Deep Purple in Zurich: hard rock classics and new music on the Hallenstadion stage
Deep Purple will perform on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Hallenstadion in Zurich, Switzerland, for the only Swiss concert on the current leg of their European tour. The concert program is scheduled to begin at 20:00, with the arena doors opening at 18:00. British rock band Jayler will perform as the opening act. For the audience, this promises an evening that brings together the unmistakable sound of one of hard rock's most influential bands and the energy of a younger generation of British musicians.
The concert comes as Deep Purple promote their latest studio album, "SPLAT!", released on July 3, 2026. Rather than relying exclusively on memories of the 1970s, the band combines songs such as "Highway Star", "Smoke on the Water" and "Perfect Strangers" with new material throughout the tour. This combination is a major reason to attend: audiences can hear how familiar guitar riffs and Hammond organ sounds work alongside compositions written more than half a century after the group's beginnings.
The Hallenstadion offers different ways to experience the concert, from the standing floor and Golden Circle area to seated sections in the stands. Visitors who want to be closer to the stage should pay attention to their ticket category, while the stands provide a different perspective on the overall performance. As Zurich is the tour's only Swiss stop, the concert also appeals to fans planning to travel from other cities and countries. It is worth securing tickets in good time, especially if a particular section of the arena is important.
From "Machine Head" to "SPLAT!": why Deep Purple's music remains instantly recognizable
Deep Purple were formed in 1968 and gradually became one of the defining names in the development of hard rock. Their sound did not emerge from amplified guitars alone. Blues, psychedelic rock, elements of classical music and an improvisational approach often associated with jazz all played important roles. Particularly distinctive is the relationship between the electric guitar and organ, two instruments that, in many songs, do more than accompany each other: they exchange melodies and solo passages.
The 1972 album "Machine Head" produced some of the band's best-known compositions. "Highway Star" demonstrates their preference for fast rhythms and instrumental virtuosity, "Lazy" creates room for blues and extended instrumental passages, while "Smoke on the Water" became home to one of rock music's most recognizable guitar riffs. The live album "Made in Japan" further strengthened Deep Purple's reputation as a band whose concert performances could considerably expand upon studio versions of their songs.
Their history includes changes in lineup, different creative periods and returns to major concert stages. Deep Purple were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, but their current performances are not simply a retrospective of that legacy. The band continues to record new albums, and recent songs share the concert program with material audiences have known for decades.
For longtime fans, this provides an opportunity to compare different periods of the band's career. For younger audiences, the concert offers an introduction to music that strongly influenced the development of hard rock and heavy metal, performed by a group that continues to create new material.
The new album "SPLAT!" gives the current tour a different character
Released in July 2026, "SPLAT!" is Deep Purple's 24th studio album. Production is once again credited to Bob Ezrin, a longtime collaborator of the band. The album continues the creative direction established by previous releases but introduces more pronounced guitar riffs, solid rhythms and compositions in which the instruments develop through their interaction with one another.
The album's central theme concerns the end of humanity, although not in the usual catastrophic sense. Ian Gillan imagined that ending as a transformation and a transition beyond familiar physical existence. This concept creates room for unusual lyrics, humor and philosophical questions, while the music remains rooted in blues and hard rock.
Among the songs used to introduce the album are "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo" and "Guilt Trippin'". "Arrogant Boy" demonstrates how the band continues to build songs around the interaction between guitar and keyboards. "Diablo" offers a more direct rock approach, while "Guilt Trippin'" reveals their inclination toward more complex ideas and unexpected musical transitions. The album also includes "Sacred Land", "The Rider" and "The Lunatic".
Interestingly, Deep Purple have not completely abandoned their previous album, "=1", released in 2024. Songs such as "A Bit on the Side" and "Lazy Sod" remained part of the setlists at some concerts during 2026. As a result, the current tour connects three periods: the classic repertoire, the more recent phase introduced by "=1", and the latest material from "SPLAT!".
For visitors in Zurich, this represents an important difference from a concert consisting exclusively of greatest hits. The new songs allow audiences to hear Deep Purple's present-day musical identity, while older compositions demonstrate how recognizable their musical foundations remain.
What previous tour concerts reveal and which songs audiences can expect
Concerts held during 2026 provide useful insight into the current repertoire, although the setlist for Zurich has not been confirmed in advance. At the October 10 performance in Belgrade, the band played "Highway Star", "Into the Fire", "Lazy", "Perfect Strangers", "Space Truckin'", "Smoke on the Water", "Hush" and "Black Night". The same program also included newer songs such as "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo", "Sacred Land", "A Bit on the Side" and "Lazy Sod".
A similar combination of classics and new material was recorded at concerts in Prague and Vienna, as well as during the preceding North American leg of the tour. However, the order, selection of songs and length of performances can vary from city to city. Previous setlists therefore indicate the band's current direction rather than guaranteeing that every song will be performed in Zurich.
Instrumental passages are an important part of the experience. Deep Purple are known for guitar and keyboard solos that give their songs additional room to develop. "Lazy" is a particularly good example of a composition whose blues structure allows different instrumental ideas to alternate, while "Highway Star" emphasizes the speed and precision of the entire band.
The live version of "Smoke on the Water" serves a different purpose from the studio recording. Its unmistakable opening riff immediately connects the band with the audience, and over the decades the song has become one of those moments when collective singing naturally accompanies the performance. "Perfect Strangers" offers a different, darker rhythmic atmosphere, while "Space Truckin'" delivers a solid groove and room for instrumental power.
Reviews of performances in North America during August 2026 particularly highlighted the instrumental connection between Simon McBride and Don Airey, as well as the band's ability to integrate new material among familiar classics. For audiences attending primarily to hear songs from the 1970s, this is useful information: current concerts do not separate newer music from the older repertoire but present both as parts of the same whole.
Ian Gillan, Simon McBride and the sound of the current lineup
Today's Deep Purple consists of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey and guitarist Simon McBride. Gillan's voice, Glover's bass lines and Paice's drumming provide a direct connection to the group's best-known period.
Don Airey plays an important role in preserving the organ and keyboard sound that has characterized numerous Deep Purple classics. His parts are not merely background harmonic accompaniment. In songs such as "Lazy" and "Perfect Strangers", the keyboards actively help shape the melodic and rhythmic character of the performance.
Simon McBride joined the band after Steve Morse's departure. The Belfast guitarist had previously worked with Gillan and Airey and began performing with Deep Purple during the 2022 tour. His style draws on blues-rock, powerful articulation and energetic solos. The current repertoire allows him to interpret familiar guitar passages while developing his own approach to newer compositions.
This combination of musicians is particularly important to the band's live identity. Deep Purple have never been a group in which the performance is exclusively subordinate to the vocals. Guitar, keyboards, bass and drums contribute equally to the dynamics, while changes in tempo and instrumental transitions are often as important as the choruses.
Jayler open the evening: a new generation of British rock
Opening act Jayler provides an interesting contrast to Deep Purple's experienced musicians. The British rock band combines influences from classic groups such as Led Zeppelin and Queen with a more contemporary approach to songwriting and live performance.
Jayler consists of James Bartholomew on vocals and guitar, Tyler Arrowsmith on guitar, Ricky Hodgkiss on bass and keyboards, and Ed Evans on drums. Their music relies on expressive vocals, blues-inspired guitar riffs and rhythms that work well in large concert venues.
During 2026, they introduced their debut album "Voices Unheard", with "Down Below" among the songs that illustrate their approach. Their Zurich performance gives audiences an opportunity to hear a younger band that embraces the legacy of classic hard rock while attempting to translate it into its own musical expression.
As Jayler have been confirmed as the opening act, arriving before the announced program begins is advisable. The exact schedule of individual performances and any intervals may differ from the overall event timetable.
Hallenstadion in Zurich: a large arena offering different views of the stage
The Hallenstadion is located in the Oerlikon district at Wallisellenstrasse 45, 8050 Zurich. The arena opened in 1939 and underwent extensive modernization in 2005. Today, it is one of Switzerland's most important indoor venues for international concerts, sporting competitions and major productions.
Depending on its configuration, the arena can accommodate approximately 15,000 visitors. The actual concert layout varies according to the stage position, seating arrangement, standing floor and technical requirements of the production. Therefore, the Hallenstadion's general capacity should not be confused with the number of tickets available for this particular concert.
Different categories of seated and standing places, including the Golden Circle, are planned for Deep Purple. Visitors on the floor can expect a more immediate experience of the volume, rhythm and interaction with the musicians, especially during sections where guitar and organ alternate in solo passages. Seated stands offer a broader view of the stage and the performers' positions, which may appeal to those who want to follow the entire instrumental performance.
A large indoor space also means that the sound experience can vary depending on a visitor's position. Deep Purple's music relies on powerful guitar tones, deep bass and prominent keyboards, making quality amplification and instrumental balance particularly important. The final sound will depend on the concert production and the acoustic conditions of each section.
The Hallenstadion also has hospitality facilities, including restaurants and food and beverage outlets in the foyer and corridors. For this concert, the Frontline restaurant on level +1 is scheduled to operate, along with catering outlets inside the arena.
Visitors who prefer a calmer concert experience can choose seated sections, while standing areas are more suitable for those who value direct contact with the concert's energy. When selecting tickets, it is useful to check the exact location of each section on the arena's seating plan.
Getting to the concert: public transport, parking and door opening times
The Hallenstadion has good transport connections to Zurich's main railway station and international airport. Zürich Oerlikon railway station is a practical starting point for reaching the arena, from where visitors can continue on foot or by local public transport.
According to Hallenstadion information, the train journey from Zürich Hauptbahnhof to Oerlikon takes approximately seven minutes, while the journey from the airport to the same station takes around four minutes. Local bus routes 61 and 62 also operate from Oerlikon toward the Messe/Hallenstadion area. Checking current departures and any changes to tram services before traveling is recommended.
For visitors arriving by car, the most important parking facility is the Messe Zürich garage, with approximately 2,000 parking spaces. Access is from the Hagenholzstrasse area, and a pedestrian connection links the garage with the Hallenstadion. Arena management warns that traffic congestion can occur nearby before and after major events, so public transport is often the simpler option.
Key information for planning your visit:
- Event: Deep Purple, with opening act Jayler.
- Date: Friday, October 16, 2026.
- Venue: Hallenstadion, Wallisellenstrasse 45, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland.
- Doors open: 18:00.
- Program begins: 20:00.
- Expected finish: approximately 23:00, according to organizer information.
- Public transport: train to Zürich Oerlikon, then walk or use local transport toward Messe/Hallenstadion.
- Parking: Messe Zürich garage, accessible from the Hagenholzstrasse direction.
The announced finishing time is approximate and does not guarantee the exact duration of Deep Purple's performance. Visitors continuing their journey by train after the concert should check the last suitable departures, especially if they need to connect with international services.
Entry rules and what to bring into the arena
Security checks are carried out at the Hallenstadion entrances. The venue generally allows bags of A4 size or smaller, while larger bags and backpacks are not permitted. Additional restrictions may apply to individual events, so bringing only essential personal belongings is advisable.
Bringing food and drinks from outside is not permitted. Professional recording equipment, laptops, tablets, selfie sticks, pyrotechnics and objects that could endanger visitor safety are also prohibited. Photography rules depend on event conditions, so permission to bring a small camera does not automatically mean that every type of recording is allowed.
Storage facilities for larger or prohibited items are available outside the arena itself for a fee. The Hallenstadion also provides a cloakroom and lockers for clothing. Visitors traveling with luggage should leave it at their accommodation or an appropriate storage facility before arriving.
The arena has accessible entrances for people with reduced mobility and designated spaces for wheelchair users. These are located on the southeastern and southwestern sides of the arena, and reservations for such places are made through the event organizer.
Arriving early is particularly useful for visitors holding standing tickets. Doors opening two hours before the program begins provide time for security checks, finding the correct entrance and navigating the arena. The positions of the stage and sections should be checked against the layout specifically applicable to the Deep Purple concert.
Zurich as a concert destination for visitors from other countries
Zurich is one of Switzerland's most important transport and cultural centers. Thanks to its international airport and extensive railway network, the concert at the Hallenstadion is accessible to audiences arriving from abroad. For a short stay, accommodation in Oerlikon is worth considering, as is lodging around the main railway station, from where the concert venue can be reached quickly.
Oerlikon is an urban district with office buildings, shops, restaurants and transport connections to other parts of the city. Visitors arriving in Zurich earlier can spend time in the city center, along the River Limmat or in the old town before returning by train toward the Hallenstadion.
A car is not necessary to attend the concert. The proximity of Oerlikon railway station is one of the arena's greatest practical advantages. However, travelers arriving by air should allow enough time to leave the airport, check into their accommodation and reach the concert entrance.
As this is Deep Purple's only Swiss performance on the announced leg of the tour, Zurich is particularly attractive to fans who want to combine the concert with a short trip. Further European performances are scheduled after Zurich, including Milan on October 17, Barcelona on October 19 and Madrid on October 20.
An evening for fans of guitar riffs, Hammond organ and rock classics
Deep Purple's Hallenstadion concert appeals to different generations of listeners. For those who grew up with "Machine Head" or "Made in Japan", it offers a chance to hear familiar compositions performed by the current lineup once again. For audiences who discovered the band through more recent albums, it provides a direct encounter with songs such as "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo" and other compositions demonstrating their continued creative activity.
The concert holds particular value for fans of instrumental performance. Deep Purple do not base their identity solely on choruses that audiences can sing along with. Their music is equally connected to Ian Paice's rhythmic precision, Roger Glover's bass lines, Simon McBride's guitar and Don Airey's keyboards. Ian Gillan brings these elements together through his voice and interpretation, creating the band's recognizable sound.
For those who place the greatest importance on experiencing the performance close to the stage, choosing a standing section or the Golden Circle can make a significant difference. Visitors who want to follow instrumental passages from a broader perspective can consider seated categories. Tickets should be selected according to the preferred way of experiencing the concert rather than merely the availability of a particular section.
Jayler's performance further expands the evening's musical range. Their contemporary British rock provides an interesting introduction to a concert by a band that helped shape the genre on which younger performers continue to draw. When Deep Purple take the stage after the opening act, attention will turn to the relationship between classic compositions and new material from "SPLAT!".
Visitors are left to decide whether they want to be closer to the stage, watch the concert from the stands or turn their trip to Zurich into a longer stay. For an evening at the Hallenstadion, the most important consideration is planning arrival around the door opening time, the opening act's schedule and transport connections after the program ends.
Sources:
- Deep Purple - 2026 European tour schedule and confirmation of the Zurich performance: https://deep-purple.com/tour-dates-2/
- Deep Purple - announcement of the album "SPLAT!", release date, producer and singles: https://deep-purple.com/deep-purple-release-new-album-splat/
- Deep Purple - tracklist and musical concept of the album "SPLAT!": https://deeppurple.com/products/splat
- Deep Purple - band biography and history: https://deep-purple.com/biography/
- Hallenstadion Zurich - concert date, door opening time, opening act, sections and hospitality facilities: https://hallenstadion.ch/events/deep-purple-2/
- TAKK-AB Entertainment - concert schedule and approximate finishing time: https://www.takk-abe.ch/artists/deep-purple
- setlist.fm - setlist from the Belgrade concert on October 10, 2026, and previous performances on the current tour: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/deep-purple/2026/beogradska-arena-belgrade-serbia-1b4f5d58.html
- Music Recall Magazine - review of the Raleigh concert in August 2026 and band lineup: https://www.musicrecallmagazine.com/concert-reviews/deep-purple-launches-north-american-tour-with-electrifying-raleigh-show/
- Silver Lining Music - Jayler lineup, band members and album "Voices Unheard": https://silverliningmusic.co.uk/jayler
- Hallenstadion Zurich - public transport, parking, security rules and accessibility: https://hallenstadion.ch/en/besucherinfo/offentlicher-verkehr/; https://hallenstadion.ch/en/besucherinfo/parking/; https://hallenstadion.ch/en/besucherinfo/sicherheit/; https://hallenstadion.ch/en/besucherinfo/guests/
- Hallenstadion Zurich - arena history, modernization and capacity: https://hallenstadion.ch/en/business_pages/eventlocations/