Deep Purple are desperate not to disappoint their Lebanese fans, with their management confirming today that - unless otherwise noted - the band will continue as planned for a show at a music festival just outside Beirut.
The region is currently under heavy fire from Israel, with both air to ground missiles from warplanes and mortars hitting the border region with devastating force in the last few days as the army attempt to drive off a further attack from Hezbollah fighters, who have captured two of its soldiers.
Adding to the problems, a massive evacuation of the country is underway, with residents fearing the outbreak of a full-scale assault.
However, Deep Purple say they will be playing at the Baalbeck Music Festival - unless informed otherwise by the local tour promoter.
"There is a moment that begins on stage, when there are no managers, no journalists, no outside distractions -- just the band and the audience," said Ian Gillan, of Deep Purple. "This is the time when there is an unspoken exchange of energy between the fans and us that words can not describe. That makes all the other parts of the job worth it."
"Currently one-quarter through this two-year tour, the band continues to peak and has never cancelled a show and has no intention of doing so," the press release adds. "If the festival promoter decides to cancel the show as a result of the current conflicts, Deep Purple will vow to reschedule in the near future."
