'Deep Purple’ Keyboardist Don Airey Doesn’t Miss Going on Tour; Here’s Why

Many musicians have postponed their tour plans because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but some are slowly getting back on track as more singers put out new tour dates. However, in the case of keyboardist Don Airey, he had a big realization when the world shut down; does he miss going on tour?

Speaking to Rolling Stone's "Unknown Legends" interview series with Andy Greene, the "Deep Purple" band member revealed his true feelings on going back on tour.

When asked about missing the road as he embarked on numerous shows in the past, Airey said he thought he would miss performing terribly, but he realized that taking a break and change was "nice to look back."

He also revealed how he didn't have much time to reflect when he was busy with his career; that's why it's been "a good part of it."

According to Wilton Bulletin, Don Airey has been working as a keyboardist for a long time. He was hired by legendary bands like "Black Sabbath" in the 70s to perform and help them with their records titled "Say Die!" and "Down to Earth."

The following decade, Ozzy Osbourne took him on tour and collaborated for the album "Blizzard of Ozz."

Aside from the abovementioned music acts, Airey was also affiliated with "Judas Priest," Brian May, Whitesnake, "Iron Maiden's" Bruce Dickinson, Gary Moore, and many more.

Speaking through a phone call from his home in Sunderland, England, Don Airey also opened up the time he adjusted in the pandemic, saying it was different from his "normal life before."

He told Greene how his wife spoke to him, saying it's the longest time he took a break from tour, and they have been married for 43 years.

"I think the longest I'd ever been home was three weeks before going off on the road somewhere. It has been very nice for me, but rather a test for her," he noted.

Since "Deep Purple" is going back on tour in February, Airey noted how he's afraid about it as he heard stories from other bands about postponing tours because of COVID-19.

"People are taking as many precautions as they can, living in bubbles, but this thing isn't over yet. Let's hope we get through it safely," he added.

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