Fan-filmed video footage has surfaced of legendary British hard rock pioneers DEEP PURPLE performing their two brand-new singles, “Arrogant Boy” and “Diablo,” live in concert for the very first time. The performances offer a blistering preview of how the band’s latest studio material translates to the stage as they gear up for a massive global tour.
Both tracks are taken from DEEP PURPLE’s highly anticipated 24th studio album, Splat!, which is scheduled to arrive on July 3, 2026 via earMUSIC.
The current lineup—featuring classic-era members Ian Gillan (vocals), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums) alongside longtime keyboardist Don Airey and guitar virtuoso Simon McBride—demonstrated an explosive live energy that bridges the gap between their vintage 1970s swagger and a sharp, modern hard-rock edge.
The Stories Behind the New Singles
The live set’s first addition, “Arrogant Boy,” was released as the album’s lead single on May 13. Characterized by a fast-paced, driving rhythm, the track has already drawn praise from critics, with Classic Rock Germany comparing its electrifying pace to timeless anthems like “Space Truckin'” and “Highway Star.”
Frontman Ian Gillan shared the humorous inspiration behind the lyrics:
“This is the story of Billy who couldn’t read or write. He is unhappy with things, so he speaks up, and finds a way of irritating, one way or another, the elite. And I can’t think of anything more fun than irritating the elite. It would be a joyous exercise for me every morning after coffee.”
The second performance, “Diablo,” was unleashed on June 5 as a groove-heavy, classic rock track built from a thunderous rhythm pocket and fierce instrumental trade-offs. While the official studio version of the track features a highly publicized, cross-genre guest appearance by country-rock superstar and Grammy-winning guitarist Keith Urban on second and solo guitar, the band handled the live arrangement with absolute ease as a five-piece on stage, driving the crowd into a frenzy.
Ian Gillan on the Sonic Direction of ‘Splat!’
For Splat!, Deep Purple once again reunited in the studio with legendary producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss). Early reports from the studio indicate that Ezrin has helped craft the band’s heaviest sonic statement in decades by capturing the band playing completely live together in the studio.
Frontman Ian Gillan recently expressed his immense excitement regarding the direction of the new material, drawing direct comparisons to the band’s golden era.
“I have to say, now we are very much back in with material that is compatible with ‘Highway Star’, ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Lazy’ – the dynamics, the balance, and the fun of the music we made from ’69 to ’73,” Gillan noted.
Addressing the thematic concept behind the album’s title, Gillan added that Splat! explores a unique perspective on finality:
“It is all about taking chances. Rather than treating the end as destruction, the album imagines it as transformation. Splat! explores the end of humanity not in any crude apocalyptic sense, but as a metamorphosis beyond physical existence. Just for once in your life, do something exciting, step out of the mold, take that curious bend in the road instead of sticking to the highway.”
‘Splat!’ Track Listing (CD/2LP):
Side A
-
Arrogant Boy
-
Diablo
-
The Rider
-
The Lunatic
Side B
-
The Only Horse In Town
-
Sacred Land
-
The Beating Of Wings
Side C
-
Guilt Trippin’
-
Scriblin’ Gib’rish
-
Jessica’s Bra
Side D
-
Third Call
-
My New Movie
-
Splat!
Album Release Configurations
When Splat! arrives on July 3, it will be available in a massive array of physical formats for collectors, including standard CD Digisleeves, 180g double-vinyl gatefolds, and limited-edition transparent yellow and purple variants.
Superfans can also secure a Limited Box Set containing the 2LP gatefold, a 12-page booklet, a CD digisleeve, three exclusive 10-inch vinyl records featuring live recordings from the band’s 2024 world tour, and an exclusive bonus 7-inch single featuring the non-album track “Guinnessis.”
Deep Purple is currently on the road fine-tuning their setlists in anticipation of the official album release, with extensive tour dates lined up across Europe, Latin America, and North America throughout the remainder of 2026.
