NICK SIMPER Bass Guitar - Mini-Biography and Career
- Nick Simper: The Founding Backbone of Deep Purple
Nick Simper, founding bassist and backing vocalist of Deep Purple, played a pivotal role in shaping the band's early sound. With his distinctive basslines and melodic vocals, he contributed to their debut album "Shades of Deep Purple" and the iconic hit "Hush." Despite leaving the band in 1969 due to creative differences, Simper's musical journey continued with the formation of Warhorse and various collaborations. His legacy as a founding member and his contribution to Deep Purple's early success remains an important part of rock history.
NICK SIMPER Bass Guitar
Nick Simper, born Nicholas John Simper on November 3, 1945, in Southall, England, is a renowned bassist and founding member of the iconic rock band Deep Purple. Simper's musical journey, spanning over six decades, is a testament to his enduring passion for music and his significant contribution to the early days of Deep Purple.
Early Years and Musical Beginnings
Simper's musical career began in the early 1960s, playing in various local bands in London. His talent and dedication led him to join several notable groups, including The Renegades, The Delta Five, and Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. Simper's association with The Pirates was tragically cut short when a car accident claimed the life of frontman Johnny Kidd, leaving Simper injured.
Deep Purple's Mark I Era and "Shades of Deep Purple" (1968-1969)
In 1968, Simper co-founded Deep Purple, alongside Rod Evans, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice. As the bassist and backing vocalist, Simper played a crucial role in shaping the band's early sound, which blended elements of hard rock, psychedelic rock, and progressive rock, showcased prominently in their debut album,
"Shades of Deep Purple."
This album, while not a major commercial success in the UK, featured their breakout hit "Hush," a cover of Joe South's song that reached No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Simper's distinctive basslines and backing vocals were instrumental in the album's unique sound, particularly evident in tracks like "Mandrake Root," showcasing the band's early experimentation and instrumental prowess.
Despite the album's success in the US, creative differences and commercial pressures led to Simper's departure from the band in 1969.
Post-Deep Purple Career and Warhorse
Following his exit from Deep Purple, Simper continued his musical journey, forming the band Warhorse in 1970. Warhorse, known for their heavy rock sound and elaborate stage shows, released two albums: Warhorse (1970) and Red Sea (1972).
Simper's career with Warhorse was met with moderate success, and the band ultimately disbanded in 1974. He subsequently pursued session work and collaborated with various artists, including Marsha Hunt and Nick Simper's Fandango.
Legacy and Recognition
Nick Simper's contribution to Deep Purple's early years is undeniable. His solid bass lines, melodic backing vocals, and stage presence helped establish the band's identity and paved the way for their future success. Though his time with the band was relatively brief, Simper's legacy as a founding member and his musical contributions, especially in "Shades of Deep Purple", remain an integral part of Deep Purple's history.
In recent years, Simper has continued to perform and record music, collaborating with various artists and revisiting his Warhorse material. He remains an active figure in the music scene, touring with his band Nasty Habits and participating in various Deep Purple-related projects.
Conclusion
Nick Simper's musical journey is a testament to his passion, talent, and resilience. From his early days in the London music scene to his co-founding role in Deep Purple and his subsequent career with Warhorse, Simper has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. His legacy as a founding member of Deep Purple and his contributions to their early sound, particularly in the groundbreaking album "Shades of Deep Purple," continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
Released on Deep Purple's own record label, '24 Carat' marked Deep Purple's debut compilation album, representing a pivotal period in their hard rock journey. This 12" LP encapsulates the band's evolution, featuring iconic tracks that defined their sound.
Deep Purple's 'Anthology' is a musical treasure trove spanning 150 minutes, carefully curated across three LPs. This vinyl masterpiece not only delivers the band's iconic sound but also includes the original 4-page 12" booklet, offering fans a nostalgic journey through the band's history.
Deep Purple's 'Burn' marked a pivotal transition with new members David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, forming the 'Mark III' lineup. This Italian release of the album is distinguishable by the S.I.A.E 'Rights Society' imprint at 9 o'clock on the record label.
DEEP PURPLE - Come Taste the Band (European Releases)
Deep Purple's "Come Taste the Band" is a pivotal album in their discography, marking a shift with Tommy Bolin on guitar. The 1975 European LP releases captured this new era, featuring iconic tracks like "Gettin' Tighter" and "Comin' Home".
DEEP PURPLE - Deepest Purple (Gt Britain & French Release)
"Deepest Purple: The Very Best of Deep Purple" is the compilation album by the British hard rock band Deep Purple, released in 1980. It features the original hits of Deep Purple before their 1984 reunion.
DEEP PURPLE - Self-titled aka DEEP PURPLE III (European Releses)
Deep Purple's 'Deep Purple III' (1976, Netherlands) marks a pivotal moment in the band's history. Originally released in 1969 on Harvest Records in the UK, it stands as the third studio album and the final one with the original lineup.
Deep Purple's 'Fireball' album, in its original European release, boasts a unique addition - 'Demon's Eye' replacing 'Strange Kind of Woman.' This gatefold 12" vinyl LP provides an authentic experience
DEEP PURPLE - The House Of Blue Light (German & Hungarian Releases
Deep Purple's 'The House of Blue Light' in its German 12" vinyl LP release represents a significant chapter in the band's history. This album captures the reunion of the re-formed Mark II lineup and showcases meticulous production and sound engineering, resulting in an auditory masterpiece.
DEEP PURPLE In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes (Holland)
Harvest 1A 138-64158 , 1980 , Holland
Deep Purple's 'In Concert Unreleased BBC Tapes,' in a gatefold cover 12" vinyl LP album, offers a captivating glimpse into the band's live prowess. Recorded in 1970 and 1972 for the BBC's 'In Concert' series, these unreleased performances are a treasure trove for fans.
Deep Purple's "In Rock" (1970), a landmark in hard rock, shook the European music scene with its raw energy. Original European LP pressings are sought after by collectors for their powerful sound and iconic gatefold cover. Tracks like "Speed King" and "Child in Time" showcase the Mark II lineup's prowess
Deep Purple - Last Concert in Japan (German Release)
Purple Records 1C 064-60 900 , 1977 , Germany
This album by DEEP PURPLE released in March 1977. It records the last Japanese concert of the Mark IV-lineup with Tommy Bolin. This album was recorded on December 15, 1975 at the Tokyo Budokan,
"Machine Head" is the sixth studio album released by English rock band "Deep Purple". It was recorded through December 1971 in Montreux, Switzerland, and released in March 1972. "Machine Head" is often cited as influential in the development of the heavy metal music genre.
The USA release of "Deep Purple - Made in Europe" on a 12" vinyl LP album is a live recording capturing the band's performances in Austria, Germany, and France during April 1975. Engineered by Mick McKenna, Tapani, and Martin Birch, and mixed by Ian Paice and Martin Birch,
DEEP PURPLE - Made in Japan (International Releases)
"Deep Purple - Made in Japan Live 2LP" is a monumental double live album by the English rock band. Recorded during their inaugural tour of Japan in August 1972, this album captures the raw energy and musical brilliance of Deep Purple's live performances. Originally released in December 1972
"Deep Purple - Mark I and II" is a 2LP gatefold 12" vinyl album that offers a comprehensive journey through the band's evolution. The gatefold cover features captivating artwork and photos within its pages. Liner notes by Jens Larsen provide insights in both English and German
DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP
Purple Records – 1A 062-61695, Purple Records – 5C 062-61695 , 1979 , Holland
The Mark 2 Purple Singles" record is a compilation album of tracks previously released as 7" singles of the "Mark II" period of the British Rock band "Deep Purple". Their Mark 2 period was from July 1969 until June 1973.
"Nobody's Perfect" is a live double LP album by the British rock band Deep Purple, released in 1988. This album captures the band's electrifying live performances and showcases their enduring musical prowess. Featuring classic tracks, it stands as a testament to Deep Purple's status as rock legends
"Perfect Strangers" is the eleventh studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in November 1984. It represents the first album recorded by the reformed (and most successful and popular) 'Mark II' line-up.
"Powerhouse" (1977, Germany) is a compilation album by Deep Purple, featuring a collection of previously unreleased live and studio tracks from the band's prime era. This album offers a nostalgic journey back to the halcyon days of Deep Purple, capturing their electrifying performances and musical prowess.
"Rock Story" from Belgium is not a Deep Purple album; rather, it's a compilation album featuring various bands and tracks from the rock genre. While it doesn't exclusively feature Deep Purple, it offers a diverse selection of rock music from different artists.
The International releases of "Deep Purple - Live at the Royal Albert Hall" offers fans a spectacular musical experience. This album captures the band's live concert at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the groundbreaking "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" composed by Jon Lord.
"Shades of Deep Purple" (1977, Netherlands) marks the debut full-length album from the British rock band Deep Purple. It encapsulates the prevailing psychedelic and progressive rock sound of late 1960s Britain. This album serves as a historical snapshot, showcasing the band's early musical exploratio
"Deep Purple - Singles A's & B's" on 12" vinyl LP is a compilation album that offers a treasure trove of rare A-sides and B-sides from Deep Purple's singles. This collection provides a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to explore the band's lesser-known tracks and discover hidden gems.
"Slaves and Masters" (1990, Germany) is a significant album in Deep Purple's discography. Released in 1990, it represents a unique chapter as the only album featuring singer Joe Lynn Turner, who replaced Ian Gillan in the previous year. This transitional period in the band's history brought a different vocal style
"Stormbringer" is the ninth studio album by DEEP PURPLE, released in December 1974. On this album, the soul and funk elements that were only hinted are much more prominent. Many fans consider Stormbringer to be a major turning point in the band, and the mark of an era's end.
DEEP PURPLE - Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain & French Release)
Who Do We Think We Are! is a hard rock album by DEEP PURPLE. Recorded in Rome July 72 and Frankfurt Oct 72 on Rolling Stones Mobile. It was their seventh studio album, and the last one with the classic Mk II lineup of the group until 1984.
Another influential British rock band, featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. Cream explored a wider range of styles than Led Zeppelin, but their blues-rock foundation and improvisational jams share some similarities.
Cream
Jimi Hendrix
A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin.
Jimi Hendrix
Led Zeppelin
Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals
Led Zeppelin
The Who
Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals.
The Who
.jpg)
