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Deep Purple

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Band Timeline

1968

Formation and Early Years

Deep Purple was formed in London in 1968 with members Rod Evans (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Nick Simper (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums). Initially, their style was psychedelic and progressive rock, which soon evolved into a heavier rock sound. This lineup, known as Mark I, released their debut album "Shades of Deep Purple" in 1968.
1969

Major Lineup Change to Mark II

In 1969, Evans and Simper were replaced by Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass), forming the classic Mark II lineup. This change was pivotal as it shifted the band’s musical direction towards a heavier rock and metal sound. Mark II is often regarded as the definitive Deep Purple lineup.
1970

Release of 'Deep Purple in Rock' and Rise to Fame

'Deep Purple in Rock' was released in 1970, marking a transition from psychedelic rock to hard rock and early heavy metal. This album consolidated their reputation as pioneers in the genre. It was the first of four crucial studio albums recorded by the Mark II lineup, which helped shape the emerging heavy metal and hard rock genres.
1971-1973

Continued Success with Mark II Lineup

Between 1971 and 1973, Deep Purple Mark II released three more seminal albums: 'Fireball' (1971), 'Machine Head' (1972), which included hits like 'Smoke on the Water', and 'Who Do We Think We Are' (1973). These records cemented their popularity and helped define rock music's sound in this era.
1973-1975

Transition to Mark III and IV Lineups

Gillan and Glover left in 1973 and were replaced by David Coverdale (vocals) and Glenn Hughes (bass), forming the Mark III lineup. This group released the albums 'Burn' and 'Stormbringer' in 1974. In 1975, Blackmore left due to musical differences and was replaced by Tommy Bolin, forming Mark IV. They released 'Come Taste the Band' (1975) before disbanding in 1976.
1976

Disbandment and Tragic Loss

Deep Purple disbanded in July 1976 after the turbulent Mark IV period. Tragically, shortly after disbandment, guitarist Tommy Bolin died from a drug overdose. This marked the end of the band's first era and a significant hiatus in their career.
1984

Reunion of Classic Mark II Lineup

The classic Mark II lineup reunited in 1984, reigniting the band's career with two new studio albums: 'Perfect Strangers' (1984) and 'The House of Blue Light' (1987). This reunion brought renewed commercial success and critical recognition, reestablishing Deep Purple as a major rock act of the 1980s.
1989-1993

Lineup Changes and New Albums

In 1989, Ian Gillan was fired due to creative differences and replaced by Joe Lynn Turner, who appeared on 'Slaves and Masters' (1990). Gillan returned for 'The Battle Rages On...' (1993). Subsequently, Ritchie Blackmore left again and was replaced initially by Joe Satriani and then permanently by Steve Morse, beginning the Mark VII lineup.
1996-1998

Continued Evolution with Steve Morse

The Mark VII lineup with Steve Morse released two studio albums: 'Purpendicular' (1996) and 'Abandon' (1998). These albums showcased a refreshed sound and experimentation while maintaining their classic rock roots. This period further demonstrated the band's resilience and adaptability.
2002

Departure of Jon Lord and Arrival of Don Airey

Founding member Jon Lord retired from Deep Purple in 2002 and was succeeded by Don Airey on keyboards. This was a significant lineup change as Jon Lord had been a defining element of the band's sound since its inception. Ian Paice remained the only original member at this time.
2002-2022

Longest Lineup Period and Continued Creativity

The Mark VIII lineup, consisting of Paice, Gillan, Glover, Morse, and Airey, became the band's longest-lasting formation, spanning two decades. They released six studio albums during this period, remaining active and continuing to tour extensively, maintaining Deep Purple’s legacy in rock music.
2022

Recent Lineup Change

In 2022, Steve Morse departed after 28 years as guitarist, marking the first lineup change in twenty years. He was replaced by Simon McBride. This change signaled a new chapter for Deep Purple as they continue to perform and influence the rock genre.
Legacy and Recognition

Deep Purple's Impact and Awards

Deep Purple is recognized as a pioneer of heavy metal and hard rock, often cited alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as part of the 'unholy trinity' of 1970s British rock. They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as 'the globe's loudest band' and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 and received the Legend Award at the 2008 World Music Awards, reflecting their enduring influence and legacy.

Albums

deep-purple_1st_album
Shades of Deep Purple
8 tracks
1968
deep-purple_2nd_album
The Book of Taliesyn
7 tracks
1968
deep-purple_3rd_album
Deep Purple
7 tracks
1969
deep-purple_4th_album
Deep Purple in Rock
7 tracks
1970
deep-purple_5th_album
Fireball
7 tracks
1971
deep-purple_6th_album
Machine Head
7 tracks
1972
deep-purple_7th_album
Who Do We Think We Are
7 tracks
1973
deep-purple_8th_album
Burn
8 tracks
1974
deep-purple_9th_album
Stormbringer
9 tracks
1974
deep-purple_10th_album
Come Taste the Band
9 tracks
1975
deep-purple_11th_album
Perfect Strangers
8 tracks
1984
deep-purple_12th_album
The House of Blue Light
10 tracks
1987
deep-purple_13th_album
Slaves and Masters
9 tracks
1990
deep-purple_14th_album
The Battle Rages On…
10 tracks
1993
deep-purple_15th_album
Purpendicular
14 tracks
1996
deep-purple_16th_album
Abandon
12 tracks
1998
deep-purple_17th_album
Bananas
12 tracks
2003
deep-purple_18th_album
Rapture of the Deep
11 tracks
2005
deep-purple_19th_album
Now What?!
6 tracks
2013
deep-purple_20th_album
inFinite
10 tracks
2017
deep-purple_21st_album
Whoosh!
13 tracks
2020
deep-purple_22nd_album
Turning to Crime
12 tracks
2021
deep-purple_23rd_album
=1
13 tracks
2024
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Story of Deep Purple

Deep Purple: The Titans of Hard Rock

Deep Purple, a legendary English rock band formed in London in 1968, stand as undeniable pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock. While their musical style has evolved significantly throughout their storied career, their influence on the genre remains undeniable.

Initially, they carved their path as a psychedelic and progressive rock band, but their 1970 album, Deep Purple in Rock, marked a monumental shift toward a heavier sound. This sonic evolution, alongside the explosive contributions of contemporaries like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, solidified Deep Purple's position as part of the "unholy trinity" of British hard rock and heavy metal during the early-to-mid 1970s.

Their thunderous live performances earned them a spot in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as "the globe's loudest band" for a 1972 concert at London's Rainbow Theatre. To date, they have sold over 100 million records worldwide, showcasing their enduring global appeal.

Deep Purple has witnessed numerous lineup changes throughout its history, even disbanding for eight years between 1976 and 1984. However, drummer Ian Paice remains the band's sole constant member, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

The band's original run from 1968 to 1976 is divided into four distinct eras:

  • Mark I (1968-1969) featured the founding members: Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Paice (drums), and Nick Simper (bass).
  • Mark II (1969-1973), arguably the band's most commercially successful era, saw the arrival of Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass) who replaced Evans and Simper respectively.
  • Mark III (1973-1975) welcomed David Coverdale (vocals) and Glenn Hughes (bass), who took over from Gillan and Glover.
  • Mark IV (1975-1976) featured Tommy Bolin (guitar) replacing Blackmore.

Sadly, the band disbanded in July 1976, followed by the tragic death of Bolin from a drug overdose just five months later.

Despite the lineup changes and temporary hiatus, Deep Purple's legacy remains undiminished. Their powerful music, pioneering sound, and iconic status continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans worldwide.

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