Deep Purple ‘Machine Head’ + ‘In Concert ’72’ Vinyl Reissues Coming in October

There's a lot of focus on Deep Purple at the moment. First off, it was revealed that an all-star tribute album was in the works to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band's 'Machine Head' album. Then, it was revealed that the group's current lineup was plotting a new record and touring for 2013. Now comes word that a pair of vinyl reissues are in the works for October.

According to the Deep Purple fan site, Highway Star, there will be a newly remastered vinyl version of 'Machine Head' as well as a remixed 'In Concert '72' vinyl coming to stores.

The 'Machine Head' vinyl, remastered by Jon Astley, features the original track listing on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl in a gatefold sleeve reproducing the original cover. It also has a six-panel lyric sheet and is packaged with a bonus 7-inch single 'Never Before' backed with 'When a Man Cries' in a Purple Records House bag.

The 'In Concert '72' reissue is a double LP set on purple vinyl. It comes with a new 2012 mix from the original 8-track tapes with the original set list in its correct order. The vinyl also features new artwork and photographs taken by Barry Plummer at the March 9, 1972 concert at London's Paris Theatre. Due to the length of the concert and issues with sound quality, the encore 'Lucille' is being issued as the A-side of a 33 1/3 purple vinyl 7-inch in a Purple Records bag as part of the packaging. The single's b-side features a previously unreleased version of 'Maybe I'm a Leo' recorded during a soundcheck.

Look for both the 'Machine Head' and 'In Concert '72' vinyl releases available on Oct. 8. Pre-orders are currently underway here.