In a recent discussion with Peter Pardo from Sea of Tranquility, Steve Morse clarified that he didn’t resort to any incentives to prevent Deep Purple from continuing without him.
Reflecting on his early days with the band, Pardo remarked, “I recall when you initially joined the group, it was often said, ‘No Ritchie [Blackmore], no Deep Purple.’ Now, suddenly, there’s a sentiment of ‘No Steve Morse, no more Purple’ circulating. It’s intriguing how the dynamics shift over time.”
Morse responded, stating, “I certainly didn’t employ any financial measures to influence that sentiment. However, I believe anyone who attends their shows will witness Simon McBride’s exceptional talent and seamless integration with the band. So, if you’re a fan of Purple, you’re bound to have a fantastic experience.”
In July 2022, Morse announced his permanent departure from Deep Purple to support his wife amidst her battle with cancer. Sharing his sentiments on Facebook, he revealed, “Last autumn, I abruptly left the writing session with Purple in Germany due to a serious medical crisis my wife was facing. Nearly a year later, we are coming to terms with her ongoing battle against stage 4 aggressive cancer and the accompanying chemotherapy. While we both miss the thrill of performing, I found it impossible to commit to extensive tours given the unpredictability of our situation at home. I had suggested lining up a replacement guitarist last autumn, hoping for a miraculous turnaround in her health. However, as time progressed, it became clear that after 28 years with the band, it was time for me to step aside.”