Deep Purple (band) Autographs

Profession:
(1968 - ) English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968 - they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock

Year of Birth: 1968

Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertfordshire in 1968. Consisting of vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Roger Glover, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice, the band is considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although their sound includes elements of jazz, classical, and blues.

The band's first hit, "Hush", was released in 1968. The song was a success in the US, reaching the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, and helped Deep Purple gain international recognition. The band's next single, "Black Night," became an even bigger hit, reaching the top 10 in many countries, including the US and the UK. Deep Purple went on to release a series of successful albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1972), and "Burn" (1974).

The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the years, with the current lineup consisting of Ian Gillan, Steve Morse, Don Airey, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice. Throughout its career, Deep Purple has sold over 100 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. In addition to their commercial success, they are also regarded as one of the most influential bands of the hard rock and heavy metal genres, inspiring the likes of Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden.

Deep Purple has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for their song "Smoke on the Water" in 1973. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Despite lineup changes and various hiatuses, Deep Purple continues to tour and record to this day. They released their latest album, "Infinite," in 2017, and have since embarked on several world tours. Their live shows are known for their energetic performances, featuring classic hits as well as newer material.

Deep Purple have been an integral part of the hard rock and metal scene since their inception in 1968, and their influence can still be heard in the music of many modern bands. Their contribution to the genre has been recognized by fans and critics alike, and the band will undoubtedly continue to be a major force in rock and metal for many years to come.