Steve Morse, an American guitarist known for founding the band Dixie Drags and being part of Deep Purple from 1994 to 2022, made a significant decision in 2022. He chose to leave Deep Purple to care for his wife, who was battling cancer. Sadly, she passed away in 2024, marking a difficult period for Morse.
Following Morse’s departure, the Northern Irish guitarist Simon McBride stepped in as his replacement in Deep Purple. Since 2022, McBride has been touring with the group worldwide, showcasing his talents and fitting seamlessly into the band’s dynamic. In an interview with Ultimate Guitar, Morse shared his thoughts on McBride’s role in Deep Purple.
“He’s very good, wonderfully professional, great guy. No big deal there. He’s got it covered. And I think he’s a better fit for them. They’re going longer than I ever thought they would go. They’re booking more and more gigs,” Morse commented, acknowledging McBride’s skills and compatibility with the band’s evolving journey.
Morse also reflected on the transition, noting that McBride had already performed vintage Deep Purple tunes during previous tours with Don Airey and Ian Gillan. This familiarity eased the integration of McBride into the band, showcasing his ability to handle both classic and new material with ease.
As for Morse’s own musical endeavors, he is set to tour with his former band Dixie Dregs this year. The tour includes dates in April and May, with venues ranging from Atlanta, Georgia, to New York City and beyond. It’s a testament to Morse’s enduring passion for music and his dedication to sharing his talent with audiences around the world.
Dixie Dregs tour with Morse
The guitarist will tour with his former band Dixie Dregs this year, they have scheduled tour dates this April and May.
April
20 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GA
21 – Carolina Theatre – Durham, NC
22 – Charleston Music Hall – Charleston, SC
23 – The Ramkat & Gas Hill Drinking Room – Winston-salem, NC
25 – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra, FL
26 – Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL
27 – Bilheimer Capitol Theatre – Clearwater, FL
May
13 – Count Basie Center for the Arts – Red Bank, NJ
14 – Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts – Patchogue, NY
15 – The Town Hall – New York, NY
17 – Somerville Theatre – Somerville, MA
18 – The Ridgefield Playhouse – Ridgefield, CT
19 – Hart Theatre at the Egg – Albany, NY
21 – Scottish Rite Auditorium – Collingswood, NJ
22 – Warner Theatre – Washington, DC