Deep Purple’s Made in Japan Turns 50
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine, and if you’ve been anywhere near the rock and metal news feeds recently, you’ll know that Deep Purple’s iconic live album Made in Japan is celebrating its 50th anniversary. What we didn’t expect (and what the PR teams didn’t quite manage to beat the label to) was the surprise announcement of a brand new series of anniversary box sets—featuring fresh stereo and Atmos mixes by none other than Steven Wilson.
Yes, Made in Japan—already one of the most reissued live albums in rock history—is back again. But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s personal. Because what we’ve heard so far (and I’ve only had access to one track, Highway Star) is nothing short of stunning.
Like many of you, I approached this news with excitement and apprehension. Do we need another version of this? Haven’t we already got enough editions on CD, vinyl, and digital—from the original vinyl to the Live in Japan triple CD, the 1993 remasters, the 1999 reissues, and the 2014 so-called “definitive” box?
But then I streamed Highway Star—Steven Wilson’s mix—from the August 16th, 1972 show in Japan, through Apple Lossless via my Cambridge Audio network streamer and Denon amp. I turned it up, shut my eyes… and I was transported.
The Sound of Revelation
The first thing that hit me was the rhythm section. Ian Paice’s drums were thunderous—so present and full that you could hear the rim hits on the snare. Roger Glover’s Rickenbacker bass was alive with tone, every string pluck distinct, snarling through the mix in a way I’ve never heard before on any edition of this album.
Vocally, Ian Gillan was crystal clear. Every lyric delivered with definition and confidence. It was as if someone had taken a cleaning cloth to the entire performance and revealed details that had been there all along, just obscured by age, tape limitations, or production choices.
Some early reactions have mentioned that Ritchie Blackmore sounds quieter in the mix. But I don’t think he’s “quiet”—he’s placed. The soundstage now reflects a proper live layout. Blackmore’s overdriven Strat snarls from the left, Jon Lord’s roaring Hammond from the right. Each soloist steps forward when the moment is theirs. This isn’t just a remix—it’s a remastering of perspective.
And when Blackmore hits that guitar solo—that solo—during Highway Star, it’s as breathtaking as ever. The tremolo work, the soaring runs, the barely-contained chaos… I could almost feel the springs on the back of the Stratocaster crying out as he pushed the trem arm to its limits. It’s raw, real, and absolutely electrifying.
The Magic of Atmosphere
This is still just a stereo stream. The Dolby Atmos mix, when it lands, will be something else entirely. But even in stereo, this new edition captures something that truly surprised me. The ambience, the crowd, the energy—it genuinely felt like I’d been transported to August 15th, 1972. That’s the magic Steven Wilson has captured. It’s not just a new version. It’s a new experience.
The Box Sets and Pricing
So what’s available?
5CD + Blu-ray box set – approx. £65
10LP Super Deluxe Edition – approx. £200
Standalone 2LP version – approx. £35
You’ll also find bundles with t-shirts, hoodies, even socks (yes, socks!). I have to say, pricing-wise, these are very fair—especially for the CD/Blu-ray edition, which easily could have been priced much higher. Credit to the label for not going overboard.
Release Date?
The box sets will drop on August 15th, marking exactly 50 years since Deep Purple’s first night in Japan—the night Smoke on the Water was recorded. It’s a fitting tribute to a band at the height of their power.
Final Thoughts
I went into this as a sceptic. But I’m coming out the other side as a believer. And based on one track alone, I’m already calling this my reissue of the year. For younger fans, this will be the version to explore. For those of us who’ve lived with this album for decades, it’s like hearing an old friend speak with a clarity you never knew you were missing.
Expect full unboxing videos of the CD and vinyl editions here on the channel very soon. And I’ll be trying to line up interviews with some of the key players behind this release as well.
As always—thank you for watching, subscribing, supporting, and keeping physical media alive.
Until next time—keep spinning those discs.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
“Music is the healer and the doctor”
….50 years…? Sorry, but wasn’t Made in Japan recorded and released in 1972? Just asking.