Deep Purple

DEEP PURPLE. English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock although their musical approach has changed over the years. Originally formed as a progressive rock band they shifted to a heavier sound in 1970. Together with Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath they have been referred to as the "unholy trinity of British hard rock and heavy metal in the early to mid-seventies". They have had several line-up changes and an eight-year hiatus (1976–1984). The 1968–1976 line-ups are commonly labelled Mark I, II, III and IV. Their second and most commercially successful line-up featured ; Ian Gillan (vocals) / Jon Lord (organ) / Roger Glover (bass) / Ian Paice (drums) and Ritchie Blackmore (guitar). Deep Purple were ranked No22 on VH1's Greatest Artists of Hard Rock programme and a poll on British radio station Planet Rock ranked them 5th among the "most influential bands ever". Having been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 and 2013, but failing to get enough votes for induction, they were finally announced as inductees in December 2015. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.