SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Deep Purple brought their "=1 More Time Tour" through the Spa City this week as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of their iconic hit "Smoke on the Water."
Young independent artist Hannah Wicklund kicked off the evening as the concert’s opening act, playing a soulful solo set to warm up the crowd. 
Next up, English progressive rock band Yes took the stage with vibrant sounds and a colorful backdrop to match. The group's performance included fan favorites such as “I've Seen All Good People,” “Roundabout” and “Starship Trooper.” 
Headlining act Deep Purple, another band hailing from across the pond, brought a half-century of rock ‘n’ roll experience to Saratoga Springs. Fronted by Ian Gillan, the group thoroughly entertained Wednesday’s SPAC audience, playing tunes like “Highway Star,” “Space Truckin’,” “When a Blind Man Cries” and, of course, the 1973 hit “Smoke on the Water.” In an encore, Gillan and the guys closed out the show with “Hush” and “Black Night.”
If this truly is the final time Deep Purple finds its way touring through upstate New York, SPAC concert-goers can rest assured they got a great last show.  
SPAC’s 2024 season of LiveNation events continues into September with Goose, Pitbull, Killer Queen, Post Malone and Farm Aid still on the schedule. More information and tickets are available at spac.org.