Deep Purple are an English hard rock band formed in London in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered one of the pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock,[4] although the members of the band have always refused to label themselves as the former. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide.[5]The band has gone through many line-up changes, as well as an eight years split and two reunions. Their second and most commercially successful line-up featured: Ian Gillan (lead vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboard), Roger Glover (bass guitar) and Ian Paice (drums).
