About Deep Purple

Deep Purple, one of the pioneering British bands of heavy metal and modern hard rock, are best known for blending classical influences, psychedelia, blues, and progressive rock, as reflected in the songs ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Highway Star’, ‘Child in Time’, ‘Hush’, and ‘Black Night’. The original members featured Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Rod Evans (vocals), and Nick Simper (bass) in the late 60s.  

In 1975, Deep Purple was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as “the globe’s loudest band” for a 1972 London Rainbow Theatre concert.  

The collective released several iconic albums, including ‘In Rock’ (1970), ‘Fireball’ (1971), ‘Machine Head’ (1972), the live album ‘Made in Japan’ (1972), and ‘Perfect Strangers’ (1984). The band has undergone a series of lineup changes throughout their career (including Blackmore’s infamous departures in 1975 and 1993), each version bringing a new musical direction. In 2016, Deep Purple was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has sold over 100 million records worldwide (as of 2024).  

Deep Purple continues to perform and record new music, with their 2020 album ‘Whoosh!’ reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart and 2021 record ‘Turning to Crime’ peaking within the Top 100 on the US Billboard 200.  

Deep Purple performs on stage with various instruments; a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, and vocalist. An orchestra is seated in the background, with musicians playing string instruments.

Who are the current members of Deep Purple?

The 2024 lineup includes Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Steve Morse, and Don Airey.  

Where did Deep Purple form?

Deep Purple started in Hertford, England, in 1968. 

What awards has Deep Purple won?

Deep Purple has earned one Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement, three Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards (Album of the Year for ‘Now What?!’, Classic Album Award for ‘Machine Head’, and the Innovator Award), as well as the Legend Award at the 2008 World Music Awards. They also received a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance.  

Why did Ritchie Blackmore leave Deep Purple?

Ritchie Blackmore, Deep Purple’s iconic guitarist and founding member, left the band twice, each time for different reasons related to creative differences, personal conflicts, and evolving musical interests (such as forming the rock band Rainbow). 

Deep Purple Tour Dates & Tickets

For more information on upcoming Deep Purple tour dates and tickets, please visit their official website.

Discover more
Deep Purple perform on stage under vibrant lighting, one singing into a microphone while the other plays an electric guitar. In the background, a keyboardist is partially visible.

Deep Purple 'Orchestral Tour'

Filmed on the closing night of the 2011 Montreux Festival, this concert features Deep Purple playing their classic hits with the accompaniment of a full symphony orchestra conducted by Stephen BK Bentley-Klein.

The orchestral arrangements give an added depth and range to the familiar songs and the band, who are clearly enjoying the experience, deliver one of their finest performances.

With a career stretching back into the late sixties and global album sales in excess of 100 million, Deep Purple need no introduction. They continue to record and perform around the world on an ongoing basis and remain of the finest hard rock bands on the planet.

.The performance can be streamed on demand with unlimited replays through the On Air website, mobile, and TV apps.

Stage performance of the band Deep Purple during the "Live at Montreux 2011" concert, with the lead singer in front and musicians playing instruments amidst bright stage lights.