It all happened on July 18, 2011 – when Deep Purple entered the Arena di Verona, one of Europe’s most spectacular concert locations, through the same entrance that was once used by the gladiators. “Talk about being thrown to the lions!”, jokes Don Airey, who has nothing but fond recollections of this memorable night. “Live In Verona” is an exceptional recording of the complete show, featuring the Hard-Rock veterans together with a full orchestra. The Neue Philharmonie, a 38-piece orchestra from Frankfurt, accompanied them for the whole European leg of the tour. Deep Purple connected with the orchestra instantaneously, which led to some unique, outstanding moments during the tour, when orchestra members surprised the band with original arrangements. “It created the sort of environment that we could all equally enjoy.”, says Airey. Both eventually came together as one, creating an electrifying night