Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London, in 1968. They are co… Read Full Bio ↴Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in London, in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock but their musical approach has changed over the years.Originally formed as a psychedelic rock and progressive rock band, they shifted to a heavier sound with their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock. Deep Purple (together with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath) have been referred to as the "unholy trinity" of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies. They were listed in the 1975 Guinness Book of World Records as "the globe's loudest band" for a 1972 concert at London's Rainbow Theatre and have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.
Deep Purple have had several line-up changes and were broken up for eight years from 1976 to 1984, with drummer Ian Paice being the band's only constant member. The first four line-ups, which constituted the band's original 1968–1976 run, are officially indicated as Mark I (1968–1969), Mark II (1969–1973), Mark III (1973–1975) and Mark IV (1975–1976). Mark I comprised the founding members of Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Paice (drums) and Nick Simper (bass), while Mark II was the most commercially successful line-up, with Ian Gillan and Roger Glover replacing Evans and Simper respectively. Mark III saw David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes replace Gillan and Glover respectively, while Mark IV featured Tommy Bolin replacing Blackmore. The band split in July 1976 and Bolin died from a drug overdose five months later. In 1984, Deep Purple reformed with the Mark II line-up, which remained in place until Joe Lynn Turner replaced Gillan in 1989. Gillan rejoined in 1992, with Blackmore leaving for the second and final time the following year. He was replaced temporarily by Joe Satriani and then permanently by Steve Morse. In 2002 Don Airey replaced Jon Lord, which saw Deep Purple settle into its longest running line-up, unchanged for the next twenty years, until Morse announced his departure from the band in 2022. His place was taken by Simon McBride. Paice, Glover, Gillan, Airey and McBride comprise the current line-up of Deep Purple.
Deep Purple were ranked number 22 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock programme] and a poll on radio station Planet Rock ranked them 5th among the "most influential bands ever". The band received the Legend Award at the 2008 World Music Awards. Deep Purple (specifically Blackmore, Lord, Paice, Gillan, Glover, Coverdale, Evans, and Hughes) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Deep Purple have had several line-up changes and were broken up for eight years from 1976 to 1984, with drummer Ian Paice being the band's only constant member. The first four line-ups, which constituted the band's original 1968–1976 run, are officially indicated as Mark I (1968–1969), Mark II (1969–1973), Mark III (1973–1975) and Mark IV (1975–1976). Mark I comprised the founding members of Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Rod Evans (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards), Paice (drums) and Nick Simper (bass), while Mark II was the most commercially successful line-up, with Ian Gillan and Roger Glover replacing Evans and Simper respectively. Mark III saw David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes replace Gillan and Glover respectively, while Mark IV featured Tommy Bolin replacing Blackmore. The band split in July 1976 and Bolin died from a drug overdose five months later. In 1984, Deep Purple reformed with the Mark II line-up, which remained in place until Joe Lynn Turner replaced Gillan in 1989. Gillan rejoined in 1992, with Blackmore leaving for the second and final time the following year. He was replaced temporarily by Joe Satriani and then permanently by Steve Morse. In 2002 Don Airey replaced Jon Lord, which saw Deep Purple settle into its longest running line-up, unchanged for the next twenty years, until Morse announced his departure from the band in 2022. His place was taken by Simon McBride. Paice, Glover, Gillan, Airey and McBride comprise the current line-up of Deep Purple.
Deep Purple were ranked number 22 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock programme] and a poll on radio station Planet Rock ranked them 5th among the "most influential bands ever". The band received the Legend Award at the 2008 World Music Awards. Deep Purple (specifically Blackmore, Lord, Paice, Gillan, Glover, Coverdale, Evans, and Hughes) were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Well Dressed Guitar
Deep Purple Lyrics
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Think Civil
I was hesitant about Steve joining DP when I first heard the news. I didn't know if it would be a good fit. What I didn't know is that all the band members were still hungry to record and try other genres. I was a "snob", having seen Steve several times in the late 70s/early 80s with The Dregs during a time when Steve said he was technically in his prime (speed). However, after they released Purpendicular and started coming out with more new music I grew to appreciate DP even more than I did before.
Joe Siegler
I first saw Purple do this live when they were still touring on the back end of the Abandon album. Ian said it was something they were working on for their next album (Bananas). Fell in love with it instantly. This is by far my single favorite Deep Purple song of all time. Been into them for ages, and love a lot of their shit, but I get up for this song more than any other. iTunes tells me I've played it more than any other Purple song, too.
Was bummed when it was bumped from Bananas, but at least it showed up on the Deluxe version of Rapture of the Deep! :)
Think Civil
It's only the fans who get into the Blackmore vs. Morse debate, so save it. Ritchie Blackmore has said that Steve Morse is a virtuoso and one of the best guitarists of his generation. Steve cites Blackmore as an early influence. The guitarists who are at this level have lost the "gunfighter" mentality a long time ago and are comfortable with the body of work they have accomplished. That is why G3 Tours work.
entropyincrease
this song makes my hair stand on end, and it so beautiful it brings a tear to my eye.
David Pena
I think Purple just continues to get better with age.
Alcides Duarte Falcao
Steve Morse is a fantastic artist, a guitar genius!
LesPaulDisciple
I've LOVED Deep Purple for 40+ years. Finally got to see them in 1998. I knew Steve was good but I left the show utterly dumbfounded. All I could say was "Richie Who?". I've been playing guitar for almost 40 years but when I watch Steve Morse play stuff like this I get the feeling, to quote Les Paul, that "I should be selling shoes".
David Pena
Yep, they are definitely a different creature now, but still a great band.
FGunneRG
yep! they're awesome!
John and Friends Vlog
Saw this when Deep Purple came out to Nashville Tennessee many many years ago. I don’t go to concerts very often but I’m so glad I went to this one. Loved the whole show