Don Airey, the virtuoso keyboardist known for his work with Deep Purple, Rainbow, and Ozzy Osbourne, recently shared an intriguing anecdote from his time with Rainbow. He recalled a moment when Ritchie Blackmore, the enigmatic guitarist, gave him a wave as he fell backwards during a performance. This gesture served as Airey’s cue to launch into a ten-minute keyboard solo, showcasing his improvisational prowess and deep understanding of the band’s dynamic.
Airey’s musical journey is marked by his adaptability and extensive collaborations. He has contributed to over 300 albums, working with legends such as Whitesnake, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. His ability to blend various musical styles is evident in his solo projects, where he often draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences. For instance, his album A Light In The Sky features tracks like “Space Troll Patrol” and “Sombrero M104,” which were recorded live with minimal editing, reflecting his commitment to authentic sound.
In 2025, Airey released his latest solo album, Pushed To The Edge, which continues his legacy in the hard rock genre. The album features a stellar lineup, including Carl Sentance (Nazareth) and Mitchell Emms (The Voice UK) on vocals, Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride, drummer Jon Finnigan, and bassist Dave Marks. Produced in the classic hard rock tradition, the album delivers an unfiltered sonic experience, staying true to pure musicianship.
Airey’s approach to music emphasizes live recordings and minimal post-production, aiming to capture the raw energy of performances. This philosophy is
Airey’s musical journey is marked by his adaptability and extensive collaborations. He has contributed to over 300 albums, working with legends such as Whitesnake, Judas Priest, and Black Sabbath. His ability to blend various musical styles is evident in his solo projects, where he often draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences. For instance, his album A Light In The Sky features tracks like “Space Troll Patrol” and “Sombrero M104,” which were recorded live with minimal editing, reflecting his commitment to authentic sound.
In 2025, Airey released his latest solo album, Pushed To The Edge, which continues his legacy in the hard rock genre. The album features a stellar lineup, including Carl Sentance (Nazareth) and Mitchell Emms (The Voice UK) on vocals, Deep Purple guitarist Simon McBride, drummer Jon Finnigan, and bassist Dave Marks. Produced in the classic hard rock tradition, the album delivers an unfiltered sonic experience, staying true to pure musicianship.
Airey’s approach to music emphasizes live recordings and minimal post-production, aiming to capture the raw energy of performances. This philosophy is
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