DEEP PURPLE 68 / 76
Formed in early 1968 by RITCHIE BLACKMORE, JON LORD and IAN PAICE (with ROD EVANS vcls and NICK SIMPER bass), they had a big US hit with HUSH and issued three sometimes psychedelic albums before adding new singer IAN GILLAN and bassist ROGER GLOVER in 1969. Becoming a much harder band, their LP IN ROCK was an instant classic, and was followed by FIREBALL and MACHINE HEAD, and several hit singles. Worldwide success of SMOKE ON THE WATER brought pressures which saw another line-up change, with DAVID COVERDALE and GLENN HUGHES joining in mid-1973. They cut two albums, including the popular BURN, before BLACKMORE shocked everyone by quitting to form RAINBOW in mid-1975. TOMMY BOLIN replaced him for one album and tour but performances were erratic and they split in spring 1976.

Today the line-ups are generally referred to as Mk 1, 2, 3 and 4. All the albums have much to recommend them, and all line-ups have their own devotees. It was on stage that Mk 2’s reputation was founded (as well as seeing them crowned loudest band in the world) and sustained by Mk 3. A wealth of good live recordings exist which capture this side of the group.
All the ex-members went to new bands, some more long-lived than others. Mk 2 reformed in 1984 and despite more line-up changes, the band are still working hard.