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Bananas

by Deep Purple

Released: August 25, 2003

Hard rock, progressive rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

The album cover, photographed by the band's manager Bruce Payne, adds a personal touch to the release. Airey's contribution helped shape the album's direction and sound, while "Bananas" itself represents the band's continued evolution and resilience in the rock genre. Released on August 25, 2003, the album is notable for being the first to feature Don Airey on keyboards, who stepped in to replace Jon Lord, a founding member and a key figure in the band's classic sound.

Inside the Recording

Recorded in Los Angeles during January and February 2003, the album was a key moment for the band, featuring Don Airey on keyboards and introducing new elements such as backing vocals by Beth Hart on the track "Haunted." "Contact Lost," a tribute to the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts, is a moving instrumental piece written by guitarist Steve Morse in response to the tragic event.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This success underscores the band's enduring appeal and…

This success underscores the band's enduring appeal and the album's strong reception among fans.

"Bananas" marks a significant moment for Deep Purple

"Bananas" marks a significant moment for Deep Purple.

The album was released by EMI Records in…

The album was released by EMI Records in the UK and later by Sanctuary Records in the US.

"Bananas" has several notable aspects that contribute to…

"Bananas" has several notable aspects that contribute to its place in Deep Purple's discography.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Deep Purple - Bananas

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Reception

Despite limited media exposure, "Bananas" found considerable success in Europe and South America, achieving top 10 chart positions in countries like Germany and Argentina.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Bananas" marks a significant moment for Deep Purple. Released on August 25, 2003, the album is notable for being the first to feature Don Airey on keyboards, who stepped in to replace Jon Lord, a founding member and a key figure in the band's classic sound. Airey's contribution helped shape the album's direction and sound, while "Bananas" itself represents the band's continued evolution and resilience in the rock genre. The album was released by EMI Records in the UK and later by Sanctuary Records in the US.

"Bananas" has several notable aspects that contribute to its place in Deep Purple's discography. Recorded in Los Angeles during January and February 2003, the album was a key moment for the band, featuring Don Airey on keyboards and introducing new elements such as backing vocals by Beth Hart on the track "Haunted."

"Contact Lost," a tribute to the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts, is a moving instrumental piece written by guitarist Steve Morse in response to the tragic event. The album cover, photographed by the band's manager Bruce Payne, adds a personal touch to the release.

Despite limited media exposure, "Bananas" found considerable success in Europe and South America, achieving top 10 chart positions in countries like Germany and Argentina. This success underscores the band's enduring appeal and the album's strong reception among fans.