With several line up changes over the years Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. They are considered pioneers in the fields of heavy metal, hard rock, and prog rock. Deep Purples most commercially successful line-up consisted of Ian Gillan (vocals), Jon Lord (keyboards, backing vocals), Roger Glover (bass), Ian Paice (drums), and Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), a membership that would reform several times over the decades. Despite numerous awards, and been widely acknowledged, along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, as groundbreaking genre legends Deep Purple were not inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame until very recently. Current members are ....... Roger Glover – bass (1969–1973, 1984–present) Ian Gillan – vocals, harmonica, percussion (1969–1973, 1984–1989, 1992–present) Steve Morse – guitars (1994–present) Don Airey – keyboards (touring member 2001–2002; 2002–present)
