Deep Purple in Skopje: hard rock legends arrive at Boris Trajkovski Arena with their new album SPLAT!
Deep Purple will perform on October 11, 2026, at 20:00 at the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center in Skopje, North Macedonia. The British rock band, whose music has shaped hard rock since the late 1960s, is coming as part of a world tour associated with the album "SPLAT!", released in July 2026. The concert promises a combination of recognizable guitar riffs, powerful organ passages, and new songs demonstrating that Deep Purple has never stopped creating music. The arena will bring together fans who remember their first major albums and younger listeners eager to hear how one of the most influential rock bands sounds on today's concert stage.
Skopje is one of the stops on an extensive European tour that passes through numerous concert venues during October. Deep Purple performed in Belgrade on October 10 and will continue to Athens after the Skopje concert, with their next performance scheduled for October 13. This itinerary shows that Skopje is part of a continuous concert journey rather than a standalone festival appearance. For the audience, this means a full-scale indoor production of the kind the band uses on its current tour, with performances built around the musicians' collaboration and instrumental improvisations.
The concert is scheduled to take place in a large indoor arena with different sections on the floor and in the stands. Tickets are on sale, and when choosing a location, it is worth considering the distance from the stage, visibility, and type of section, particularly depending on whether standing close to the musicians or having a seat throughout the evening is more important.
From "Smoke on the Water" to "Highway Star": the music that defined hard rock
Deep Purple's history began in 1968, and their best-known periods are associated with the development of a sound in which the electric guitar and Hammond organ play almost equally important roles. Rather than using keyboards merely as accompaniment, Deep Purple transformed them into a second lead instrument. The dialogue between guitar and organ passages became the band's trademark, particularly in songs featuring extended instrumental transitions and sudden rhythmic changes.
"Smoke on the Water" is one of the most recognizable rock compositions thanks to its simple yet exceptionally memorable guitar riff. "Highway Star" demonstrates another side of the band, with a fast tempo, powerful vocals, and instrumental passages requiring considerable precision. "Lazy" features a pronounced blues influence and provides room for organ improvisations, while "Space Truckin'" combines a solid rhythmic foundation with an energy that was particularly evident in live performances.
The 1972 album "Machine Head" brings together several songs that have become essential parts of Deep Purple's repertoire. Their significance lies not only in the popularity of individual compositions but also in how they influenced subsequent generations of hard rock and heavy metal musicians. Recordings of these songs continue to serve as examples of guitar tone, rhythm section performance, and the fusion of rock with blues.
A different atmosphere emerges in "Perfect Strangers", the title track of the 1984 album that marked the reunion of a familiar band lineup. Its slower, heavy opening motif and dramatic structure work particularly well in large venues. "Black Night" and "Hush" offer a more immediate and rhythmically accessible side of the repertoire, which is why they often appeal even to listeners unfamiliar with the band's entire discography.
The album SPLAT! brings new material to the world tour
Deep Purple released "SPLAT!", their 24th studio album, on July 3, 2026. The record was created in collaboration with producer Bob Ezrin, a longtime associate of the band who also worked on several previous albums. The new release continues their recognizable hard rock approach but places greater emphasis on the weight of the guitar sound. During recording, the band paid particular attention to performing together in the studio, seeking to preserve the musical communication between its members that characterizes their live appearances.
Among the songs used to introduce the album are "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo", and "Guilt Trippin'". "Arrogant Boy" relies on solid guitar work and rhythm, while "Diablo" develops a combination of rock riffs and the band's characteristic instrumental interplay. The album explores themes of change and transformation, presenting the idea of humanity's end not merely as destruction but also as the possibility of a different form of existence.
What is particularly important for concert audiences is that the new compositions have not remained confined to studio recordings. At recent European performances, Deep Purple have already played "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo", and "Sacred Land". This gives the new music a place alongside older songs rather than using it simply as a brief album promotion. Visitors to the Skopje concert can therefore expect an evening covering different periods of the band's career, although the final selection of songs for this performance has not been confirmed in advance.
The previous album "=1", released in 2024, also remains part of the current concert programme. Songs such as "A Bit on the Side" and "Lazy Sod" have appeared at performances during October 2026. Their inclusion allows the audience to compare the band's more recent period with its classic material from the 1970s and 1980s.
Ian Gillan, Ian Paice, and the current Deep Purple lineup
The current lineup consists of singer Ian Gillan, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Don Airey, and guitarist Simon McBride. Gillan's voice has been one of the most recognizable elements of Deep Purple's sound for decades. His interpretive style combines powerful rock passages with quieter, more conversational phrases, something that becomes particularly apparent in a live setting during transitions between demanding songs and blues-inspired compositions.
Ian Paice remains essential to the band's rhythmic identity. His drumming is recognizable for its combination of a solid rock beat, rapid fills, and almost jazz-like agility. Roger Glover's bass connects the drums with the guitar and organ, providing the songs with a solid foundation and room for improvisation. Through his keyboard playing, Don Airey continues the tradition established in the band's early decades by Jon Lord, one of the musicians instrumental in developing its original sound.
Simon McBride joined Deep Purple in 2022 following Steve Morse's departure. His style draws on blues-rock, powerful electric guitar phrases, and technically demanding solos. For audiences who have followed the band through its various lineups, his approach is one of the interesting elements of the current tour. Rather than simply attempting to reproduce every detail of earlier performances, McBride brings his own interpretation to familiar songs.
This combination of musicians is important for understanding the band's live experience today. Deep Purple is not a band that relies solely on reproducing studio recordings. Its songs frequently leave room for interaction between the guitar, organ, and rhythm section. The differences between individual live performances are precisely one of the reasons audiences return to hear them again.
What recent concerts reveal about the possible setlist in Skopje
Performances held in October 2026 provide a fairly clear picture of how Deep Purple structures its current concert programme. At the concert in Łódź on October 8, they performed "Highway Star", "Into the Fire", "Lazy", "Perfect Strangers", "Space Truckin'", and "Smoke on the Water". These were accompanied by newer songs including "Arrogant Boy", "Diablo", "Sacred Land", "A Bit on the Side", and "Lazy Sod". The programme also included instrumental sections dedicated to guitar and keyboard solos.
It is particularly interesting that songs such as "Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming", originating from a different period in the band's history, have also appeared in performances. Such selections provide a broader musical perspective and give longtime fans an opportunity to hear material beyond the best-known radio hits.
At earlier concerts on this European leg of the tour, a combination of familiar compositions and newer material appeared repeatedly. "Highway Star" frequently served as an energetic opener, while "Smoke on the Water", "Hush", and "Black Night" occupied prominent places toward the end of the programme. These details come from previous performances and do not constitute a confirmed setlist for Skopje. Changes in song order, individual performances, and improvisational passages are always possible.
It is precisely in the instrumental passages that the difference between listening to a recording and attending a concert becomes apparent. Keyboards can develop an extended introduction, the guitar can respond with its own theme, and the rhythm section can alter the intensity without interrupting the musical flow. For fans of classic hard rock, such moments can be just as interesting as performances of major hits.
Returning to Skopje and continuing the band's concert connection with the city
Deep Purple already has a concert history in Skopje. According to archives of previous performances, the band played in the city on July 19, 2005, and returned on May 28, 2022. The 2005 repertoire included "Woman From Tokyo", "Strange Kind of Woman", "Perfect Strangers", "Highway Star", and "Smoke on the Water". The 2022 concert took place during the tour associated with the album "Whoosh!", and the programme also included "Pictures of Home", "When a Blind Man Cries", and "Throw My Bones".
The new visit therefore continues the band's relationship with the Skopje audience, but at a different stage of its recording career. The albums "=1" and "SPLAT!" were created after the previous appearance, while Simon McBride has since become an important part of the current lineup's sound. Visitors who attended earlier concerts can compare performances of familiar compositions, while those seeing the band live for the first time will experience an overview of its musical history.
The Skopje performance also offers a practical advantage for rock fans travelling between European cities. Situated between concerts in Belgrade and Athens, it lies on an established concert route through southeastern Europe. The organizer has announced a production featuring sound, lighting, and video components adapted to this tour, further emphasizing the indoor arena nature of the event.
Jayler as the opening act: a younger generation of British rock
Jayler, a British rock band from the Midlands, has been announced alongside Deep Purple for the Skopje concert. Formed in 2022, Jayler cultivates a sound inspired by classic hard rock, featuring prominent guitars, powerful vocals, and elements of blues-rock. Their music combines influences from bands such as Led Zeppelin and Van Halen with the approach of a younger generation of performers.
Jayler released the EP "A Piece in Our Time", and songs representing their repertoire include "No Woman" and "I'll Meet You There". The band consists of James Bartholomew, Tyler Arrowsmith, Ed Evans, and Ricky Hodgkiss. Their presence on the tour creates an interesting connection between musicians who helped shape hard rock and performers bringing that sound to new audiences.
At the Belgrade concert on October 10, Jayler performed their own set before Deep Purple took the stage. They have also been confirmed for the evening in Skopje, although the precise timing of their appearance has not been published with equal clarity across all concert calendars. Visitors wishing to hear both bands are advised to arrive sufficiently early to avoid missing the opening part of the programme.
Boris Trajkovski Sports Center: a large arena with a floor area and stands
The Boris Trajkovski Sports Center is located in the Skopje municipality of Karpoš, along 8-mi Septemvri Boulevard, not far from City Park and the Aleksandar Palace hotel. The complex was built in 2008, and its large multipurpose hall is used for sporting competitions, concerts, and other public events. It is named after Boris Trajkovski, a former president of the country.
According to the venue's management, the arena has 15 fixed seating blocks, with a basic configuration providing approximately 6,171 seats. With adjustments to the layout and the use of additional space, capacity for certain events can reach 10,000 visitors. This maximum capacity does not necessarily represent the number of places available for the Deep Purple concert, as the final arrangement depends on the stage, production requirements, safety corridors, and selected sections.
For this concert, the displayed layout includes a fan pit area immediately in front of the stage, a larger general floor area, stands, and a separate VIP section. The fan pit appeals to audience members who want to be closer to the musicians and observe the details of the performance from the front of the arena. Seats in the stands offer a different perspective, with a better overview of the entire stage, instruments, and lighting. The exact location and conditions associated with each place are determined by the ticket category.
An indoor venue offers a different experience from open-air rock festivals. Guitar riffs, bass, and percussion are delivered through a unified arena sound system, while the height of the seating sections and distance from the speakers influence how the sound is perceived. Identical acoustics cannot be guaranteed in every part of the arena. Visitors who particularly value direct contact with the performers may prefer closer sections, while those who want to watch the entire performance may favour seats in the stands.
How to reach the arena, where to park, and what to check before entering
The arena is located outside the very centre of Skopje but within an urban part of the city. According to the organizer's information, it is approximately five kilometres from the city centre. For visitors arriving by car, the main landmark is 8-mi Septemvri Boulevard, while those using a taxi may find it useful to provide the name Boris Trajkovski Arena or the nearby Aleksandar Palace.
Before setting off, visitors are advised to check several practical details:
- Date and time: Sunday, October 11, 2026, with the programme scheduled to begin at 20:00 local time.
- Address: Boris Trajkovski Sports Center, 8-mi Septemvri Boulevard bb, Skopje, North Macedonia.
- Parking: the organizer's venue information mentions space for approximately 800 cars, but parking availability on the concert evening is not guaranteed.
- Tickets: check the section designation, row, seat, and any separate entrance indicated on the ticket.
- Doors opening: the precise opening time has not been reliably confirmed in the organizer's information; the announced programme start should not automatically be interpreted as the time the headline band takes the stage.
- Entry rules: before arriving, check current restrictions concerning bags, food, drinks, and professional recording equipment.
Visitors using public transport should check current city bus routes and Sunday timetables. Some routes may operate less frequently outside working days. A taxi may be a more practical option for visitors returning to their accommodation after the concert, particularly if they are unfamiliar with the city's transport network. Traffic congestion in the immediate surroundings of the arena after the programme ends should also be taken into account.
Visitors arriving by car should allow sufficient time to park and reach their designated entrance. Although the complex has parking facilities, concerts can create traffic congestion on access roads. Groups may find it useful to agree in advance on a meeting point after the concert, away from the main flow of people heading toward the parking area.
Skopje as a concert destination: City Park, the Vardar, and the historic centre
For visitors travelling to Skopje from other cities, the concert can be combined with a short sightseeing trip around the capital of North Macedonia. The city centre extends along the Vardar River, and well-known landmarks include the Stone Bridge and the historic Old Bazaar, an area of traditional shops, restaurants, cafés, and architecture shaped during different historical periods.
Boris Trajkovski Arena is situated closer to the western part of the city, near City Park. This location makes it possible to separate daytime sightseeing from the evening concert visit. Visitors staying in the centre should plan a separate journey toward Karpoš rather than assuming that the arena is immediately next to the main pedestrian tourist attractions.
The city offers various dining and hospitality options, from traditional restaurants to cafés and bars. On the concert evening, it is practical to choose a place to eat before heading to the arena, as waiting times at restaurants and entrances may be longer when large numbers of visitors arrive simultaneously.
Who will find the Deep Purple concert particularly appealing?
Deep Purple is among the few bands whose audience spans several generations, although people attend for different reasons. Longtime fans come for songs they have known for decades, Gillan's distinctive vocals, and the opportunity to hear musicians such as Ian Paice and Roger Glover again. For younger audiences, the attraction lies in encountering music that has strongly influenced contemporary hard rock and metal.
Guitarists and keyboard players may be particularly interested in performances highlighting McBride's guitar solos and Airey's organ passages. Listeners who value energy, rhythm, and direct musical communication can enjoy the concert without detailed knowledge of the discography. Songs such as "Highway Star" and "Smoke on the Water" feature recognizable motifs that work especially well in front of large audiences.
One of the interesting aspects of the current tour is its balance between musical history and new material. Deep Purple is not merely presenting a selection of past successes but also performing compositions created over the last several years. This combination may attract people who last saw the band many years ago as well as those who started listening after the albums "=1" or "SPLAT!".
For a better concert experience, it is advisable to listen to several songs from both recent albums beforehand, alongside the classics "Machine Head" and "Perfect Strangers". This makes it easier to recognize transitions between different periods and appreciate how the current lineup interprets familiar musical themes.
Tickets, the evening schedule, and final preparations for the concert
Several ticket categories are available for the concert at the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center, and the choice of section determines visitors' positions relative to the stage. It is worth securing tickets in good time and carefully checking seating details, as availability in individual sections may change. Audience members who want to stand close to the stage should pay particular attention to the conditions of the fan pit area, while seats in the stands offer a different way of experiencing the concert.
The announced event time is 20:00, with performances by Jayler and Deep Purple expected during the evening. The exact starting time of each performance and the possible finishing time have not been confirmed in equal detail for all parts of the programme. It is therefore inadvisable to arrive at the last moment or assume a particular duration for the headline performance.
For visitors travelling to the concert, details after leaving the arena are also important: traffic toward the city centre, taxi availability, and the return to the parking area. It is useful to have tickets ready before reaching the entrance checkpoint and to check section information while there is still enough time to find the correct entrance.
The musical programme will bring together familiar hard rock compositions, material from the current album, and performances by five musicians whose interaction is best appreciated live. At the Skopje arena, it will be particularly interesting to hear how the characteristic riffs, organ improvisations, and Gillan's vocal interpretations fit into the modern sound of Deep Purple.
Sources:
- Deep Purple, deeppurple.com - current tour schedule, confirmation of the Skopje concert, and band members. https://deeppurple.com/
- Deep Purple, deep-purple.com - announcement of the SPLAT! album, release date, producer, and new singles. https://deep-purple.com/deep-purple-release-new-album-splat/
- Concert organizer - date, schedule, venue, sections, and visitor information. https://avalonbooking.mk/etickets/TicketList.aspx?lang=en&pEventID=1815
- Boris Trajkovski Sports Center - arena specifications, seating blocks, and venue capacity. https://scboristrajkovski.gov.mk/kapaciteti/en/arena/arena-info
- setlist.fm - Deep Purple's setlist at the October 8, 2026 concert in Łódź and information about the current tour. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/deep-purple/2026/atlas-arena-od-poland-b4f5d6e.html
- setlist.fm - archive of previous Deep Purple performances in Skopje, including concerts in 2005 and 2022. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/deep-purple/2022/stadium-arm-skopje-north-macedonia-5bb7430c.html
- Bandsintown - confirmation of opening act Jayler and information about the band. https://www.bandsintown.com/e/107782256-jayler-at-boris-trajkovski-sports-center
- City of Skopje - information about the Old Bazaar and historic city landmarks. https://skopje.gov.mk/en_us/