Check out these new and used Deep Purple vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Deep Purple vinyl collection with the essential albums Burn, Fireball and Come Taste The Band. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Deep Purple: Pioneers of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal

Inception and Early Years (1968-1971)

Formation of a Supergroup Deep Purple was born in Hertford, England, in 1968, as a gathering of seasoned musicians from various bands. The original lineup included Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Ian Paice (drums), Rod Evans (vocals), and Nick Simper (bass).

Debut Album: “Shades of Deep Purple” (1968) “Shades of Deep Purple” marked the band’s debut in 1968. While still finding their sound, the album included a distinctive cover of Joe South’s “Hush,” which became a commercial success, providing an early glimpse of Deep Purple’s potential.

“The Book of Taliesyn” (1968) and “Deep Purple” (1969) Continuing their rapid output, the band released two more albums in 1968 and 1969, namely “The Book of Taliesyn” and “Deep Purple.” The albums showcased the band’s versatility, experimenting with progressive and classical elements, while also leaning towards harder rock.

Classic Lineup and the Mark II Era (1970-1973)

Introduction of Ian Gillan and Roger Glover The pivotal Mark II lineup emerged in 1969, solidifying Deep Purple’s classic sound. Vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover joined Blackmore, Lord, and Paice, creating a powerhouse that would define the band’s most iconic era.

“Deep Purple in Rock” (1970): Hard Rock Mastery “Deep Purple in Rock” (1970) marked a significant shift towards hard rock. Anthems like “Child in Time” showcased Gillan’s powerful vocals, while tracks like “Speed King” demonstrated the band’s instrumental prowess. The album is often hailed as a cornerstone of the hard rock genre.

“Fireball” (1971) and “Machine Head” (1972) The momentum continued with “Fireball” (1971), a dynamic album that maintained the band’s hard-hitting approach. However, it was “Machine Head” (1972) that elevated Deep Purple to global superstardom. Featuring timeless classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” the album remains an essential part of rock history.

“Made in Japan” (1972): Live Powerhouse “Made in Japan” (1972), a live album recorded during their 1972 tour, showcased Deep Purple’s prowess on stage. The electrifying performances captured the band’s improvisational skills and confirmed their status as one of the greatest live acts in rock.

Transition and Turmoil (1973-1976)

“Who Do We Think We Are” (1973) Tensions within the band surfaced during the recording of “Who Do We Think We Are” (1973). Despite internal conflicts, the album produced hits like “Woman from Tokyo.” Soon after its release, Gillan and Glover departed, marking the end of the Mark II lineup.

The Mark III Era with David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes The Mark III lineup emerged with the addition of vocalist David Coverdale and bassist Glenn Hughes. This lineup released “Burn” (1974) and “Stormbringer” (1974), which showcased a funkier and soulful direction. While these albums were well-received, internal conflicts persisted.

Breakup and Reunion (1976-1984)

Deep Purple’s Temporary Disbandment Deep Purple went through a period of disbandment from 1976 to 1984. During this time, various members pursued solo projects or joined other bands. Blackmore formed Rainbow, Coverdale created Whitesnake, and Gillan pursued a solo career.

Reunion with “Perfect Strangers” (1984) In 1984, the classic Mark II lineup reunited for “Perfect Strangers.” The album marked a triumphant return, combining the familiar hard rock sound with a modern touch. The title track and “Knocking at Your Back Door” became standout tracks, reaffirming Deep Purple’s enduring appeal.

Later Years and Continuing Legacy (1987-Present)

“The House of Blue Light” (1987) and Lineup Changes “The House of Blue Light” (1987) continued the band’s journey into the late ’80s. Despite commercial success, tensions led to lineup changes, with Gillan leaving in 1989 and Joe Lynn Turner briefly joining as vocalist.

“The Battle Rages On…” (1993) and Ian Gillan’s Return “The Battle Rages On…” (1993) marked Gillan’s return, but it also became Blackmore’s final album with the band. The guitarist left amidst tour tensions, and Deep Purple welcomed Steve Morse as his replacement.

The Morse-Era Albums (1996-Present) The Morse era began with “Purpendicular” (1996) and continued with albums like “Abandon” (1998), “Bananas” (2003), and “Now What?!” (2013). These albums showcased Morse’s guitar virtuosity, and tracks like “Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming” demonstrated the band’s continued songwriting prowess.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction (2016) In 2016, Deep Purple received long-overdue recognition with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The honor acknowledged their significant contributions to the rock genre and their enduring impact on generations of musicians.

“Whoosh!” (2020) and Ongoing Touring The band’s studio album “Whoosh!” (2020) marked another chapter in their extensive discography. Despite the challenges posed by the changing music industry, Deep Purple continued to tour globally, maintaining a strong connection with their devoted fanbase.

Legacy and Impact

Influencing the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Genres Deep Purple’s impact on hard rock and heavy metal cannot be overstated. Their powerful sound, characterized by Blackmore’s iconic guitar riffs and Jon Lord’s keyboard wizardry, laid the groundwork for countless bands that followed.

Innovation and Experimentation Throughout their career, Deep Purple demonstrated a willingness to experiment with different musical styles. From progressive and classical influences to funkier sounds in the Coverdale-Hughes era, the band’s versatility has been a key element of their enduring appeal.

Live Performance Prowess Deep Purple’s reputation as a formidable live act is firmly established. The energy, improvisation, and technical prowess displayed on stage have earned them a place among the greatest performers in rock history.

Solo Ventures and Collaborations Members of Deep Purple have pursued successful solo careers and engaged in various collaborations. From Blackmore’s work with Rainbow to Gillan’s solo albums, the individual contributions of band members have further enriched the world of rock music.

Iconic Singles and Album Tracks Hits like “Smoke on the Water,” “Highway Star,” and “Child in Time” have become iconic representations of Deep Purple’s musical legacy. These timeless tracks continue to resonate with audiences worldwide and are celebrated as classics in the rock canon.

Enduring Fanbase and Cultural Impact Deep Purple’s fanbase spans generations, attesting to the enduring appeal of their music. The band’s influence extends beyond the realm of music, permeating popular culture and leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of rock enthusiasts.

Discography Overview

1. “Shades of Deep Purple” (1968)

• Debut album featuring early experimentation.

2. “The Book of Taliesyn” (1968)

• Continued exploration of progressive and classical elements.

3. “Deep Purple” (1969)

• Further evolution towards harder rock.

4. “Deep Purple in Rock” (1970)

• Defining hard rock masterpiece.

5. “Fireball” (1971)

• Dynamic and hard-hitting compositions.

6. “Machine Head” (1972)

• Global breakthrough with timeless classics.

7. “Who Do We Think We Are” (1973)

• Final album with the Mark II lineup.

8. “Burn” (1974)

• Introduction of the Mark III lineup.

9. “Stormbringer” (1974)

• Funkier and soulful direction with Mark III.

10. “Perfect Strangers” (1984) – Triumphant reunion with the classic Mark II lineup.

11. “The House of Blue Light” (1987) – Late ’80s exploration with lineup changes.

12. “Purpendicular” (1996) – Morse era begins with a modern touch.

13. “Bananas” (2003) – Continued exploration with Morse on guitar.

14. “Now What?!” (2013) – Morse era’s ongoing contribution to the band’s legacy.

15. “Whoosh!” (2020) – Latest studio album showcasing continued creativity.

Conclusion

Deep Purple’s journey through the realms of hard rock and heavy metal is a testament to their enduring impact on the music landscape. From their inception in the late ’60s to their continued creativity in the present day, the band has left an indelible mark on generations of rock enthusiasts. The evolution of their sound, the iconic contributions of various lineups, and the timeless classics in their discography all contribute to Deep Purple’s legacy as pioneers and titans of the rock genre.