Deep Purple had the pleasure of meeting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi upon their arrival in Japan. As a die-hard fan of hard rock and heavy metal, Takai has often cited Deep Purple as one of her favorite bands. In fact, she told the band that she had bought their album “Machine Head” when she was still in elementary school. From playing keyboards in a Deep Purple tribute band in high school to switching to drums in college. “You are my god,” Takaichi told Ian Paice, presenting him with a set of Japanese-made drumsticks she had signed.
The band kicks off its “Mad In Japan” tour tomorrow at Tokyo’s iconic Nippon Budokan—a venue they know very well, having played there many times, and where part of the legendary “Made in Japan” was recorded.
