Deep Purple
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.
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
To get information on upcoming Deep Purple tour dates and concert tickets, you can visit the official website.
