I Am the Universe”: Glenn Hughes on Spirituality, Survival & His Most Personal Album Yet – *Now Spinning Magazine Podcast
In this very special episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I had the immense honour of speaking to one of the greatest voices in rock history — Glenn Hughes.
A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a former member of Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Country Communion, and a collaborator with the likes of Joe Bonamassa, Tony Iommi, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, Glenn’s career spans over five decades. But what struck me in our conversation wasn’t just his towering legacy — it was the humility, self-awareness, and spiritual depth of a man who’s not just surviving the storm, but thriving with purpose.
Glenn’s new solo album ‘Chosen’ — his first in nine years — may well be his most powerful and uplifting record since Soul Mover, if not his entire solo career.
The Voice, the Message, the Healing
From the start, Glenn opened up about the album’s themes: spiritual recovery, awareness, and living in the present moment. This is not a record born out of ego or nostalgia — it’s one that acknowledges the pain and joy of being human, and the miracle of still being here to tell the tale.
“These albums are personal… not so much about me, but about us as humans.”
– Glenn Hughes
We talked about the soul-infused power of the title track “Chosen”, the heart-wrenching honesty of “Come and Go”, and the anthemic groove of “Into the Golden.” Glenn also revealed the meticulous care taken in shaping the bass tone, saying it’s the best sound he’s achieved since the early Trapeze days.
This was one of the first interviews Glenn had done about the album — and I’m deeply grateful for the exclusive insights he shared.
️ “This Could Be My Last Rock Album”
In a Now Spinning exclusive, Glenn revealed that Chosen may be his final rock album — and potentially his final release with Frontiers Records. But don’t worry — he hinted at a return to the soulful, intimate style of Feel and First Underground Nuclear Kitchen in future work.
“If this is my last rock album, I want people to just listen… to that voice.”
He also touched on how faith, spirituality, and breathwork have helped preserve his voice — a voice that remains untouched by time, soaring with the same power and feeling as ever.
A Man in the Present, Singing from the Soul
As we reflected on loss — from Tommy Bolin and Mel Galley to Ozzy Osbourne — Glenn opened up with startling vulnerability. But what defined this conversation was hope.
“I am life. I’m not trying to be life. And however much time I’ve got left, I want to be a portrayer of goodness.”
There were moments in this interview where Glenn told me I’d asked things he’d never spoken about publicly before. And that means the world to me.
This isn’t just an interview — it’s a testament to what music can still mean, and a voice that continues to offer healing, truth, and light.
Glenn Hughes – CHOSEN is released September 5th via Frontiers Records
Glenn Hughes is on tour across Europe and the UK this autumn.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
