Glenn Hughes (musician)

Glenn Hughes
Glenn Hughes
Born	August 21, 1951 (age 75); Cannock, Staffordshire, England
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter
Years active	1960s–present
Known for	Bassist and vocalist for Trapeze, Deep Purple (Mk. III and IV), Black Sabbath; frontman for Black Country Communion, California Breed, The Dead Daisies

Glenn Hughes (born 21 August 1951) is a renowned English musician, primarily recognized for his roles as bassist and vocalist with the hard rock group Trapeze and during the Mk. III and IV eras of Deep Purple. He also briefly served as the lead singer for Black Sabbath in the mid-1980s.

In addition to his extensive session work, Hughes has established a significant solo career. He currently leads the supergroup Black Country Communion and has previously been the frontman for California Breed (2013–2015) and The Dead Daisies (2019–2023). In 2016, Hughes was honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple.

Early life

Born in Cannock, Staffordshire, England on 21 August 1951, Hughes began his musical journey as the bassist and lead vocalist for the 1960s band Finders Keepers.

Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes and Thrall (1973–1982)

Hughes was the frontman of the British funk rock ensemble Trapeze, where he played bass and handled lead vocals on their initial three albums from 1970 to 1972. His contributions also extended to guitar, piano, and trombone.

In 1973, Hughes took over bass duties from Roger Glover in Deep Purple, although he considered himself primarily a vocalist. Initially hesitant about joining, he warmed to the idea after plans for a co-lead vocalist setup with Paul Rodgers fell through, and ultimately embraced it when David Coverdale was brought on board. Hughes and Coverdale shared lead vocal responsibilities across three albums until Deep Purple disbanded in 1976. Following a severe struggle with cocaine addiction, Hughes embarked on a solo path with his 1977 release Play Me Out. His contributions with Deep Purple were later recognized with a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016.

In 1982, Hughes collaborated with former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall to form the duo Hughes/Thrall, producing one self-titled album that failed to achieve commercial success. The limited impact was partly due to minimal touring—only 17 shows—restricted by both musicians’ substance abuse problems. Reflecting in 2007, Hughes described their album as "a brilliant, brilliant album," but acknowledged their heavy drug use curtailed live performances.

Gary Moore, Black Sabbath and health problems (1983–1990)

During the mid-1980s, Hughes contributed vocals to projects including Phenomena’s albums (Phenomena, Phenomena II: Dream Runner), Gary Moore’s Run for Cover, and Black Sabbath’s Seventh Star. Originally intended as a Tony Iommi solo effort, the latter was released under Black Sabbath’s name due to record label demands.

Hughes’ ongoing health challenges stemming from overeating, drug use, and alcohol consumption impacted his ability to sustain projects, resulting in brief stints with Moore and Iommi as touring became difficult. In 1985, Black Sabbath reunited with Ozzy Osbourne for Live Aid. While waiting for Osbourne’s return, Iommi recorded a solo album featuring Hughes on vocals; contractual obligations led to its issuance as Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi in 1986, garnering favorable reviews. However, after six shows supporting the album, Hughes was replaced by Ray Gillen due to vocal injury and declining physical health.

Hughes’ initial bass guitar was a salmon pink pre-CBS Fender Jazz Bass. Throughout his time with Trapeze and Deep Purple sessions including 'Burn', 'Stormbringer', and 'Come Taste the Band', he utilized Fender Jazz and Rickenbacker 4001 basses. The Rickenbacker was subsequently handed over to Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler for their 1978 tour.

Health restoration and career revival (1991–2008)

By the early 1990s, Hughes had successfully conquered his substance abuse challenges, making a comeback in 1991 by lending his vocals to The KLF's popular track "America: What Time Is Love?" as well as John Norum's solo effort Face the Truth. He subsequently shifted his attention back to pursuing his solo career. In 1999, Hughes took part in a tribute tour dedicated to Tommy Bolin across Texas, performing alongside drummer Johnnie Bolin.

In 2003, Hughes contributed to the metal opera project AINA’s inaugural album Days of Rising Doom, sharing vocal duties with distinguished singers such as Michael Kiske and Tobias Sammet.

Hughes released the album Soul Mover in 2005, which was followed by a European tour. He also collaborated with Tony Iommi on the album Fused. His 2006 release, Music for the Divine, featured contributions from Red Hot Chili Peppers members Chad Smith and John Frusciante; Hughes supported this with a European tour that autumn. Additionally, he provided bass playing and songwriting for Quiet Riot’s 2006 album Rehab.

On 17 November 2007, Edel Records issued Live in Australia, an acoustic CD/DVD capturing a performance in Sydney. Hughes followed this with the release of First Underground Nuclear Kitchen in May 2008, distributed across Europe and globally.

Autobiography and additional ventures (2009–2016)

In 2009, Hughes co-founded Black Country Communion alongside drummer Jason Bonham, guitarist Joe Bonamassa, and keyboardist Derek Sherinian. The group produced three albums up until 2012 before disbanding in March 2013 following Bonamassa’s exit. They reunited in 2016 and released their fourth studio album in 2017.

In July 2010, Hughes appeared as a guest vocalist with Jørn Lande, fronting Heaven & Hell at London's High Voltage Rock Festival in tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio.

Hughes’ memoir, titled Deep Purple and Beyond: Scenes from the Life of a Rock Star, was published in May 2011 by Foruli and co-written with Joel McIver. The book included input from Tony Iommi, David Coverdale, Ozzy Osbourne, and Tom Morello, with a foreword penned by Lars Ulrich of Metallica. Later that year, an expanded paperback edition was released under the title Glenn Hughes: The Autobiography.

On 13 September 2012, Hughes and Sherinian met with Bako Sahakyan, president of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, helping to organize a concert held in Stepanakert.

In 2013, Hughes featured as a guest on Device’s debut album on the track "Through It All," alongside vocalist David Draiman. From early 2013 onward, he toured with Kings of Chaos, performing vocals and acoustic guitar. Later that year, Hughes formed California Breed together with Jason Bonham and guitarist Andrew Watt, releasing one self-titled album in 2014 before disbanding in 2015.

Throughout 2015, Hughes embarked on an international solo tour accompanied by guitarist Doug Aldrich and drummer Pontus Engborg. In 2016, he unveiled his latest studio album, Resonate.

The Dead Daisies (2019–present)

In September 2019, supergroup the Dead Daisies premiered "Righteous Days" on UK’s Planet Rock Radio and announced Glenn Hughes as their lead vocalist and bassist. The lineup featured Hughes alongside guitarist Doug Aldrich, drummer Deen Castronovo, and rhythm guitarist David Lowy.

Later in 2019, the band recorded their first album featuring Hughes at La Fabrique Studios in France with producer Ben Grosse. The album was scheduled for release in 2020.

Final mixing was completed early in 2020. A European tour planned for May through July of that year was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerts supporting Foreigner in Germany and Poland as well as European shows with Judas Priest were rescheduled for summer 2021.

The first single "Unspoken" was released on 17 April 2020, followed by a remix from US duo Dance With The Dead on 15 May. On 17 July, the band digitally issued The Lockdown Sessions EP. The full-length album Holy Ground along with its supporting tour were deferred until 22 January 2021. The single "Bustle and Flow," released on 25 September, reached number fifteen on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. On 4 December, the title track "Holy Ground" was unveiled and added to Planet Rock’s 'A' playlist.

Holy Ground, marking their fifth studio album, was launched on 22 January 2021 featuring eleven tracks including three singles. Drummer Deen Castronovo departed the following day due to scheduled back surgery; Tommy Clufetos was announced as his live replacement.

On 30 September 2022, the band released their latest studio LP titled Radiance, showcasing Hughes returning as bassist and vocalist with Brian Tichy taking over drums from Clufetos. Singles from this album included "Face Your Fear" and "Radiance".

Discography

Play Me Out (1977)
L.A. Blues Authority Volume II: Glenn Hughes – Blues (1993)
From Now On... (1994)
Feel (1995)
Addiction (1996)
The Way It Is (1999)
Return of Crystal Karma (2000)
A Soulful Christmas (2000)
Building the Machine (2001)
Songs in the Key of Rock (2003)
Soul Mover (2005)
Music for the Divine (2006)
First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (2008)
Resonate (2016)
Chosen (2025)

External links

Official website