Deep Purple are a British classic rock band founded in Hertford, Hertfordshire, England in 1968. Together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Deep Purple are considered pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock, although the band’s musical style evolved significantly over the years. At times, they were also seen as a progressive rock act, blending classical influences with a harder, guitar-driven sound.
Deep Purple are famously recognized as the loudest band in the world, according to the 1975 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records. Over their long history, they have experienced numerous personnel changes, yet their legacy in rock music remains undeniable. They are best known for their 1973 US Top 10 hit “Smoke on the Water” and their massively successful 1972 album Machine Head, which went platinum.
After disbanding in 1976, Deep Purple reunited in 1984, reigniting their success with Perfect Strangers. Since then, they have continued to tour and record new music, even after the death of founding member Jon Lord in 2012. Their most recent studio album Now What?! was released in 2013, proving that Deep Purple’s impact on rock music is still alive today.
The Birth and Rise of Deep Purple
Deep Purple’s beginnings trace back to 1968 when they were first formed as Roundabout. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice made up the original lineup. Initially intended as a backing band for former Searchers drummer Chris Curtis, they soon branched out into their own identity.
The band’s name was inspired by the song “Deep Purple,” a favorite of Blackmore’s grandmother. Their sound combined rock, blues, and a touch of psychedelia, leading to the release of their debut album Shades of Deep Purple in 1968. The album found greater success in the United States than in the UK, reaching #24 on the Billboard 200, driven by the hit single “Hush,” which peaked at #4 on the US pop charts.
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Later that year, Deep Purple released The Book of Taliesyn, featuring a cover of Neil Diamond’s “Kentucky Woman,” which climbed to #38 on the Billboard Hot 100. Their third album, Deep Purple (1969), continued their early US momentum but internal tensions soon began to surface.
Evolution of Sound and Lineup Changes
Following their initial releases, disagreements over musical direction led to the replacement of Evans and Simper with vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover from the pop band Episode Six. Around this time, their American label, Tetragrammaton Records, folded, forcing the band to seek new opportunities.
In an effort to expand their sound, Deep Purple collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, resulting in the live album Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1969). However, the classical experiment wasn’t well-received by fans, leading Blackmore to shift Deep Purple’s style toward a harder, guitar-driven rock sound.
This transition was cemented with the release of Deep Purple in Rock in 1970. Featuring songs like “Speed King” and “Child in Time,” the album peaked at #4 on the UK charts and went gold. It marked Deep Purple’s arrival as a full-fledged hard rock force. Singles like “Black Night” (#2 UK) and “Strange Kind of Woman” (#8 UK) solidified their reputation.
In 1971, they followed up with Fireball, which topped the UK album charts and broke into the US Top 40. Tracks like “Fireball” and “Demon’s Eye” showcased the band’s growing confidence and technical prowess.
“Smoke on the Water” – A Rock Anthem
While recording their next album Machine Head in Montreux, Switzerland, a fire broke out during a Frank Zappa concert at their planned recording venue. The dramatic incident inspired the band to write “Smoke on the Water,” capturing the event with immortal lyrics and one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history.
Released in 1972, Machine Head became Deep Purple’s signature album, reaching #7 on the Billboard 200 and achieving double platinum status in the US. In the UK, it topped the charts once again. “Smoke on the Water” became a massive hit, peaking at #4 in the US and entering the pantheon of rock classics.
Following Machine Head, Deep Purple released Who Do We Think We Are in 1973. Although it reached #15 in the US and #4 in the UK, tensions within the band were mounting, particularly between Gillan and Blackmore.
Split, Solo Projects, and Reformation
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Creative and personal differences came to a head in 1973, leading to Gillan and Glover’s departures. They were replaced by singer David Coverdale and bassist Glenn Hughes. Deep Purple continued with albums like Burn (1974) and Stormbringer (1974), achieving moderate success, but the chemistry of the classic lineup was gone.
In 1975, Blackmore left to form Rainbow with singer Ronnie James Dio. Tommy Bolin, formerly of the James Gang, stepped in but his tenure was short-lived. Following Bolin’s death in 1976, Deep Purple officially disbanded.
In 1984, the classic Mark II lineup reunited and released Perfect Strangers, which was warmly received, peaking at #17 on the Billboard 200 and going platinum in the US. The title track and “Knocking at Your Back Door” became radio staples.
However, old tensions resurfaced. Gillan left again in 1989, replaced by Joe Lynn Turner for the album Slaves and Masters (1990). By 1993, Gillan returned for The Battle Rages On…, but Blackmore departed soon after. Joe Satriani temporarily filled in before Steve Morse became the permanent guitarist. Both Ritchie Blackmore and Joe Satriani were regarded as two of The 10 Best Guitarists of the 1980s.
The Morse Era and Continued Success
Steve Morse’s entry in 1994 breathed new life into Deep Purple. His technical virtuosity gave the band a new creative spark, starting with the album Purpendicular (1996), followed by Abandon (1998). Both albums were well-received, especially by longtime fans.
In 2002, Deep Purple released Bananas, followed by Rapture of the Deep in 2005. Their touring schedule remained relentless, playing to large audiences worldwide.
The death of keyboardist Jon Lord in 2012 was a significant blow. However, the band carried on, releasing Now What?! in 2013. The album was praised as a return to form, blending vintage Deep Purple sounds with fresh energy. It reached the Top 10 in several countries.
Current Status and Legacy
Today, Deep Purple’s lineup includes Ian Paice (the only remaining original member), Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Steve Morse (though temporarily replaced by Simon McBride for health reasons), and keyboardist Don Airey, who succeeded Jon Lord.
Despite the many lineup changes, Deep Purple remains a touring powerhouse and continues to release new music. Their 2020 album Whoosh! received positive reviews and charted well internationally.
The band was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, long overdue according to fans and critics alike. However, Ritchie Blackmore did not join the ceremony due to unresolved issues with some members.
Conclusion
Deep Purple’s legacy is built on more than just one classic riff or one platinum album. They helped define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal, pushing musical boundaries and inspiring generations of musicians.
From their psychedelic beginnings to their hard rock dominance, through lineup upheavals and personal feuds, Deep Purple has endured. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, a catalog of rock classics, and countless sold-out tours, Deep Purple’s influence on music is as strong today as it was in their 1970s heyday.