When legendary band, Deep Purple, comes to the CN Centre during Smoke on the Nation Tour Feb. 23, it won't be just a treat for fans.
Roger Glover, bass player, producer and composer, said it'll be a treat for him too.
"It's always nice to go somewhere new because how many times have we played New York or London or Frankfurt," Glover said, who produced Nazareth. "It's a real treat when you get to go somewhere like Bali or China." Or Prince George.
Deep Purple is known for iconic hits Smoke On The Water, Highway Star, Space Truckin', Hush and My Woman From Tokyo, among others.
Nearly four decades later, more than 100 million albums sold worldwide and recipients of The Innovator Award at the 2011 Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards, Deep Purple is said to be one of the most influential bands in rock history.
Achieving rock star status, doing what he loves, producing chart-topping music like Nazareth's single Broken Down Angel (1973) - you can't help marvel at Glover's career.
"I don't do it that often, just once every five minutes or so," Glover deadpans. "It's very odd because it's become normal to be in a band and tour. I never had a proper job. I went from being a student to being a professional musician. I don't know what it's like to have a job, really."
He's blessed to do something he loves, Glover added.
"I remember I was in Liverpool about eight or 10 years ago," Glover said. "We'd just come off stage... great show, ecstatic audience and all the hullabaloo of photographs and cheering people and all of a sudden I'm in my room, I close the door and it's silent and I just stood there thinking I'm a f***ing rock star! How the hell did I get here? It's a mystery to me!"
Glover's attitude towards life is from lessons learned.
"I try not to plan too much," he said. "If you got a plan, then you've got a fight on your hands and why fight? It's gonna happen anyway."
Taking a come-what-may attitude always makes for an interesting first night on any tour.
"Even though we've played the songs loads of times, you still have mental blocks about it," said Glover. "And you wonder what that piece of wood hanging around your neck is for. First nights can be great or they can be a bit dodgy. When we come to Prince George we'll be well into the tour so I wouldn't worry about it! Every night that I go on stage is a special night."
Deep Purple is doing 17 shows from coast to coast during Smoke on the Nation Tour, beginning in St. John's, Newfoundland Feb. 2 and ending in Vancouver Feb. 26.
The band is planning a new album this year - their last studio album was Rapture of the Deep in 2005 with live CD and double DVD Live At Montreux 2006: They All Came Down To Montreux released in '07.
Tickets are at all Ticketmaster outlets.
