Deep Purple, formed in London in 1968, stands as one of the foundational pillars of hard rock and heavy metal, evolving from psychedelic roots to a thunderous sound that defined an era. Initially featuring members like Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice, the band achieved early success with hits like "Hush" before line up changes brought in Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, leading to iconic albums such as In Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), and Machine Head (1972), which included the timeless riff of "Smoke on the Water." Through multiple iterations—marked by departures, reunions, and new additions like David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, and later Steve Morse and Simon McBride - the band has demonstrated remarkable resilience, releasing over 20 studio albums and maintaining an active presence into 2025 with tours and new material like the album =1 (2024). Their ability to blend raw energy with technical prowess has cemented them as innovators who pushed rock boundaries without losing their core intensity.
Musically, Deep Purple's appraisal shines through their pioneering fusion of classical elements, blues, funk, and blistering riffs, influencing genres from speed metal to thrash and inspiring countless acts like Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Judas Priest. Albums like Made in Japan (1972) captured their explosive live improvisations, earning them a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the loudest band in 1972, while their orchestral collaborations, such as Concerto for Group and Orchestra (1969), showcased Lord's classical training and set precedents for rock symphonies. With over 100 million records sold and a 2016 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their legacy endures as the "unholy trinity" of British hard rock alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, proving their enduring impact on music through consistency, evolution, and sheer sonic power.
Here are some interesting facts about Deep Purple:
- Ian Gillan was the original voice of Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), but declined to reprise the role in the film due to the band's touring schedule.
- Bassist Roger Glover produced Judas Priest's 1977 album Sin After Sin, helping transition the band toward a heavier metal sound during a time when they struggled for support.
- Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson's first album purchase was Deep Purple's In Rock (1970), inspired by hearing "Child in Time."
- The band held a Guinness World Record for the "globe's loudest band" after a 1972 London concert, reaching 117 dB.
- Both Ian Gillan and Glenn Hughes provided lead vocals for Black Sabbath albums—Gillan on Born Again (1983) and Hughes on Seventh Star (1986).
- "Hard Lovin' Man" from In Rock is considered the first speed metal song, influencing fast-paced metal with its galloping rhythms.
- In 1969, they released Concerto for Group and Orchestra with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, predating similar rock-orchestra projects like Metallica's S&M by 30 years.
- A young Lars Ulrich (Metallica) attended a Deep Purple concert in Denmark in the early 1970s, which profoundly impacted him, especially the double bass drumming on "Fireball."
- Ian Gillan is credited as the first metal screamer, particularly for his work on tracks like "Child in Time" and "Bloodsucker."
- The riff for "Smoke on the Water" was inspired by a real fire at the Montreux Casino during a Frank Zappa concert in 1971, which the band witnessed while recording Machine Head.