Considered to have god-like qualities by his many admirers, Glenn Hughes' legend began with stints in both DEEP PURPLE and TRAPEZE. Indeed, the man can be heard on the TRAPEZE albums 'Trapeze', 'Medusa' and 'You Are The Music...' and DEEP PURPLE albums 'Burn', 'Stormbringer', 'Come Taste The Band', 'Made In Europe' and 'Last Concert In Japan'. Although Hughes has a quite uniquely rich and soulful vocal he has operated in both Hard Rock territory such as BLACK SABBATH and GARY MOORE as well as pursuing a diverse range of R&B, Funk and Soul for a growing catalogue of solo endeavours. The singer suffered during the mid 80s from excesses in the 70s but has spent over a decade in full health much to the admiration of his global fan base.

Whilst a member of DEEP PURPLE Hughes also contributed lead vocal to bassist ROGER GLOVER's solo concept album 'The Butterfly Ball' and also two tracks on Eddie Hardin's WIZARD'S CONVENTION eponymous album in 1976. Hughes had already been planning his solo career whilst still a member of the by now fragmenting DEEP PURPLE and, initially, no less a figure than DAVID BOWIE had agreed to produce the first solo album, but further touring with DEEP PURPLE put the plans on ice. Still, Hughes' debut solo foray turned up in 1978. Titled 'Play Me Out', the album was much more of a Soul record than Rock yet featured his old cohorts from TRAPEZE; drummer Dave Holland, guitarist Mel Galley and keyboard player Terry Rowley. Additional drums were supplied by ex-RAINBOW drummer Mark Nauseef. Following completion of the album Hughes rejoined TRAPEZE for an American tour, but quit before it's finish having also contributed lead vocals to the 4 ON THE FLOOR project comprising of guitarists Jeff Baxter and Al Kooper.

In 1982, after five years as a virtual recluse, Hughes made his comeback with the critically acclaimed 'Hughes-Thrall' album recorded with AUTOMATIC MAN and PAT TRAVERS guitarist Pat Thrall and ex RAGAMUFFINS drummer Frankie Banali. This was the first of Hughes post DEEP PURPLE projects to come to fruition as he had previously attempted to establish bands with Ray Gomez and Soul man Narada Michael Walden, but ultimately to no avail.

The 'Hughes-Thrall' album, handled initially by former producer Bob Fraboni but finished by Andy Johns, remains a cult classic to this day. Banali joined QUIET RIOT midway through recording and the album also has contributions from drummers Gary Ferguson, of BLACK ROSE, and STEVE MILLER BAND man Gary Mallaber. HUGHES/THRALL debuted with live dates supporting SANTANA in America on which drummer Tommy Aldridge sat in on the drum stool prior to leaving for OZZY OSBOURNE. Despite laudable press attention the album failed to sell well.

Hughes next appeared contributing vocal tracks to the first 'Phenomena' concept album in 1984, which saw the singer reuniting in the studio once more with Mel Galley. In early 1985, following an offer to reform TRAPEZE with Galley and ex-MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP drummer Ted McKenna, Hughes joined GARY MOORE's band for a brief if volatile period, recording the 'Run For Cover' album. The singer was then tapped to replace David Donato in BLACK SABBATH, a liaison that saw Hughes put in a stunning performance on the 'Seventh Star' album but saw him quitting the group in less than amicable circumstances.

Following his saga with BLACK SABBATH Hughes contributed to the 1987 'Phenomena Dream Runner' concept album then reacquainted himself with Pat Thrall to record the track 'City Of Crime' for the 'Dragnet' movie soundtrack. In 1991 Hughes was to turn up on another soundtrack album, this time contributing 'Haunted' to the 'Highlander II' movie.

With the dawn of a new decade, Hughes recorded a further solo effort with production from ex-MAGNUM guitarist ROBIN GEORGE, but this album remains unreleased. Still, Hughes added his talents to ex-EUROPE guitarist JOHN NORUM's 'Face The Truth' album in 1992, co-writing six of the songs and performing lead vocal on the majority of tracks. Interestingly, Norum's album featured a re-working of the PHENOMENA track 'Still The Night'. The same year saw Hughes pop up unexpectedly on the KLF single 'America: What Time Is Love?' credited as "The voice of rock"!

In 1993 Hughes not only emerged with a new solo album, the Roadrunner issued 'Blues', but also contributed vocal tracks to erstwhile DOKKEN guitarist GEORGE LYNCH's solo album 'Sacred Groove' on Elektra Records and also the STEVIE SALAS, Japanese only, release 'Electric Pow Wow' on Polystar.

Hughes released a brand new album in 1994 and the record, titled 'From Now On', featured many name guests including contributions from JOHN NORUM, RATT's Warren De Martini, GREAT WHITE's Mark Kendall, POISON's RICHIE KOTZEN, LOVE/HATE guitarist DARREN HOUSEHOLDER, MÖTLEY CRÜE's Mick Mars and former THE FIRM and BLUE MURDER bassist TONY FRANKLIN. Initially this record was only released in Sweden on Empire Records, but was swiftly re-issued through Roadrunner and this version added the DEEP PURPLE classic 'Burn' whilst a Japanese only release on Zero Corporation Records has another DEEP PURPLE number, 'You Keep On Moving'.

Hughes assembled a new band in 1994 featuring ex-EUROPE men Ian Haugland on drums, John Leven on bass and keyboard player Mic Michaeli together with guitarists Thomas Larsson, previously of SIX FEET UNDER and YEAH BOP STATION, and Eric Bojfeldt. The entire Scandinavian contingent had all been pulled from a newly assembled band entitled KING SIGUURD. This line-up put in a successful appearance at the 'White Nights' festival in Russia.

The same year Hughes reunited once more with his erstwhile TRAPEZE colleagues guitarist Mel Galley and drummer Dave Holland for a farewell tour of the Southern states of America. Later the same year the man debuted his new solo band on a highly successful British club tour, during which he performed many DEEP PURPLE and HUGHES/THRALL classics.

Almost as if to honour Hughes comeback RPM Records reissued the debut Hughes solo album, 'Play Me Out', with the full endorsement of Glenn. The reissue featured four extra tracks comprising of 'Getting Near To You' and 'Fools condition' from a 1978 session and two brand new recordings 'Take Me With You' and 'She Knows'.

1995's 'Feel' album saw Hughes once more reuniting his songwriting partnership with Pat Thrall and the man's latest touring line-up included ex-HELLANBACH guitarist Dave Patton. The following year Glenn contributed lead vocals to three tracks on ex-NINA HAGEN BAND guitarist Billy Liesegang's 1996 solo album 'Leese-Gang' and also to BRAZEN ABBOT's 'Live And Learn' album.

The singer's own effort, 'Addiction', found Glenn working with guitarists MARC BONILLA and the former SPELLBOUND man Joakim 'J.J.' Marsh, ex-CRAWLEY man Sampo Axelsson together with drummer Joe Travers. In 1996 Hughes teamed up with BLACK SABBATH guitarist TONY IOMMI and his former TRAPEZE band mate drummer Dave Holland (more recently with JUDAS PRIEST) to cut tracks for a proposed album. The union failed to get to release stage as Iommi pursued a different direction but the tapes were released in Japan as the bootleg 'Eighth Star'.

As 1997 drew to a close it was revealed that Hughes had founded a fresh band project with noted guitarist STEVIE SALAS and former THE CULT and GUNS N' ROSES drummer Matt Sorum. The man also took time out to record lead vocals on a record titled 'Tribute 1997', a homage to Hughes late DEEP PURPLE partner guitarist TOMMY BOLIN. The record found Bolin's brother Johnnie on drums.

These sessions evolved into the 1999 album 'The Way It Is'. Other notable contributors included ex-GARY MOORE drummer Gary Ferguson and EMERSON LAKE & PALMER's keyboard guru KEITH EMERSON. This connection was retained when Hughes sessioned on the EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER tribute album 'Encores, Legends & Paradox'. Road action in December of 1999 had Hughes packaged with MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP and THIN LIZZY for European dates.

Hughes also featured on MARC BONILLA's 1999 live album 'Middle Of A Dream' performing the ALLMAN BROTHERS 'Dreams I'll Never See', MONTROSE's 'Rock Candy' and PROCUL HARUM's 'Whiter Shade Of Pale' amongst others. The same year the man would figure on the 'Deep' album issued by BILLY SHEEHAN's Jazz Rock trio NIACIN. Hughes added his deft touches to ERIK NORLANDER's 2000 album 'Into The Sunset', CRAIG ERICKSON PROJECT album 'Shine' and NIKOLO KOTZEV's 'Nostradamus'.

Touring in 2000 found Hughes as special guest on UFO's European dates. One of the last shows of 2000 had Hughes in a welcome reunion with his erstwhile DEEP PURPLE partner DAVID COVERDALE after more than two decades for a one off radio show performance. The singer would launch his own Pink Cloud label that same year. Fans would welcome the release of a collection of archive material 'Incense And Peaches' and the seasonal 'Soulful Christmas'. The latter record, comprising traditional favourites, saw Hughes working with keyboard player Hans Zermuehlen, saxophonist Will Donato, pianist Melissa Varday and drummer Christian Poezach.

2001

Hughes would actually undertake his very first American tour as a solo artist in early 2001 putting together a trio including guitarist George Nastros and former FOREIGNER and ZAKK WYLDE drummer Brian Tichy.

In March an odd twist the singer would grace many of America's national papers- albeit mistakenly. Picture editors had mistaken Hughes for the Glenn Hughes of camp Disco band THE VILLAGE PEOPLE who had recently died. Hughes himself passed on his condolences to his namesake whilst informing everyone he was very much still alive!

Hughes returned to the Funk Rock area of operation with his September 2001 outing 'Building The Machine'. Alongside Hughes the album, which saw a remake of DEEP PURPLE's 'Highball Shooter', credited guitarists PAT TRAVERS, Brett Ellis and J.J. Marsh, keyboard players Vince DiCola and John Beasley with Gary Ferguson once more on drums. Russian live dates announced for November would see COSMOSQUAD drummer Shane Gaalaas joining Hughes' band.

2002

Hughes next move was to pair up with another former DEEP PURPLE vocalist, JOE LYNN TURNER, for the 2002 HUGHES TURNER PROJECT album. The resulting album was well received and, recruiting a band of Japanese veterans, the duo toured the Far East. The duo subsequently pulled in guitarist J.J. Marsh once again alongside a cast of pedigree Swedish musicians, including the GREAT KING RAT, PONTUS NORGREN, TALISMAN, DAMAGE DONE, ELECTRIC BOYS and HUMANIMAL credited drummer Tomas Broman, for European dates. Meantime Hughes would also appear fronting the Carl Kennedy project band THE ALCHEMIST for their debut 'Westside' release. A whole new band endeavour came to light in July, Hughes collaborating with EDWIN DARE, COSMOSQUAD and $IGN OF 4 guitarist JEFF KOLLMAN and drummer Robin Dimaggio in what was described as a "Pop" band entitled SHAPE 68.

The singer returned to tour UK shores in November of 2002, forming up part of an adventurous bill of Rock greats dubbed the 'Legends Of Rock' tour alongside German guitar maestros ULI JON ROTH and UFO's Michael Schenker, JACK BRUCE, JETHRO TULL's Clive Bunker and famed Canadian guitarist FRANK MARINO.

2003

Hughes set 'Songs In The Key Of Rock' as the projected title for a mid 2003 solo album, observing that the record was to follow a distinctly retro 70s direction. Drums on the track 'Get You Stoned' were donated by Chad Smith of RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS. Gigging in North America found Hughes fronting up a band unit comprising guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboard player Dave Schulz and drummer Gary Ferguson. In further outside activity Hughes donated guest lead vocals to the tracks 'Alive & Kicking' and 'Price You Gotta Pay' on the 2003 MR. BIG album 'Influences And Connections'. On the live front, Hughes put in a short burst of Spanish gigs in September.

2004

2004 opened with the shooting of a live DVD and album 'Soulfully Yours In The City Of Angels' in January at the Los Angeles Sound Image Studios owned by SAGA guitarist JIM CRICHTON. The set spanned the singer's entire career, taking in DEEP PURPLE's 'Mistreated', 'Getting' Tighter' and 'You Keep On Movin', TRAPEZE's 'Seafull' and 'Medusa' as well as the HUGHES/THRALL cut 'First Step Of Love'. Hughes band for this event comprised guitarists JJ Marsh and George Nastos, keyboard player Ed Roth, drummer Chad Smith and backing vocalists Alex Ligertwood of SANTANA repute and QUIET RIOT's Kevin DuBrow. The singer announced a special 'Velvet Sessions' one off gig in late April at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando, Florida, forming up a trio also comprising RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith and ex-ALICE IN CHAINS guitarist JERRY CANTRELL. However, the latter participant would pull out at short notice.

Hughes was to grace the 2004 MOONSTONE PROJECT album 'Time To Take A Stand' sessions of Italian guitarist Matteo Filippini, lending his vocals to the tracks 'Where Did You Hide The Blues You've Got' and 'Rose In Hell', songs which also featured DEEP PURPLE's Ian Paice on drums. That July the singer fronted up DEEP PURPLE tribute band CALIFORNIA JAM at the 'Rock In The Park' festival in Arenzano, Italy.

Marking the return of BLACK SABBATH to the live stage for the Summer 'Ozzfest' dates the Argentine label Blackstar Records issued a tribute album 'Sabbath Crosses: Tribute To Black Sabbath'. Besides donations from South American acts this collection would be noted for a take on 'No Stranger To Love' from veteran act RATA BLANCA featuring a guesting GLENN HUGHES on vocals.

August revealed that earlier plans to release the heavily bootlegged, Glenn Hughes fronted IOMMI 1996 shelved album sessions as an internet download album had been revised. Now scheduled as a regular album to be delivered through Sanctuary Records the sessions had been somewhat re-worked. The guitarist had re-cut some of the main riffs and Dave Holland's drum work had been wiped and replaced by that of the PAUL RODGERS band and M3 credited Jimmy Copley. In addition, two songs had new bass guitar work added by Iommi's former BLACK SABBATH colleague Neil Murray.

August found Hughes in Sound Image studios in Van Nuys, California working up a song entitled 'Soul Mover' together with ex-RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS and JANE'S ADDICTION guitarist DAVE NAVARRO and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith. Japanese variants of the album substituted the track 'Isolation' for an exclusive cut 'Camel Toe Stomp'. The trio also filmed a promotional video for the same track the following month. During October Hughes featured in an unusual collaboration, uniting with JOE LYNN TURNER once again, working with producer Alexander Berezhny to record songs for a Russian album release of songs penned by Moscow mayor Mikhail Men. That same month Hughes strengthened the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS connection by recording a cover version of THE MOODY BLUES 'Nights In White Satin' with Chad Smith and guitarist JOHN FRUSCIANTE. This version of the 60s classic would be featured on the soundtrack to the movie 'Stealth'.

Projected headline shows in the UK during December would see LUNARMILE, the band of Tony Iommi's daughter Toni-Marie, as support act. However, these gigs would be cancelled, apparently due to Chad Smith's commitments to the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS.

Hughes and Tony Iommi subsequently revealed they were set on working on a brand new IOMMI album entitled 'Fused' in December, employing the services of drummer Kenny Aronoff.

2005

'Soul Mover' saw release on 24th January 2005. The album was given a welcome boost by a much aired promotional video for the title track featuring both Dave Navarro and Chad Smith. Sanctuary Records signed the album for a US release. February 2005 saw Hughes re-scheduling his UK tour dates, partnering with THE LIZARDS. Scandinavian and European dates followed, seeing the PLANKTON and SOUTHFORK credited Sebastian Sippola manning the drums. This tour would also mark the debut of band guitarist J.J. Marsh's solo album 'Music From Planet Marsh' under the ALBATROSS project heading. That some month the live album 'Freak Flag Flyin' emerged, taken from a set recorded in the UK during October 2003.

July found Hughes putting in three Bulgarian dates. That same month the 'Fused' album saw release, greatly enhancing the singer's profile internationally, the 'Stealth' movie soundtrack also featured a Glenn Hughes / Chad Smith track in their cover of 'Nights In White Satin' and the Russian only release 'Made In Moscow' spotlighted Hughes' guest spot with Moscow deputy mayor Mikhail Men. The vocalist was also included on two songs, 'Silence' and 'Weekend Warrior' from the Czech band MONKEY BUSINESS' album.

In November 2005 Glenn worked with QUIET RIOT on new album recordings, cutting a duet with KEVIN DUBROW on the SPOOKY TOOTH classic 'Evil Woman'. The singer rung in the New Year with a special performance with Bulgarian rock band B.T.R. in the historical city of Kavarna, Bulgaria, at the personal invitation of the Mayor of Kavarna, Mr. Tsonko Tsonev. Hughes also guested on THE LIZARDS album 'Against All Odds'.

2006

Album tracks, dubbed 'Music For The Divine', were recorded in the Hollywood Hills January 2006 with Chad Smith, who also acted as co-producer, JJ Marsh and RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS guitarist John Frusciante. These tracks were mixed by John Hewitt in March. The Australian release of 'Soul Mover' in March added extra bonus tracks. The PHENOMENA album 'Psycho Fantasy' found Glenn Hughes fronting up three tracks.

An announcement that Pat Thrall and Glenn Hughes were set to work together again on new material excited fans in February. The first live concert of 2006 took place in April, in the unusual setting of the Baltic Sea's 'Rock The Boat' event on a ferry sailing between Norway and Denmark. 'Music For The Divine' arrived in stores in June to positive reviews. Hughes also visited Australia at this juncture to write new material with JIMMY BARNES. Whilst there he undertook intimate club concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, which were filmed for DVD release.

Festival appearances in July included dates in Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. August saw concerts in both Bulgaria, playing to over 10,000 people at the 'Week Of The Sea' festival in Kavarna, and the USA. September was taken up by recording sessions with Pat Thrall.

In early October 2006 Hughes drafted new band members in guitarist JEFF KOLLMAN, keyboard player Anders Olinder and drummer Mark Mondesir. A series of UK dates followed prior to a run of November European concerts. Whilst in the UK Hughes attended remastering sessions at Abbey Road studios in London for the 30th anniversary edition of DEEP PURPLE's classic 'Stormbringer'.

In mid November 2006 Hughes, alongside a guest cast comprising KEN HENSLEY, RICK WAKEMAN, BLACK SABBATH's TONY IOMMI, KINGDOM COME, NAZARETH, THE ANIMALS and BONNIE TYLER, performed at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Russia as part of the 30 year anniversary of Russian act ZEMLYANE. That same month Hughes guested on tracks for KEN HENSLEY's 'Blood On The Highway' album.

2007

Demolition Records gave 'Music For The Divine' a US release in January 2007. Throughout February and March the singer took on an extensive round of concerts across Russia and Ukraine before heading into Norway. The singer then made public his intentions to pursue a DEEP PURPLE MK III reunion in the future, a view seemingly echoed by his former colleague DAVID COVERDALE shortly afterwards. However, this never transpired.

For a series of concerts held in Italy during May by MOONSTONE PROJECT the Italian act would be joined each night by Glenn Hughes for renditions of DEEP PURPLE numbers.That month Hughes also performed in Serbia and Bulgaria.

Hughes received a brace of very special honours in quick succession when he was invited by Tsonko Tsonev, the Mayor of Kavarna, Bulgaria, to play in the city again on May 6th. On this same day Tsonev made Glenn an honorary citizen of Kavarna and at midday the singer cut a ribbon in front of a building at the Central City Square, which featured a specially commissioned portrait of Glenn painted onto it. After these ceremonies a live performance was given. Hughes also played on 9th May in Tzaribrod, Serbia. Again, a unique event as Glenn was invited by the Mayor of Tzaribrod. As the concert venue was brand new and previously unnamed, the building was given the title the "Glenn Hughes Music Hall."

Live activity in September proved frenetic with concerts in Bulgaria, Norway, France, including a show at the Raismes festival, and Spain. Hughes also put in shows with guitarist GEORGE LYNCH and MOONSTONE PROJECT in Italy. The year was rounded out by recording sessions on new album tracks featuring Chad Smith, Anders Olinder, JJ Marsh, Ed Roth and Luis Carlos Maldonado.

2008

2008 started on the live front with two Californian concerts featuring Chad Smith on drums, at the annual NAMM convention in Los Angeles and a show in Detroit during March. The album 'First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.)' was issued by Frontiers Music in May 2008. Drums on the record were played by Chad Smith, while Luis Maldonado took care of the majority of the guitars, with fellow guitarists JJ Marsh and George Nastos appearing on two songs each. Anders Olinder supplied keyboards with Ed Roth guesting on three songs. A promotional video was shot for the track 'Love Communion'.

Hughes performed a run of European dates in June 2008. In July Hughes put in his first career performance in New Zealand since 1975 as co-headliner of the G-TARanaki International Guitar Festival in New Plymouth, Taranaki. He shared a bill with JOE SATRIANI, VERNON REID, ULI JON ROTH, GILBY CLARKE, the ALEX SKOLNICK TRIO, GRAY BARTLETT and TIM DONAHUE. His live band would comprise a unique format involving keyboard player Anders Olinder plus New Zealand musicians guitarist Kara Gordon plus 8FORTY8 members guitar player Simon Koretz and drummer Nathan Koretz.

Hughes subsequently toured North America with the 'Rock n' Roll Fantasy Camp' alongside GILBY CLARKE and KIP WINGER. 'First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.)' was given a US release in October 2008 through Blistering Records.

Hughes joined the tribute band COME TASTE THE BAND on Friday 3rd October for an evening of DEEP PURPLE songs in Rjukanhuset, Norway.

In May 2009 Hughes collected together a wealth of material, including over 50 songs and live video from a 2009 Boston concert, in a new format for the singer by way of a 'Alive Drive' USB drive. The device also enabled the user to receive future concert audio downloads.

The singer partnered with his former DEEP PURPLE colleague JON LORD to perform at the ChildLine Rocks concert on Monday 1st June at the IndigO2 in London. The set comprised DEEP PURPLE's 'You Keep On Moving' with Hughes, Lord and THUNDER. Hughes performed another DEEP PURPLE classic 'Mistreated' and his solo hit 'Soul Mover'. The ex-DEEP PURPLE duo then got back together on stage for the 'grand finale', a version of 'Smoke On The Water' played by all the musicians that attended the event.

Hughes performed at the 'Guitarfest' event held at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, England in July.