FEBRUARY 23, 2001

Melbourne set to be painted Deep Purple

LEADING rock/metal band Deep Purple have confirmed that they will be performing at this year's Formula One curtain-raiser in Australia.

The Qantas Australian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday March 3, the day after Deep Purple appear on stage at the Albert Park Golf Course.

The group led by Ian Gillian will perform a four-song showcase in Melbourne at 2:45pm, following the Hot Wheels V8 Supercar Showdown race, to launch their national tour, which officially starts on Monday March 5.

All five members of the band are Formula One fans and will be at the race on Sunday. They are also scheduled to play at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Kuala Lumpur in mid-March.