TOKYO — Legendary ⁠British rock band Deep Purple ​made Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's day with a brief visit to ​their high-profile superfan on Friday ‌as they returned to the country they first toured more than half a century ago. "You are my god," a giddy Takaichi said in ‌English to Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice, presenting him with a set of made-in-Japan drumsticks that she signed. She played keyboard in a Deep Purple tribute band in middle school and then ​switched to drums in university, she said. The group's courtesy call was a welcome respite for Japan's first female prime minister, who vowed to "work, work, work" when she took ​office ⁠last October. The double live album "Made in Japan", recorded during Deep Purple's first Japan tour in 1972, cemented its reputation as one ‌of rock's most formidable ⁠live acts.

Source: Bangkok Post April 10, 2026 11:43 UTC