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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Ian Gillan

1992

Lead vocals

Harmonica

Percussion

Don Airey

2002

Keyboard

Organ

Simon McBride

2022

Guitar

Ian Paice

1984

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Roger Glover

1984

Bass guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Rod Evans

1968
1969

Lead vocals

Ian Gillan

1969
1973

Percussion

Lead vocals

Harmonica

Joe Satriani

1993
1994

Guitar

Roger Glover

1969
1973

Bass guitar

David Coverdale

1973
1976

Lead vocals

Nick Simper

1968
1969

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Joe Lynn Turner

1989
1992

Lead vocals

Jon Lord

1984
2002

Organ

Background vocals

Keyboard

Glenn Hughes

1973
1976

Lead vocals

Bass guitar

Jon Lord

1968
1976

Organ

Background vocals

Keyboard

Steve Morse

1994
2022

Guitar

Ian Gillan

1984
1989

Percussion

Lead vocals

Harmonica

Ritchie Blackmore

1968
1975

Guitar

Ian Paice

1968
1976

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Tommy Bolin

1975
1976

Guitar

Lead vocals

Bass guitar

Ritchie Blackmore

1984
1993

Guitar

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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