’t imagine not being on stage,” he states. “When I was a teenager, I went to a Cliff Bennett concert and I released I wanted to be where he was. The interaction with the audience, and even more important for me, with the musicians – that’s pure magic.

“With a Deep Purple concert you never know exactly what will happen. I don’t want to miss those feelings.”

Purple’s last studio album, Now What?!, was launched last year.

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