Deep Purple enjoyed a brief backstage meeting in Tokyo with Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, a self-confessed hard rock enthusiast and drummer, ahead of the band’s upcoming performance at the iconic Nippon Budokan.
The legendary British rock group Deep Purple were treated to a surprise visit from Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who is known for her passion for hard rock and heavy metal and her skills as a drummer.
Takaichi, who has previously named Deep Purple alongside Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden among her favourite bands, greeted the group warmly during a short backstage encounter.
“You are my god,” she told drummer Ian Paice in English, presenting him with a pair of Japanese-made drumsticks bearing her autograph.
After a brief photo session with vocalist Ian Gillan and the rest of the band, Takaichi recalled discovering Machine Head while still in primary school.
“In days when I argue with my husband, I play the drum part of “Burn” and cast curses on him,” she joked. “I have the deepest respect for how you continue to make rock history,” she also added.
Deep Purple have long enjoyed a special relationship with Japan. Their 1972 live album Made in Japan, recorded during their first Japanese tour, is widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock records ever released.
The band are due to perform at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan on April 11.
