Deep Purple Members Through the Decades Quiz

Answer:

The original line-up of Deep Purple in 1968 consisted of Rod Evans (vocals), Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Nick Simper (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards) and Ian Paice (drums).

In 1969, Evans and Simper were replaced by Ian Gillan (vocals) and Roger Glover (bass) in what was the Mk II line-up, the most famous and commercially successful of all Deep Purple line-us.

In 1973, Glover and Gillan departed to be replaced by David Coverdale (vocals) and Glenn Hughes (bass).

Ritchie Blacmore quit, for the first time, to form Rainbow in 1975, with his replacement on guitar being Tommy Bolin. After just one album ("Come Taste the Band"), Deep Purple folded, seemingly permanently, in July 1976.

In April 1984, the Mk II line-up reunited and recorded two albums before Gillan was fired in 1989. His replacement on vocals was Joe Lynn Turner. This line-up didn't last long, and Gillan was back in 1993 for what was the last-ever album by the MK II line-up, "The Battle Rages On". Blackmore quit for the final time in 1993, and was replaced by Steve Morse.

The new MK VII line-up managed a long period of stability until Jon Lord retired in 2002. Don Airey was his replacement on keyboards. The final change (at the time of compilation!) came in 2002 when Morse retired, his replacement on guitar being Simon McBride.