DEEP PURPLE's First Manager TONY EDWARDS Dies At 78

November 13, 2010

Tony Edwards, DEEP PURPLE's first manager, died on November 11 at The London Clinic at the age of 78. Simon Robinson of the Deep Purple Appreciation Society writes, "It was without doubt Tony's love of spotting an opportunity which sparked life into the embryonic contacts between musicians which evolved into DEEP PURPLE, and which he and business partner John Coletta (who died in 2006) sunk money into for a couple of years until the breakthrough album 'In Rock' justified the faith of all concerned."

Former DEEP PURPLE and current BLACKMORE'S NIGHT guitarist Ritchie Blackmore has released the following statement via the BLACKMORE'S NIGHT web site: "With deepest respect — and with great sorrow — we honor Tony Edwards. Tony was the man behind the scenes for DEEP PURPLE. He was instrumental to the existence and sustenance of the band and its music from its inception to present day. Tony's insight and intuitiveness were unparalleled in the music business. He will be thought of often and missed greatly. Without Tony Edwards there would be no DEEP PURPLE."

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