Deep Purple

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Deep Purple

Deep Purple Biography

At the dawn of the '70s, there were three types of music: Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. All delivered variations on an unshakable loud 'n' proud ethic, but Purp's stock in trade was frantic but skilled instrumental interplay, primarily between John Lord's Hammond organ and Ritchie Blackmore's guitar. Their brand of hard rock drew from pop songs, blues riffs, baroque passages and jazz-style tradeoffs. Yet, despite the jamming, there was no shortage of hit singles, beginning in the late '60s, on to the mid-'70s, and even into the '80s when the "Mach II" line-up reformed.

Formed in '68, Purp first hit with a soulful, organ-driven rendition of Joe South's "Hush," followed by a spirited Neil Diamond cover, "Kentucky Woman." When vocalist Rod Evans and bassist Nick Simper dropped out, bassist (and eventually successful producer) Roger Glover and vocalist Ian Gillan (fresh from the title roll in the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar) joined, solidifying Deep Purple's most celebrated lineup. The band released the Lord-penned Concerto For Group And Orchestra, which failed to ignite the critics or fans. Following Blackmore's lead, they made a sharp turn into (at the time) extremely heavy music, and subsequent greater success. Hit album followed hit album, but constant roadwork and internal strife ended the Mach II lineup in '73. Back with singing bassist Glenn Hughes and frontman David Coverdale (later of Whitesnake) the group released the hit Burn, but by '75 Blackmore left, and the fans followed suit.

The Mach II lineup successfully reformed in '84, but by '86 Gillan again departed and the band's revolving door has been difficult to monitor. The band is still active with ex-Dixie Dregs guitarist Steve Morse, making DP (with Lord and drummer Ian Paice the only original members) one of the longest running bands in British rock.

This Biography was written by S.L. Duff