Deep Purple are a British hard rock band originally from Hertford. Formed in March 1968, the group originally included vocalist Rod Evans, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice ("Mark I"). In mid-1969, Evans and Simper were replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover ("Mark II"). After four years, Gillan and Glover departed by the end of 1973, replaced by David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes ("Mark III"). Tommy Bolin replaced Blackmore in 1975 ("Mark IV"), with this lineup continuing until Deep Purple broke up in July 1976. The group reformed in April 1984 with the "Mark II" lineup of Blackmore, Lord, Paice, Gillan and Glover. The current lineup, dubbed "Mark IX", features Paice, Gillan, Glover, guitarist Simon McBride and keyboardist Don Airey.
History
1968–1976
Deep Purple were formed under the name Roundabout in March 1968 by vocalist Rod Evans, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice. Lord and Simper had previously played together with The Flower Pot Men,...