DEEP PURPLE - COME TASTE THE BAND 12" Vinyl LP Album
- 1975 German Release with Gatefold Album Cover & Insert

Deep Purple's 'Come Taste the Band,' in the German gatefold 12" vinyl LP release, is a collector's treasure. Distinguished by the 'GEMA' Rights Society imprint near 9 o'clock on the label, this edition offers a unique perspective on the band's fusion of rock, funk, and soul. Recorded at Munich's Musicland Studios between August 3rd and September 1st, 1975,

High Resolution #1 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

Deep Purple's 'Come Taste the Band': A Flawed Yet Fascinating Testament to a Band in Transition

Album Description:

Deep Purple's "Come Taste the Band," a 1975 sonic snapshot of a band in flux, remains a controversial and captivating entry in their vast discography. Arriving hot on the heels of Ritchie Blackmore's departure, the album marked the debut of Tommy Bolin, a guitarist with a penchant for blues-infused rock and a burgeoning funk sensibility. This infusion of fresh blood, while initially promising, ultimately proved to be a double-edged sword.

Recorded in the heart of Munich's Musicland Studios, the album serves as a time capsule of the mid-70s rock scene, rife with experimentation and a willingness to push boundaries. Under the watchful eye of producer Martin Birch, known for his work with the likes of Black Sabbath and Fleetwood Mac, Deep Purple embarked on a sonic journey that veered away from their hard rock roots and delved into funk, soul, and even progressive rock territories.

This stylistic departure was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike. Some lauded the band's willingness to evolve and embrace new sounds, while others lamented the loss of their signature sound. Bolin's guitar work, while technically impressive, often felt at odds with the band's established sound, leading to a sense of disjointedness throughout the album. This contrast between Bolin's style and Deep Purple's established identity became a focal point for discussions and debates among fans, further solidifying the album's controversial status.

Despite its flaws, "Come Taste the Band" remains a fascinating document of a band in transition. Tracks like "Gettin' Tighter" showcase the band's newfound funkiness, driven by Glenn Hughes' soulful vocals and a pulsating rhythm section, which quickly became a fan favorite for its infectious groove. The album's closer, "You Keep on Moving," a sprawling, seven-minute epic, hints at the band's progressive rock aspirations, featuring intricate arrangements and David Coverdale's emotive vocals. These two tracks in particular have become emblematic of the album's unique sound and have sparked countless discussions about their place in Deep Purple's discography.

While the album may not reach the dizzying heights of earlier Deep Purple releases, it offers a glimpse into a band unafraid to take risks and explore new musical avenues. It serves as a reminder that even the most iconic bands are not immune to change, and that sometimes, the most interesting results are found in the most unexpected places. "Come Taste the Band" is a testament to Deep Purple's enduring spirit and their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock music, even if it meant alienating some of their fanbase. Its legacy continues to spark debate and intrigue, making it a must-listen for any Deep Purple fan or anyone interested in the evolution of rock music in the mid-70s.

Music Genre:

English Progressive Rock, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock

Album Production Information:

"Come Taste The Band" was recorded between August 3rd and September 1st, 1975 at Musicland Studios in Munich, Germany. The album was co-produced and engineered by the band and longtime band associate Martin Birch. The album was released in October 1975. It was the only studio album with Tommy Bolin, who replaced Ritchie Blackmore on lead guitar.

Produced by Martin Birch and Deep Purple, all music of this album was conceived, written and recorded in Musicland Studios, during August and September 1975

Martin Birch – Producer, Sound Engineer

I first noticed Martin Birch on those early Iron Maiden sleeves—the ones with the typography that felt like a threat. At twelve, I didn’t care about "production value"; I just liked that the guitars didn't sound like mud. He was the man behind the sound mixer, the one who made the snare snap like a dry branch in a cold forest. He was "The Headmaster," and we were all just students of his high-voltage curriculum. Read more...

Birch didn’t just record noise; he organized aggression. By 1972, he was already wrangling the messy brilliance of Deep Purple’s Machine Head, turning Ian Gillan’s banshee wails into something that didn't just clip the tape but lived inside it. In 1980, he pulled off the ultimate renovation, giving Black Sabbath a much-needed shower and a new spine. Heaven and Hell shouldn't have worked, but Martin polished that Birmingham sludge into something operatic and gleaming. It was a pivot that felt like fate, mostly because he refused to let the mid-range get lazy.

Then came the long, obsessive stretch with Iron Maiden from 1981 to 1992. It was a twelve-year marriage to the fader. From the moment Killers (EMC 3357, for those who care) hit the shelves, the sound was physical. He knew how to let Steve Harris’s bass clatter like a machine gun without drowning out the melody—a sonic miracle that still feels fresh. You can almost smell the ozone and the dust on the Marshall stacks when the needle drops on The Number of the Beast. He stayed until Fear of the Dark, then simply walked away. No victory lap, no bloated memoir. He preferred the hum of the desk to the noise of the crowd, leaving us with nothing but the records and a slight sense of abandonment. But then, when you’ve already captured lightning on tape for twenty years, why bother hanging around for the rain?

Martin Birch Wiki

Photography: Fin Costello

Fin Costello – Art Direction, Photography

Fin Costello is the guy behind the lens who made loud bands look even louder—caught mid-stride, mid-sweat, mid-myth. I always pay extra attention when his photos are printed on album covers and inner sleeves. Read more...

Fin Costello hit my radar the way the best photographers do: not with a signature, but with a feeling. You’re staring at a sleeve and suddenly you can hear the room. Hot lights. Hair stuck to foreheads. That thin layer of sweat that says the set is only halfway done.

He comes out of late-1960s London photojournalism—learn the craft fast, get close, don’t ask the moment to repeat itself. And when the rock caravan starts dragging its cables across Europe, he’s already in the right place. Deep Purple (1972–1975) looks like volume you could measure with a broken window. Rainbow (1975–1977) looks sharper, richer, a little more dangerous in the fantasy costume. Then Ozzy Osbourne (1980–1983) arrives like a headline that won’t calm down.

The thing I like is that Costello doesn’t “capture legends.” He catches people working. There’s a difference. Legends pose. Working musicians forget you’re there—until the flash reminds them, and even then he’s already moved on.

Record Label & Catalog-nr:

Purple Records 1C 062-97 044 (06297044)

Album Packaging:

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design, with many photos of Deep Purple's band members on the inside pages.

Media Format:

12" Vinyl LP Gramophone Record
Album weight: 280 gram

Year & Country:

1975 Made in Germany

Band Members and Musicians on: Deep Purple Come Taste the Band

Deep Purple are

Tommy Bolin - Lead Guitar
Tommy Bolin, a guitar legend gone too soon. His fusion of rock, blues, and jazz left an enduring legacy. Dive into the life and music of this virtuoso who played with Deep Purple and released acclaimed solo albums. Read about his career
David Coverdale - vocals
David Coverdale – Vocals
My shelves have plenty of loudmouths, but few singers can swing from blues grit to arena-sized drama as naturally as Coverdale. Read more...

David Coverdale, the kind of frontman who makes a chorus feel like a marching order, first sharpened his pipes in local outfits like Vintage 67 (1966–1968), The Government (1968–1972), and the Fabulosa Brothers (1972–1973) before stepping into the big-league furnace as Deep Purple’s lead singer (1973–1976). After Purple imploded, the story didn’t get smaller—it got craftier: two solo moves (1977–1978) to keep the blues-blood flowing, then the real flag-plant with Whitesnake (founded 1978), where that husky, soul-soaked roar turned into a signature brand of hard rock theatre. Later, during Whitesnake’s early-90s break, the plot swerved into supergroup territory with Coverdale•Page (1990–1993), proving he could still pick a fresh fight with the gods of volume without losing his melodic nerve.

David Coverdale Wiki
Glenn Hughes - bass
Glenn Hughes – Vocals, Bass
Known as “The Voice of Rock” for his powerful, soul-drenched vocals and melodic bass style. Read more...

Glenn Hughes is one of those voices I recognize within seconds, whether he is singing, playing bass, or doing both at full throttle. I first place him in the late 1960s with Trapeze (1969–1972), where his mix of hard rock, funk, and soul already sounded fearless and fully formed. His defining chapter arrived when he joined Deep Purple during the Mark III and Mark IV years (1973–1976), co-writing and sharing lead vocals on albums like Burn and Stormbringer, permanently reshaping the band’s sound with elastic bass lines and a distinctly soulful edge. After Deep Purple, he moved through a turbulent but creative solo period in the late 1970s and 1980s, before resurfacing strongly in the 1990s with projects including Black Sabbath (1986), Gary Moore’s band (1991–1992), Hughes/Thrall, and later Black Country Communion (2009–2018). Across decades, styles, and line-ups, Hughes remains a restless, genre-blurring force who never learned how to play it safe.

Glenn Hughes Biography
Jon Lord - keyboards
Jon Lord – Keyboards
On my best days, that Hammond roar still sounds like cathedral pipes hijacked by a Marshall stack—and Jon Lord is the reason. Read more...

Jon Lord, British keyboardist, composer, and co-founder of Deep Purple, never played “background” the way polite musicians do—he attacked the keys like they owed him money, then turned around and wrote with the discipline of a trained composer. The story starts in the R&B trenches with The Artwoods (1964–1967), then detonates when he helps launch Deep Purple (1968–1976; 1984–2002), where that distorted Hammond became a lead instrument with teeth. After Purple’s first collapse, the road briefly rerouted through Paice Ashton Lord (1976–1978), and then straight into David Coverdale’s orbit with Whitesnake (1978–1984), adding class, weight, and that unmistakable “burning organ” halo to bluesy hard rock. Underneath all the volume, the man kept one foot in the concert hall—because some people can shred and still hear the orchestra in their heads.

Jon Lord Wiki
Ian Paice - drums
Ian Paice – Drums
The human engine room of Deep Purple: swing, snap, and zero wasted motion. Read more...
Ian Paice, the drummer who turned Deep Purple's thunder into clockwork groove, never flashy, always lethal. From Maze in the mid-60s he joined Deep Purple in 1968, anchoring every era: the Mark I-IV years (1968-1976) and the long-haul return (1984-present). After the split I followed him through Paice Ashton Lord (1976-1978), Whitesnake (1979-1982), and Gary Moore's early-80s line-ups and sessions (1982-1984). He's the only Purple member to play on every studio album, and you can tell why: his swing sits inside the backbeat, pushing the band forward without rushing. Listen for the tight hi-hat chatter, snare cracks like a starter pistol, and fills that sing without stepping on the riff.
Ian Paice Wiki

Complete Track Listing of: Deep Purple Come Taste the Band

Side One: Side One:

Comin' Home
Lady Luck
Gettin' Tighter
Dealer
I Need Love

Side Two:

Drifter
Love Child
This Time Around
Owed to G (instrumental)
You Keep On Moving

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Deep Purple Come Taste the Band

High Resolution #1 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

High Resolution #2 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

Photo of Album's Inner Cover

High Resolution #3 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

Photo of Album's Inner Cover

High Resolution #4 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

High Resolution #5 Photo DEEP PURPLE Come Taste The Band Germany

Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )

Index of DEEP PURPLE Vinyl Records and Album Cover Gallery

DEEP PURPLE - 24 Carat Purple (Germany)

Purple 1C 038-1576031 , 1975 , Germany

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.

24 Carat Purple 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Anthology (Europe)

EMI 152 Y 79 6130 , 1991 , EEC

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.

Anthology 12" Vinyl 3LP

DEEP PURPLE - Burn (Italy)

DEEP PURPLE - Burn (Italian Release) album front cover vinyl record

Purple Records 3C 064-94837 , 1974 , Italy

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.

Burn (Italian Release) 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Come Taste the Band (European Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - Come Taste the Band (English Release) album front cover vinyl record

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".

- Come Taste the Band (English Release) - Come Taste the Band (French Release) - Come Taste the Band (German Release) - Come Taste the Band (Netherlands Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) album front cover vinyl record

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.

- Deepest Purple (Gt Britain Release) - Deepest Purple (French Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Self-titled aka DEEP PURPLE III (European Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - Self-titled aka DEEP PURPLE III (Netherlands Release) album front cover vinyl record

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 III (Netherlands Release) - DEEP PURPLE III (Dutch Release, with Label Code) - DEEP PURPLE III (German Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (European & USA Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - Fireball (German Release)
album front cover vinyl record

Harvest 1C 062-92 726 , 1971 , Germany

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

- Fireball (German Release) - Fireball (German Release, Fame Records) - Fireball (Netherlands Release) - Fireball (USA Release)

DEEP PURPLE - The House Of Blue Light (German & Hungarian Releases

DEEP PURPLE - The House Of Blue Light (Germany) album front cover vinyl record

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.

- The House Of Blue Light (Germany) - The House of Blue Light (Hungary)

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.

In Concert Unreleased BBC-Tapes 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - In Rock (European Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - In Rock 1st Pressing (France) album front cover vinyl record

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

- In Rock 1st Pressing (France) - In Rock 1st Pressing (Gt Britain) - In Rock (Holland, Fame Records) - In Rock (Italy) - In Rock (Netherlands)

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,

Last Concert in Japan 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Machine Head (European Releases)

Thumbnail of DEEP PURPLE - Machine Head (Italy) album front cover

"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.

- Machine Head (Italy) - Machine Head (Italy Francis-Day) - Machine Head Black Border/Frame (Gt Britain) - Made in Europe (French Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Made in Europe (USA Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Made in Europe (USA) album front cover

PR 2995,Warner Records 1976, Made in USA

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,

Made in Europe 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Made in Japan (International Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - Made in Japan (Europe) album front cover

"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

- Made in Japan (European Release) - Made in Japan (French Release) - Made in Japan (German Release) - Made in Japan (Gt Britain Release) - Made in Japan (Italian Release) - Made in Japan (Netherlands Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Mark I and II (Germany)

Purple Records 1C 188-94 865 , 1973 , Germany

"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

Mark I and II 12" Vinyl 2LP

DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles (Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - The Mark 2 Purple Singles (Netherlands) album front cover

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.

The Mark 2 Purple Singles 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Nobody's Perfect (Germany)

Polydor 835 898 , 1988 , West-Germany

"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
Nobody's Perfect 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Perfect Strangers (German Releases)

DEEP PURPLE - Perfect Strangers (Germany) album front cover

Polydor 823 777 (823777) / Digital Master Mix , 1984 , West-Germqany

"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.

- Perfect Strangers (Germany) - Perfect Strangers Club Edition (Germany)

DEEP PURPLE - Powerhouse (Germany)

Purple Records 1C 064-60 072 , 1977 , Germany

"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.

Powerhouse 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall with .....

DEEP PURPLE - Concerto For Group And Orchestra (Europe) album front cover

Harvest 1C 038-157592 1 DMM , 1977 , Germany/Netherlands

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.

- In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (European Release) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (France) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Germany) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Gt Britain) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (Italy) - In Live Concert At The Royal Albert Hall (USA)

DEEP PURPLE - Shades of Deep Purple (Netherlands)

Harvest – 5C 038-04175 , 1977 , Netherlands

"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

Shades of Deep Purple 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's (Gt Britain)

EMI Harvest FA 3212 SHSM 2026A , 1978 , Gt Britain

"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.

The Deep Purple Singles A's & B's 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Slaves and Masters (Germany)

RCA PL90535 , 1990 , Germany

"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

Slaves and Masters 12" Vinyl LP

DEEP PURPLE - Stormbringer (Eurospean Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Stormbringer (Germany)
album front cover

"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.

Stormbringer (Germany) Stormbringer (Italy)

DEEP PURPLE - Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain & French Release)

DEEP PURPLE - Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain)
album front cover

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.

- Who Do We Think We Are (Gt Britain) - Who Do We Think We Are (France)

DEEP PURPLE: Related Rock Bands and Similar Music

Cream

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

DEEP PURPLE - COME TASTE THE BAND 12" Vinyl LP Album - 1975 German Release with Gatefold Album Cover & Insert