Deep Purple: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts About Deep Purple You Probably Didn’t Know!
Deep Purple, pioneers of heavy rock and one of the most influential bands of the 70s, have been making music for over five decades. While their classics like "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star" are widely known, there’s a treasure trove of lesser-known stories and fun facts about this legendary band. Let’s dive into some of the most interesting bits of Deep Purple history!
1. They Weren’t Always Deep Purple
The band originally formed under the name Roundabout in 1967, with a unique concept. The idea was that the core members would rotate musicians in and out (like a roundabout). However, that concept didn’t stick, and after their first few shows, they settled on the name Deep Purple, inspired by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore’s grandmother’s favorite song, "Deep Purple" by Peter DeRose.
2. They Created the Loudest Concert in History
Deep Purple holds the Guinness World Record for the loudest concert ever performed. In 1972, during a London show at the Rainbow Theatre, the band's sound levels reached an ear-splitting 117 decibels. It was so loud that some fans allegedly passed out, and the venue received damage from the sheer volume.
3. "Smoke on the Water" Was Inspired by a Real Fire
The iconic riff of “Smoke on the Water” is instantly recognizable, but did you know the song tells a true story? While in Montreux, Switzerland, the band witnessed a fire break out at the casino where they were set to record their album. The fire started during a Frank Zappa concert when someone shot a flare gun into the ceiling. The band famously watched as "smoke on the water" rose from the burning building.
4. Deep Purple’s Lineup Changes Have a Code
Deep Purple is famous for its many lineup changes over the years. So much so, that fans and historians often refer to different eras of the band by "Marks" (e.g., Mark I, Mark II). Mark II (with Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice) is considered their "classic" lineup, responsible for some of their biggest hits like Machine Head and In Rock.
5. They Were Almost Called “Concrete God”
Before they settled on "Deep Purple," one of the band’s other name choices was Concrete God. Thankfully, the group decided against it, and the name Deep Purple stuck, with a more melodic and universal appeal, steering them away from something that might have sounded too heavy even for the emerging rock scene.
6. The Band’s Keyboardist Had Classical Roots
Jon Lord, Deep Purple’s legendary keyboardist, brought a unique sound to the band with his use of the Hammond organ. But what you might not know is that he had a background in classical music. He even composed a Concerto for Group and Orchestra in 1969, blending classical music with rock in an unprecedented collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This fusion was groundbreaking for its time and is often considered a precursor to the progressive rock movement.
7. Ian Gillan Played Jesus… Literally
Deep Purple’s lead vocalist, Ian Gillan, had a brief but important stint on stage in the role of Jesus Christ. In 1970, he provided vocals for the original "Jesus Christ Superstar" concept album by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. His powerful voice as Jesus helped propel his fame even further before returning to focus on Deep Purple.
8. Ritchie Blackmore’s Pranks
Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was notorious for his love of playing pranks, often involving dangerous antics. During one tour, he threw a TV out of a hotel window, only to later discover it had landed on the manager’s car. In another instance, he lit up fireworks on stage, causing chaos among the band and crew. Blackmore’s unpredictable behavior was part of what made his live performances so electric, but it also contributed to tensions within the band.
9. “Child in Time” Was Inspired by Another Song
The epic track "Child in Time"—one of Deep Purple’s most iconic songs—was actually inspired by a song from another band, It’s a Beautiful Day. The song “Bombay Calling” has a similar melody, but Deep Purple slowed it down and gave it a powerful, haunting quality that turned it into a hard rock masterpiece.
10. The Band Almost Didn't Exist
In 1976, the band broke up and each member went their separate ways, pursuing various side projects. Ian Gillan formed his own band, and Ritchie Blackmore founded Rainbow. However, after nearly a decade apart, the Mark II lineup reunited in 1984, releasing the successful album "Perfect Strangers" and reigniting their legacy.
From almost being named “Concrete God” to creating the anthem of rock riffs, Deep Purple’s legacy is full of wild stories and surprising moments. Their blend of classical music with heavy rock, their record-breaking concerts, and the larger-than-life personalities of its members make them one of the most fascinating bands in rock history.
One of the most meaningful and iconic lines from Deep Purple comes from their song "Child in Time", a powerful anti-war anthem. The line:
"Sweet child in time, you'll see the line, the line that's drawn between the good and the bad."
This line is deeply significant as it reflects the tension and moral ambiguity of war and conflict. It conveys the idea of innocence being lost over time, as the “child” comes to understand the harsh realities of the world and the thin line between good and evil. The song’s haunting melody and emotional intensity further amplify the weight of this message, making it one of Deep Purple’s most profound lyrics.
What’s your favorite Deep Purple song or memory?