The Story of Deep Purple

Smoke on the Water and Beyond: by Belle Webb

includes video documentary and 100 song discology

Deep Purple is a British rock band that rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with their hard rock sound and memorable hits. The band has had numerous lineup changes throughout their career, but their core members, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse, and Don Airey, have been playing together for over two decades.

The band was formed in Hertford, England, in 1968 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and keyboardist Jon Lord. The original lineup also included lead vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, and drummer Ian Paice. The band released their debut album, Shades of Deep Purple, later that same year, which included a cover of the song "Hush" that became their first hit single.

Over the years, Deep Purple has released countless albums and singles, but they are perhaps best known for their 1972 hit "Smoke on the Water." The song's instantly recognizable guitar riff and memorable lyrics have made it a classic rock staple that is still played on the radio today. Other popular Deep Purple hits include "Highway Star," "Burn," and "Child in Time."

One of the band's defining characteristics is their virtuosic musicianship. Each member of the band is a skilled instrumentalist who brings their own unique style to the group. Jon Lord's Hammond organ playing, for example, gave Deep Purple a distinct sound that set them apart from other hard rock bands of the era. Ritchie Blackmore's guitar work, meanwhile, has been praised for its technical proficiency and emotional depth.

Despite their success, Deep Purple has had their share of ups and downs. In the early 1970s, tensions within the band led to multiple lineup changes, including the departure of lead vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover. The band soldiered on, however, and continued to release albums and tour throughout the decade.

In the 1980s, the band went through another period of upheaval, with multiple lineup changes and a shift towards a more commercial sound. They scored hits with songs like "Perfect Strangers" and "Knocking at Your Back Door," but some fans felt that the band had lost some of their edge.

Current band members:

Ian Paice – drums (1968–1976, 1984–present)

Roger Glover – bass (1969–1973, 1984–present)

Ian Gillan – vocals, harmonica, percussion (1969–1973, 1984–1989, 1992–present)

Don Airey – keyboards (2002–present)

Simon McBride – guitar (2022–present)

Former band members:

Jon Lord – keyboards, string arrangements, backing vocals (1968–1976, 1984–2002; died 2012)

Ritchie Blackmore – guitars (1968–1975, 1984–1993)

Nick Simper – bass, backing vocals (1968–1969)

Rod Evans – lead vocals (1968–1969)

Glenn Hughes – bass, backing and lead vocals (1973–1976)

David Coverdale – lead and backing vocals (1973–1976)

Tommy Bolin – guitars, backing vocals (1975–1976; died 1976)

Joe Lynn Turner – lead vocals (1989–1992)

Joe Satriani – guitars (1993–1994) Steve Morse – guitars (1994–2022)

In the 1990s, Deep Purple reunited their "classic" lineup, featuring Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Jon Lord, and Ritchie Blackmore. The band released several successful albums, including 1993's The Battle Rages On and 1996's Purpendicular, before Blackmore left the band in 1995.

Since Blackmore's departure, Deep Purple has continued to tour and release albums, with Steve Morse taking over on guitar. The band's most recent album, Whoosh!, was released in 2020 to critical acclaim.

Deep Purple's legacy in rock music is undeniable. They are often cited as one of the pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock, and their influence can be heard in countless bands that have followed in their footsteps. With their virtuosic musicianship, memorable hits, and decades-long career, Deep Purple has earned their place in the pantheon of rock legends.

Deep Purple Song Discology

Just some retired folk, filling our time, keeping our minds active with blogging. We are not selling anything. But a little recognition is nice. So, Join Us, and follow some of our Hobby Bloggers...

Follow Music Beat

There are some links to Amazon below, click on them or not, if you do thanks for your support. We don't really care; money is not our objective. But if you shop on Amazon, these links can save you money.