A Life In Rock: Don Airey Talks Deep Purple, Ozzy, Rainbow & More With Mick Wall

Few musicians can claim to have navigated the corridors of rock history quite like Don Airey. With a career spanning over five decades, Airey has played with some of the biggest names in music, from Gary Moore to Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Whitesnake, and, of course, Deep Purple. His journey is a masterclass in being ready for anything and making magic in the moment.

Don Airey In Conversation With Mick Wall

West Hampstead Arts Club – 2 April 2025

Words And Photography: Aggie Anthimidou

Recently, Mick Wall hosted Airey on his podcast, where Don treated listeners to numerous stories from his extraordinary career. Here are some highlights.

Two Albums A Week And A Chance Encounter

In his early days, Airey was a machine—recording two albums a week at one point. One such unexpected moment came when he bumped into Biff Byford of Saxon in the line at the American Embassy.

They struck up a conversation, and eventually, Biff just asked: “Do you fancy playing in our new album?” That kind of spontaneity would become a recurring theme in Don’s life.

Colosseum II & Meeting Jon Hiseman

Don’s leap into the professional world of music began with Colosseum II, led by the legendary drummer Jon Hiseman. It was, in Airey’s words, “one of the most informative periods of my life.”

Under Hiseman’s leadership, Don developed the discipline and craft that would carry him through a lifetime in music.

The Audition Era, Top Of The Pops & Gary Moore

Those early years were filled with auditions. Airey humorously recalls being the 57th keyboard player to audition for Gary Moore.

One memorable moment was an impromptu jam with Moore and Hiseman, sparked by Don simply turning up to collect his gear. He even found himself on Top Of The Pops—a surreal experience for any rising musician.

Rainbow & Ritchie Blackmore – Third Time’s The Charm

It took three invitations before Don finally joined Rainbow. The clincher came when he flew to Ritchie Blackmore’s house in New York and auditioned by playing Bach’s Prelude and part of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

That was enough to win Ritchie over. The Rainbow era brought big moments, including working alongside the powerhouse drummer Cozy Powell, with whom Don shares some of his fondest tour stories.

Mr Crowley And Ozzy Osbourne

When Ozzy hit the road, Don was approached to join the tour but as a backstage keyboardist, playing hidden from view. Don wasn’t having it. He told Ozzy flatly: “I’ll only do it if I’m on stage, as part of the band.”

Ozzy hesitated, turned to Sharon Osbourne for a quick consult, and within minutes, Don received a second call from Ozzy: “You’re in the band.”

The collaboration also resulted in the famous eerie opening to Mr. Crowley— after Don was asked to write an intro for the song.

Still Of The Night – Whitesnake

While collaborating with Whitesnake on Still Of The Night, Don contributed to the epic, trippy middle section of the track.

He recalls David Coverdale specifically telling him: “Don’t want anything like Jon Lord.” The irony, of course, is not lost on him, especially considering where he would end up next.

Deep Purple – “I only came in for three gigs”

When Jon Lord retired, Airey was asked to step in just for three shows. But fate had other plans. A delayed flight made him late for the first rehearsal. He walked in and played Woman From Tokyo. Roger Glover simply said, “Welcome to the band,” and Airey became a permanent member of Deep Purple.

“There’s an intensity to playing with Purple,” Don reflects. “You feel the weight of history and the power of the music every night.”

Push To The Edge And Future Plans

Don’s new solo album, Push To The Edge, dropped on 28 March with the lead single, Tell Me, generating a wave ofexcitement. Recorded in just 2–3 days, the album captures the raw energy and instinctual creativity that defines Don’s approach.

As for the future? 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Deep Purple, though Don coyly adds, “I’m just the keyboard player.” But his smile hints at something special on the horizon.

You can hear more of Don Airey’s incredible stories and behind-the-scenes tales on Mick Walls’ podcast.

Don Airey Shines Solo With Pushed To The Edge

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