Launch Radio Networks is reporting that DEEP PURPLE has scheduled a quick run of North American tour dates for the early part of the summer. They will do 16 shows that begin June 11 in Pittsburgh and end July 2 in Rockford, Illinois. It's unknown whether more dates will be added. It's also unknown whether DEEP PURPLE will play any of the songs they're working on for their new studio album, which they plan to record this year.

Guitarist Steve Morse told Launch that DEEP PURPLE doesn't hit North America as often as they do elsewhere because the money is better overseas. "We're in a position now where we can go play the States and do gigs," he said. "We just need a majority that wants to turn down definitely good gigs in huge places for good gigs in smaller places. The rest of the world keeps tossing up offers that dwarf what the band could do in the States. And they do insist on a certain high level of expense to travel with — like the number of personnel, and five-star hotels, and all that stuff — 'cause they, you know, they've been rock stars for 30 years."

The DEEP PURPLE itinerary (subject to change):

Jun. 11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Chevrolet Amphitheatre
Jun. 12 - Portsmouth, VA - NTELOS Pavilion At Harbor Center
Jun. 14 - Cleveland, OH - House Of Blues
Jun. 15 - Louisville, KY - Palace Theatre
Jun. 17 - Ionia, MI - Ionia Fairgrounds
Jun. 18 - Toronto, ONT - Molson Amphitheatre
Jun. 19 - Ottawa, ONT - Corel Centre
Jun. 20 - London, ONT - John Labatt Centre
Jun. 23 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Casino
Jun. 24 - Hyannis, MA - Cape Cod Melody Tent
Jun. 25 - Cohasset, MA - South Shore Music Circus
Jun. 27 - Atlantic City, NJ - House Of Blues
Jun. 28 - Scranton, PA - Scranton Cultural Center
Jun. 30 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
Jul. 01 - St. Paul, MN - Taste Of Minnesota
Jul. 02 - Rockford, IL - On the Waterfront Fest