Bernie Torme was the most generous and amazing man. I went to see him as an 18 year old and somehow blagged my way backstage. He sat with me for an hour in the dressing room and told me to eat as much of the gratis food as I liked. When I told him that I played guitar he handed me a vintage strat and asked me 'what do you think?' After I had strummed a few chords he said 'That's the guitar Ozzy gave me for doing the Randy Rhoads gigs'. He let me sit on the stage for the gig and when he found out that I had nowhere to stay, he paid for me and my two friends stay in his hotel. We kept in touch and had a few good drinks and laughs over the years. He was a true gentleman and an amazing player.
That's so awesome to hear. I never got to see because he never tour the states... Or at least not anywhere near me. I reached to him on facebook messenger a few times around 2016/2017, and he always responded and it was great for me to connect with him. What a great person, thanks for sharing your story.
So sad to learn Bernie has left this world yesterday. Bernie has lost his battle with Pneumonia. He died on Sunday 17th. He was a fantastic and crazy guitar player and a very nice guy. GILLAN (the band) was fantastic.
LoL. There's that ever present word, "underrated". You can find it in the comment section of every single music video every uploaded on social media. I bet if there was a video of the Munchkins singing Lollipop Guild from Wizard of Oz someone would say they are the most underrated group of singing midgets in the world. 🤣
I loved this band. They had a unique image with Rock God Ian, Bernie the Punk Rocker and Big Ugly John, and the music combined Purple with NWOBHM speed and energy plus a bit of proginess from Colin Towns keyboards. It was never quite the same after Bernie left.
So sad to lose one of my favorite guitar players and all around great guy.He was instrumental in bringing the Gillan band to the musically artistic heights they achieved.A unique,one of a kind talent, whose guitar playing you could immediately recognize as soon as you heard it.R.I.P.Bernie
I agree! But instead he joined Sabbath to make the Born Again album (possibly their best) and blow his vocal chords out on the ensuing tour. This is Iab at his peak.
@andrewpaton6075 Bernie asked Gillan's manager if he could see the accounts, to find out where all the money was going. Within days Bernie had walked. A man of integrity.
@Lil1943 Thank you very much for telling the history. Thanks indeed. Actually I'm from the end of '50 (an old woman), loved DP in '70 but not a big fan and never searched their story, now just starting again and crazily love them, LOVE THEM very much, lover Ian Gillan, love heavy rock music. Thank You Again Lil1943
Oh absolutely. I would visit his website where he would respond to questions or comments in very well written small letters or essays. Ian Gillan is a super intelligent man.
RIP bernie, every inch the guitarist, looks, sound, growling whammy bar,the full package. Saw gillan at Sheffield City Hall on this very tour. Loved it. Excellent band. X
I love so much Ian Gillan. I had pleasure the watch in Bolivia. I will never forget, beautiful presentation ... unforgettable Ian in all the songs highlights such a beautiful voice that echoes the impeccable sound of the instruments that accompany him. It is a blessing from God such a talent. I'm following your presentations all are wonderful, highlighting that incomparable voice, not to mention Ian Gillan & Javelins, demonstrating the versatility of that voice. I love it, it makes me dream, it gives me life. It makes me very happy. Thank you. Many more successes for you and your band. That all your wishes are fulfilled in every area of your life
Had the pleasure to watch the Gillan band in Sydney in the early eighties, it was a four piece with Bernie on guitar. The gig was memorable, straight out hard rock, just how I like it.
Yeah it was Gers. They played Canberra and I was deaf for a day, I had to drive home using the taco as I couldn't hear my car engine. Mind you the sound in the small venue was superb.And in Canberra it was def a 5 piece. : Gillan/Underwood/Mccoy/Gers and Towns
Saw that Gillan tour at Bombay Rock in Melbourne, it was one of the loudest (too loud) shows I've ever been too. The PA kept cutting out. It was great to see Ian Gillan because I was just a little too young to see Deep Purple in their 70s heyday.
@@stevenally8015 yes remember the show well as it was one of my first gigs after Thin Lizzy at festival hall and Kiss at Waverley I was only 14 at the time and also got into the Chevron gig. Bonnet at the Corner with Jimmy Stump recently is also worth a mention as a great show!
What the Gillan band needed was a great producer. If Martin Burch had worked with Gillan like he did with Dio Sabbath, and Blue Oyster Cult, they would be better remembered. Great songs, on bad sounding records is what we got. Such a talented band that just faded out.
Great song! just found this album glory ride bot a year ago! Gillian albums are tough to find in the wild! And he is wearing his soon to be Born Again get up!
We've just booked Bernie to play in our wee venue in Troon in November and was just reminiscing about these days! "Around the World in 80" tour. Ah the nostalgia of Generation X!
Sound engineer: "Sorry Ian, we've only got one microphone left. We can either use it for Bernie's backing vocals or your conga." Ian: "Let's toss a coin."
Mr Ian Gillan looks as ordinary as me now with his lived in looks and shorter grey hair...but this is how life affects us if we survive long enough...RIP BERNIE..🎸🌹👍🍻♥️🎤
@karen1616ful You're so welcome. I'm older than you and just appreciating hard rock music. In the 70s I was concentrating on a tchg. career (and my first husband was disabled; passed away later). I loved Jesus Christ Superstar, however, which came out in 1970. That's the way I came to know Ian Gillan. He sang the role of Jesus on the concept record! That marvelous voice. And didn't hurt the eyes at all, either lol. Now I can't get enough - the band great. Have read his autobiography, too.
Torme was ace during this time and without him those records would not have come about. R.I.P. man - I listened to your playing with Gillan and your "EG" solo album a lot.
Had a lot of fond memories of Gillan. Evening in the pub after he gave an interview on Radio City. An afternoon in Kingsway Studios. Backstage at Reading. Helping pack the band's gear away at the Hamilton Club in Birkenhead (late for work the next day). Back stage passes for most gigs. Still love listening to this music all these years later.
Wow, only knew Bernie as a footnote in Ozzy's career. Impressive playing. Shifting effortless between slide and fretted notes. Real rock star swag too.
Saw Gillan and the lads in 81 and they were awesome. Saw Bernie with the Electric Gypsies too, loved the sound and the musicianship and these guys formed part of who I am.. met Colin thru work years later too and he’s still a dude! Rock on guys
One of my favorites. John McCoy just lumbers back and forth across the stage! And Ian's hair is REALLY long! Love it. (After 5-6 comments, guess I should shut up.)
I put MR universe on for the first time in years the other day and forgot just how good they were. what originally put me off at that time was the pretty shoddy production Q, but musically its a hot masterpiece. I knew i'd never have regrets in buying those albums.
Think this Gillan band could have "made it" if Ian had not dissolved it by leaving. All the musicians great! Love the sound. Think I listen to Gillan band music as much as Deep Purple. Also like Gillan's independent albums. Ya'think he is my favorite singer and songwriter lol!
Ian Gillan's post-Purple bands had a tough act to follow, but Gillan replicated the chemistry, with Bernie as the final important piece of the jigsaw. He was also a showman, and we don't see enough of them. It is sad to me that they could not have continued for a few more albums with Bernie still in place. Without him they were nothing. Still, the Mr Universe and Glory Road albums stand as lasting monuments to his ability (and I make no apology for the metaphors).
For a demo this sounds bloody good to me - albeit with a different solo and feels a bit shorter. Loved Bernie's stuff. I have a soft spot for this and Black Sunday - which appears to be only available on vinyl I think but you can find it on RUclips and get your own digital version.
@ravensmead I just realized Ian rejoined Deep Purple in 1984 (the second time). After being fired in, I think 1989, he pulled some musicians together but was asked to rejoin DP in 1993 and has been there ever since. Think I have my years "close" now.
Jon Lord was a great musician. Amazing what he could do with the Hammond organ. He was trained from an early age to be a classical musician (what his father wanted). But he liked "other" types of music better - thankfully! However, his Concerto for Group and Orchestra is absolutely beautiful and the first time a rock band played with a complete orchestra - The Royal Philharmonic, no less! Prayers for his family and friends and fans for their loss.
Yes , amen! An immense talent and a true gentleman. Had the great fortune to see his concerto for group and orchestra show in Perth Australia with a backing Aussie band in about 2002 in an outdoor botanical park. Unforgettable night.
Bernie Torme walked out as substitute for Randy Rhodes after only 3 weeks of performances. The unconfirmed rumor is that Torme suffered "performance anxiety", bravely trying to fill Rhandy's boots and satisfy the fans expectations.
Bernie Torme was the most generous and amazing man. I went to see him as an 18 year old and somehow blagged my way backstage. He sat with me for an hour in the dressing room and told me to eat as much of the gratis food as I liked. When I told him that I played guitar he handed me a vintage strat and asked me 'what do you think?' After I had strummed a few chords he said 'That's the guitar Ozzy gave me for doing the Randy Rhoads gigs'. He let me sit on the stage for the gig and when he found out that I had nowhere to stay, he paid for me and my two friends stay in his hotel. We kept in touch and had a few good drinks and laughs over the years. He was a true gentleman and an amazing player.
That's so awesome to hear. I never got to see because he never tour the states... Or at least not anywhere near me. I reached to him on facebook messenger a few times around 2016/2017, and he always responded and it was great for me to connect with him. What a great person, thanks for sharing your story.
Bernie Torme was one of those seemingly magical talents that will shine forever
I love this song and the whole Glory Road album.
Fantastic record
Glory Road is a magnificent album 🙂
So sad to learn Bernie has left this world yesterday. Bernie has lost his battle with Pneumonia. He died on Sunday 17th. He was a fantastic and crazy guitar player and a very nice guy. GILLAN (the band) was fantastic.
Ozzy didn't fire him, Bernie left of his own volition.
🥲🥲🥲
Bernys sad news
Criminally underrated.
Bernie was own man had that fantastic tone
Underrated band. First four albums are brilliant
LoL. There's that ever present word, "underrated". You can find it in the comment section of every single music video every uploaded on social media. I bet if there was a video of the Munchkins singing Lollipop Guild from Wizard of Oz someone would say they are the most underrated group of singing midgets in the world. 🤣
@@JohnHWelch63
I think the word unrecognised is more apt.
Best band ever seem them 3 times live they blow every one away
I love Collins Towns playing
RIP great Bernie Tormè
Thanks for the music... RIP Bernie
I loved this band. They had a unique image with Rock God Ian, Bernie the Punk Rocker and Big Ugly John, and the music combined Purple with NWOBHM speed and energy plus a bit of proginess from Colin Towns keyboards. It was never quite the same after Bernie left.
Ian is a perfect singer ,,,Entertainer,,, musician.. He is.brilliant.. fantastic Power!!!!
A Great Screamer 🤔😂
I worked on the 1981-82 tour. Never a dull moment!
I bet. They look an interesting bunch of dudes
RIP Bernie
So sad when a star that shone as bright as the most brilliant stars fades.. Music is forever. You will not be forgotten.
Bernie was so good. RIP
Steve Buse. Great riffing with the keyboard player.
Glory Road was one of my first albums - it set a very high bar. I love it still.
So sad to lose one of my favorite guitar players and all around great guy.He was instrumental in bringing the Gillan band to the musically artistic heights they achieved.A unique,one of a kind talent, whose guitar playing you could immediately recognize as soon as you heard it.R.I.P.Bernie
Gillan should have kept this line up together …..they were brilliant ….cant replace Bernie ever !
Janick Gers was Good , but Bernie fitted in Perfectly , and was My Fav by Far. I Loved His Stage Image too........🙂🙂
I agree! But instead he joined Sabbath to make the Born Again album (possibly their best) and blow his vocal chords out on the ensuing tour. This is Iab at his peak.
Bernie was far superior
100% 👍
@andrewpaton6075 Bernie asked Gillan's manager if he could see the accounts, to find out where all the money was going. Within days Bernie had walked. A man of integrity.
Mick Underwood.Drummer. Undermentioned..rated by those that know of him.
Mr Gillan with his erudite ramblings between songs. Priceless :-) |Rob D
Bernie was the Dogs bollox. .loved his style and his tone.RIP.x🎸👍💕
Great band! Bernie was an awesome guitarist, R.I.P.
Saw Bernie,with Gillan in the 80s ,great gig ,sure he will be sadly missed.
Гиллан ЛУЧШИЙ!!! Гиллан FOREVER!!!!!
@Lil1943 Thank you very much for telling the history. Thanks indeed. Actually I'm from the end of '50 (an old woman), loved DP in '70 but not a big fan and never searched their story, now just starting again and crazily love them, LOVE THEM very much, lover Ian Gillan, love heavy rock music. Thank You Again Lil1943
Ian is a brilliant lyricist ...people talk so much about his great voice ..they forget his brilliance with words - PS : RIP John Prine .
Oh absolutely. I would visit his website where he would respond to questions or comments in very well written small letters or essays. Ian Gillan is a super intelligent man.
Blackie plays the guitar very well but he cannot write lyrics and cannot sing
@@dannymartinez9371 i also feel that way about jagger ...tho jagger does not have a "great " voice imo - he is a great writer tho
He hasn’t got a great voice !
Coverdale is much better
@@ian2764 If he is much better, why Blackmore took Hughes as second vocalist in Deep Purple? 😂😂😂
Rest in Peace Bernie, I always loved your playing on Glory Road...............a sad day
RIP bernie, every inch the guitarist, looks, sound, growling whammy bar,the full package. Saw gillan at Sheffield City Hall on this very tour. Loved it. Excellent band. X
I was at the same Gig.
RIP Bernie
@@denise5623 how lucky were we. Bernie was brilliant back then and we were all so much younger. 🎸 ♥
Ian you are the best!!
Wish I was there watching it live
Rock and Roll. Great song.
I love the way Ian gets busy on the conga when the band are jamming a solo section.
Clouds and Rain,
I’m in Tears,
Such a Beautiful Song,
Xx
One of the best Guitarist that ever lived, RIP Bernie. ✌🤘👊!
Love this song. Rest In Peace Bernie
I saw you in New Orleans in 2019!
Excellent!!!! RIP Bernie
Bernie Torme should be more well known. \m/
Gillan the best ...RIP Bernie...
Ian "The Voice of Silver " Gillan 🎶🎤😎👊
Bernie Torme r.i.p 🎸🎵🎼🎶🎼🎶🎸😎👊
I love so much Ian Gillan. I had pleasure the watch in Bolivia.
I will never forget, beautiful presentation ... unforgettable
Ian in all the songs highlights such a beautiful voice that echoes the impeccable sound of the instruments that accompany him. It is a blessing from God such a talent.
I'm following your presentations all are wonderful, highlighting that incomparable voice, not to mention Ian Gillan & Javelins, demonstrating the versatility of that voice.
I love it, it makes me dream, it gives me life. It makes me very happy. Thank you.
Many more successes for you and your band. That all your wishes are fulfilled in every area of your life
RIP & Shalom Bernie Tormé .
It's GOLD VOICE!
Dang this ROCKS! R.I.P. Bernie...
That initial Colín Towns' keyboard CUT introduction is something like a sound coitus interruptus...
So underrated this band, shame they could not crack the States.
BEAUTIFUL, FANTASTIC...CONGRATULATIONS
I was at this gig mcoy scared the crap outta me at time lol he looked awesome
Very great song groove and lovely singing, of course
Had the pleasure to watch the Gillan band in Sydney in the early eighties, it was a four piece with Bernie on guitar. The gig was memorable, straight out hard rock, just how I like it.
GraffitiPhysical that was janick gers ,as i was pissed when bernie torme was not in the lineup. Gillan did a pub tour back then
Yeah it was Gers. They played Canberra and I was deaf for a day, I had to drive home using the taco as I couldn't hear my car engine. Mind you the sound in the small venue was superb.And in Canberra it was def a 5 piece.
: Gillan/Underwood/Mccoy/Gers and Towns
Saw that Gillan tour at Bombay Rock in Melbourne, it was one of the loudest (too loud) shows I've ever been too. The PA kept cutting out. It was great to see Ian Gillan because I was just a little too young to see Deep Purple in their 70s heyday.
@@stevenally8015 yes remember the show well as it was one of my first gigs after Thin Lizzy at festival hall and Kiss at Waverley I was only 14 at the time and also got into the Chevron gig. Bonnet at the Corner with Jimmy Stump recently is also worth a mention as a great show!
Ian I love you!!!
👹😝👺
Bernie. Tormeは世界でもっともカッコいいギタリストであった。コリン・タウンズ凄腕キーボーディスト、ジョン・マッコイの野太いベースもナイス👍
What the Gillan band needed was a great producer. If Martin Burch had worked with Gillan like he did with Dio Sabbath, and Blue Oyster Cult, they would be better remembered. Great songs, on bad sounding records is what we got. Such a talented band that just faded out.
Great song! just found this album glory ride bot a year ago! Gillian albums are tough to find in the wild! And he is wearing his soon to be Born Again get up!
We've just booked Bernie to play in our wee venue in Troon in November and was just reminiscing about these days! "Around the World in 80" tour. Ah the nostalgia of Generation X!
So glad he still has red pants on! Now I can place Ian appropriately. Love of my vocal life!
Sound engineer: "Sorry Ian, we've only got one microphone left. We can either use it for Bernie's backing vocals or your conga."
Ian: "Let's toss a coin."
witty, witty
Mr Ian Gillan looks as ordinary as me now with his lived in looks and shorter grey hair...but this is how life affects us if we survive long enough...RIP BERNIE..🎸🌹👍🍻♥️🎤
@karen1616ful You're so welcome. I'm older than you and just appreciating hard rock music. In the 70s I was concentrating on a tchg. career (and my first husband was disabled; passed away later). I loved Jesus Christ Superstar, however, which came out in 1970. That's the way I came to know Ian Gillan. He sang the role of Jesus on the concept record! That marvelous voice. And didn't hurt the eyes at all, either lol. Now I can't get enough - the band great. Have read his autobiography, too.
Torme was ace during this time and without him those records would not have come about. R.I.P. man - I listened to your playing with Gillan and your "EG" solo album a lot.
Had a lot of fond memories of Gillan. Evening in the pub after he gave an interview on Radio City. An afternoon in Kingsway Studios. Backstage at Reading. Helping pack the band's gear away at the Hamilton Club in Birkenhead (late for work the next day). Back stage passes for most gigs. Still love listening to this music all these years later.
Yay! Cosmic reassurance by Ian. I love when his hippie side expresses :) Mr. Universe in the suit.
Wow, only knew Bernie as a footnote in Ozzy's career. Impressive playing. Shifting effortless between slide and fretted notes. Real rock star swag too.
Saw Gillan and the lads in 81 and they were awesome. Saw Bernie with the Electric Gypsies too, loved the sound and the musicianship and these guys formed part of who I am.. met Colin thru work years later too and he’s still a dude! Rock on guys
One of my favorites. John McCoy just lumbers back and forth across the stage! And Ian's hair is REALLY long! Love it. (After 5-6 comments, guess I should shut up.)
His hair is soooooo long! Love it!!
Wonderful! Seen this tour in Belgium
Great guitar bernie rip
RIP Bernie ..
I think this might have been part of the half-hour ITV show I saw in the early 80s.
Ian Gillan super good luck
Great listen
I put MR universe on for the first time in years the other day and forgot just how good they were.
what originally put me off at that time was the pretty shoddy production Q, but musically its a hot masterpiece. I knew i'd never have regrets in buying those albums.
Gillan, eres la mejor voz del rock del mundo. Gracias por existir. ❤❤❤❤
RIP Bernie 👏👏👏
Think this Gillan band could have "made it" if Ian had not dissolved it by leaving. All the musicians great! Love the sound. Think I listen to Gillan band music as much as Deep Purple. Also like Gillan's independent albums. Ya'think he is my favorite singer and songwriter lol!
@@peterkent1582 He was offered the job at Black Sabbath.
@@DavidUKesb and that was after Bernie had left anyway
un premio a nuestros ojos y oidos de los fans son ustedes DIOSESSSSSSSSSS los amamos 😍😍😍😍😍😍
saw them at Glasgow apollo 1981, amazing band
Magnífico 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 exelent performance
Ian Gillan's post-Purple bands had a tough act to follow, but Gillan replicated the chemistry, with Bernie as the final important piece of the jigsaw. He was also a showman, and we don't see enough of them. It is sad to me that they could not have continued for a few more albums with Bernie still in place. Without him they were nothing. Still, the Mr Universe and Glory Road albums stand as lasting monuments to his ability (and I make no apology for the metaphors).
This was the first gig ever went to at the Apollo Oxford I might even have a white silk scarf with Gillan printed on it!!!
thank you, I will source it
dang I woulda loved witnessing this live
Ian gillan ,id fantástic. A beutful voice
For a demo this sounds bloody good to me - albeit with a different solo and feels a bit shorter. Loved Bernie's stuff. I have a soft spot for this and Black Sunday - which appears to be only available on vinyl I think but you can find it on RUclips and get your own digital version.
@ravensmead I just realized Ian rejoined Deep Purple in 1984 (the second time). After being fired in, I think 1989, he pulled some musicians together but was asked to rejoin DP in 1993 and has been there ever since. Think I have my years "close" now.
R.I.P.,Bernie
should b released again its so good
The 2nd best line-up on stage ever... after Deep Purple Mark II. Will never forget the Hamburg-gig of that tour.
Rest In Peace Bernie Torme 🎸
yum yum music
HANDMADE ART!
just memories now …but good ones !
Jon Lord was a great musician. Amazing what he could do with the Hammond organ. He was trained from an early age to be a classical musician (what his father wanted). But he liked "other" types of music better - thankfully! However, his Concerto for Group and Orchestra is absolutely beautiful and the first time a rock band played with a complete orchestra - The Royal Philharmonic, no less! Prayers for his family and friends and fans for their loss.
Yes , amen! An immense talent and a true gentleman. Had the great fortune to see his concerto for group and orchestra show in Perth Australia with a backing Aussie band in about 2002 in an outdoor botanical park. Unforgettable night.
Yes Jon Lord was amazing, but it's Colin Towns on keyboards here in Gillan the band.
One of the more dirty 80's group image. And great musicians...
Bernie Torme walked out as substitute for Randy Rhodes after only 3 weeks of performances. The unconfirmed rumor is that Torme suffered "performance anxiety", bravely trying to fill Rhandy's boots and satisfy the fans expectations.
Великий человек великий голос великий музыкант
Best Gillan guitarist RIP Bernie 🙏
@empipemp I envy your seeing the band in their heyday. Never saw them perform. Appreciative of those who find the videos, etc., for RUclips!
le brillantissime Bernie Torme merci R.I.P.
gran chitarrista Bernie Torme
Супер Йен Гиллан💜💜💜
ian paces just like a lion before he sings=leo-hes so polite
Very British ....! There`s a bit of everything in here