Deep Purple is a British rock band formed in London in 1968. They are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their musical style has incorporated elements of psychedelic rock, progressive rock, and blues rock over the course of their career. After beginning with a more psychedelic and progressive approach, they moved toward a heavier sound with the 1970 album "Deep Purple in Rock". Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are frequently cited as central figures in the development of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early 1970s. In 1975, the Guinness Book of World Records listed them as the "globe's loudest band" following a 1972 concert at the Rainbow Theatre in London. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has generated several related projects and spinoff bands, including Rainbow, Whitesnake, and Gillan.

Deep Purple were founded by Rod Evans (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Nick Simper (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and Ian Paice (drums). This initial formation, later referred to as the "Mark I" line-up, recorded three studio albums before Evans and Simper were dismissed in 1969 and replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, forming the "Mark II" line-up. After collaborating with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" (1969), the Mark II line-up recorded the studio albums "Deep Purple in Rock" (1970), "Fireball" (1971), "Machine Head" (1972), and "Who Do We Think We Are" (1973), as well as the live album "Made in Japan" (1972). These releases contributed significantly to the band’s commercial success and influence. Gillan and Glover left the band in 1973 and were replaced by David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, forming the "Mark III" line-up. This version of the band released the studio albums "Burn" and "Stormbringer" in 1974. In 1975, Blackmore departed due to musical differences and was replaced by Tommy Bolin. The resulting "Mark IV" line-up recorded one studio album, "Come Taste the Band" (1975). Deep Purple disbanded in July 1976, and Bolin died later that year from a drug overdose.

The Mark II line-up reunited in 1984 and released the studio albums "Perfect Strangers" (1984) and "The House of Blue Light" (1987). Gillan was dismissed in 1989 amid creative and personal differences and replaced by Joe Lynn Turner, who recorded one album with the band, "Slaves and Masters" (1990). Turner departed in 1992, and Gillan returned for "The Battle Rages On..." (1993). During the subsequent tour, Blackmore left the band again in 1993. He was replaced temporarily by Joe Satriani and then permanently by Steve Morse. The "Mark VII" line-up, consisting of Paice, Lord, Gillan, Glover, and Morse, recorded the studio albums "Purpendicular" (1996) and "Abandon" (1998). In 2002, Jon Lord retired and was replaced by Don Airey, leaving Ian Paice as the only remaining original member. The "Mark VIII" line-up of Paice, Gillan, Glover, Morse, and Airey lasted for twenty years and produced six studio albums. In 2022, Morse left the band after twenty-eight years and was replaced by Simon McBride.

Deep Purple have received various accolades and recognition. They were ranked number 22 on VH1’s "Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" programme, and a poll conducted by Planet Rock placed them fifth among the most influential bands. In 2008, they received the Legend Award at the World Music Awards. Deep Purple were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Purple

Studio albums Shades of Deep Purple (1968) The Book of Taliesyn (1968) Deep Purple (1969) Deep Purple in Rock (1970) Fireball (1971) Machine Head (1972) Who Do We Think We Are (1973) Burn (1974) Stormbringer (1974) Come Taste the Band (1975) Perfect Strangers (1984) The House of Blue Light (1987) Slaves and Masters (1990) The Battle Rages On... (1993) Purpendicular (1996) Abandon (1998) Bananas (2003) Rapture of the Deep (2005) Now What?! (2013) Infinite (2017) Whoosh! (2020) Turning to Crime (2021) =1 (2024)