Former Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse recently shared his concerns about the current state of the music industry. He highlighted the challenges facing musicians today in an interview with Jordi Pinyol.
Morse discussed how dramatically the music business has transformed. It has become increasingly difficult for bands to sustain themselves through live performances.
“The [music] business has changed… There were gigs everywhere. We could go play somewhere, no matter what. It may not be a great gig, but you could play somewhere, and now it’s just it’s hard to even do that,” Morse said.
The guitarist went on to explain the broader implications of these industry changes for band sustainability and career development.
“As a result, it’s hard to keep a band together. And even if you have great material, the most successful bands are doing things like paying to get on a tour; like, that’s the peak of their development, getting [to be] an opening act on a tour,” he continued. “And only a very, very, very tiny amount of them can go out and headline their own tours.”
Morse also reflected on the personal impact of these industry challenges, particularly regarding younger musicians.
“It’s just sad for me, just to see him be really good at music, really interested in it. And, you know, where does he go from here? If he played in my band, we could go out and tour. But he doesn’t want to do that,” he said.
Morse’s observations come from decades of experience navigating the music industry’s evolving landscape. He has witnessed firsthand the dramatic shifts that have reshaped how musicians build and sustain their careers.
These struggles echo Morse’s own past battles with industry pressures. Louder Sound reported that in the 1980s he prioritized artistic control over major deals when confronting music mogul Clive Davis. He preferred small clubs to industry pressures. This early stance against commercial compromise reflects the same independent spirit that now makes him particularly sensitive to today’s touring challenges.
The guitarist’s current perspective is also shaped by recent personal circumstances. Goldmine Magazine noted that after stepping down from Deep Purple in 2022 to care for his wife who passed away in 2024, Morse resumed working with the Steve Morse Band trio. He now faces the same touring hurdles he describes affecting the broader industry.
His return to active touring has given him a fresh perspective on the current state of live music. EON Music revealed that Morse recently expressed his satisfaction with reuniting his musical collaborators, stating it “feels really good to have my musical gang again.” He also acknowledged the additional challenges he faces due to arthritis that has forced him to innovate his playing techniques.
The veteran guitarist’s concerns highlight a broader transformation in the music industry where traditional revenue streams continue to evolve. This leaves even established musicians grappling with new economic realities. His observations serve as both a warning about current industry conditions and a reflection on how dramatically the landscape has shifted for musicians at all levels of success.
The comments highlight the ongoing struggles within the music industry as traditional revenue streams continue to evolve.
