• Deep Purple

• Glen Hughes

• Paul Weller

• Rick Wakeman

• Bruce Dickinson

• Joe Brown

• Miller Anderson

• The Orion Orchestra conducted by Paul Mann

• Mickey Moody

• Steve Balsamo

• Bernie Marsden

It was always going to be an extraordinary event, but honestly, I don’t think we knew just how extraordinary. Any Sunflower SUPERJAM requires an enormous amount of hard work, but this gig was tied up with so much emotion and love that it took it all to a whole new level.
The wonderful Bob Harris took to the stage to introduce Ian Paice and Vicky Lord who, supported by her brother-in-law offered a heartfelt and heart-rending speech. It was a perfect start to an evening that was delivered with nothing but love for a gentle, talented, inspiring man.
The night began with an outstanding performance of Jon’s much celebrated classical compositions. The Orion Orchestra, conducted by the wonderful Paul Mann (to whom the Sunflower Jam owes a huge thank you for arranging most of Jon’s compositions for the show) performed a selection of Jon’s pieces so beautifully that the Royal Albert Hall remained still and present, awash with emotion.
Margo Buchannan performed a beautiful version of One From the Meadow but, somewhat inevitably, it was Miller Anderson’s performance of Pictured Within that brought the emotions of all sitting in the iconic building to a head. It’ll be a song that is forever associated with Jon for its beauty, its peacefulness and its simple but powerful message ‚Äì all the love, all the memories, all the people that we need we carry within.
The wonderful Jeremy Irons wrapped up the first half with a moving and peaceful rendition of Thomas Hardy’s poem. Afterwards, set to Jon’s music.
A short interval followed and what followed was nothing less than rock’n’roll. Paul Weller kicked off the second half with two Artwoods’ songs getting the audience geared up for what was going to be a loud second half! Phil Campbell, front man of Sunflower Jam favourite, The Temperance Movement, took on two Paice Ashton Lord songs followed by Sandi Thom and Steve Balsamo who performed Soldier of Fortune.
Then it was time for Glenn Hughes. Purple fans would have been excited to see the bass player on the same bill as Deep Purple, and he did not disappoint. His duet with Bruce Dickinson has been labelled as one of the show’s real highlights‚ and who are we to disagree? Hughes finished his time on stage with a standing ovation and a moving performance of This Time Around and then it was time for Purple.

Every ounce of Jon’s musical soul had been flowing through the evening, but never so much as through the Purple set. A short, seven-song set was all it took to get the Royal Albert Hall rocking from top to bottom especially when it came to the final song of the evening: Hush. With Bruce Dickinson back on stage, Deep Purple and everyone else who could fit on stage paid a suitable homage to a man who could reduce an audience to tears with his beautiful compositions as well as he could rock out.