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November 17, 1993 is a date that sticks out in the minds of many Deep Purple fans, as it was the final performance ever by the complete MK II lineup. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore would leave the band after that night's performance in Helsinki, Finland, but as evidenced by the 2007 double-disc Live in Europe, the group was still firing on all cylinders on-stage. The two shows featured here are also available as separate discs -- "Live in Stuttgart 1993" and "Live at the NEC 1993" -- which catch the band during their supporting tour of The Battle Rages On. Both CD's replicate pretty much the same set list, but still, hardcore fans will undoubtedly enjoy hearing this final gasp from what many consider Deep Purple's quintessential lineup. Most of the expected classics are featured, as well as such latter Purple tunes as "Anya" and the title track from The Battle Rages On. To acquire both these aforementioned discs in one fell swoop, Live in Europe is the way to go. But to the casual fan, perhaps buying one or the other separately would make more sense; as again, each disc contains virtually the same set list. ~ Greg Prato
