DEEP PURPLE's IAN PAICE To Perform At 'Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert'

The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert takes place for the first time in the U.K. at the world-famous London Palladium on April 2. The world-class lineup is confirmed as Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, John Blackwell and Gregg Potter from the USA with Ian Paice (DEEP PURPLE),Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison and Elliott Henshaw from the U.K. Plus singing supremo Tony Christie will also appear.

One of legendary drummer Buddy Rich's last requests to his daughter, Cathy, was to keep his band working, his music alive, and to do something for young people. No easy task, but eventually Cathy decided that an annual memorial concert seemed the way to go. The first sellout memorial concert was in 1988 at the celebrated Carnegie Hall in New York. Since then, shows have followed in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Boston with the who’s who of the drumming world taking part and the shows being described as the "The Greatest Drum Show Of All Time." Artists to grace the stage in previous years have included Mel Tormé, Joe Williams, Stan Getz, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta and Dennis Chambers.

This year, on the exact date of the 25th anniversary of Buddy's death, it is the turn of the London Palladium to host this prestigious event. The show, co-hosted by Cathy herself, features the U.S.-based BUDDY RICH BIG BAND supported by U.K. session musicians who used to play with Buddy. Cathy will also present Lifetime Achievement Awards to three rock drumming legends.

On his involvement, the highly-respected Dave Weckl said, "Anytime I get to pay tribute to one of the greatest players of our instrument, I am first in line. To be able to play with a great BIG BAND and play songs from the Buddy Rich book is one of my favorite things to do as a drummer." Joining Dave Weckl are Gregg Bissonette, known most recently for his work with the Ringo Starr band; John Blackwell, currently playing with Prince; and Gregg Potter from the BUDDY RICH BIG BAND. From the U.K., DEEP PURPLE's distinguished drummer, Ian Paice; the renowned CREAM drummer, Ginger Baker; respected session drummer Gavin Harrison; and Elliott Henshaw, veteran of over 20 West End shows and drummer for Tony Christie.

Tickets are available from the box office on 0844 412 4657 or online at www.seetickets.com and are priced from £25 to £60. VIP tickets are available on a strictly limited basis only. They include the best seats in the house, an opportunity to meet the headline artists, admission to the after-show party and signed merchandise.