Deep Purple

Deep Purple is the name of a British rock group, and is also the name of a song composed by Peter De Rose, from which the band may have borrowed its name. They are one of the first and most famous hard rock bands, and are considered pioneers of heavy metal.

Current line-up

• Ian Paice (1968 - present) - drums and percussion
• Roger Glover (1969 - 1973, 1984 - present) - bass
• Steve Morse (1994 - present) - guitar
• Don Airey (2002 - present) - keyboards
• Ian Gillan (1969 - 1973, 1984 - 1989, 1992 - present) - vocals

Former members

• Rod Evans (1968 - 1969) - vocals
• Nick Simper (1968 - 1969) - bass
• David Coverdale (1973 - 1976) - vocals
• Tommy Bolin (1975-1976) - guitar
• Glenn Hughes (1973 - 1976) - bass + vocals
• Joe Lynn Turner (1990 - 1992) - vocals
• Jon Lord (1968 - 2002) - keyboards
• Ritchie Blackmore (1968 - 1975, 1984 - 1993) - guitar

Band members