Band-members, Musicians and Performers
- Rod Evans - vocals
- Ritchie Blackmore - lead guitar
Ritchie Blackmore, born Richard Hugh Blackmore on April 14, 1945, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset, England, is an iconic English guitarist known for his contributions to the world of rock music. With a career spanning several decades, Blackmore has left an indelible mark on the genre and has been a driving force behind legendary bands such as Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow.
Born to parents Lewis J. Blackmore and Violet Short, Ritchie Blackmore showed a passion for music from an early age. He began playing the guitar as a teenager and quickly developed his skills, drawing inspiration from various musical styles. His dedication to the instrument paid off when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple in 1968, which later became simply Deep Purple.
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As the lead guitarist of Deep Purple, Blackmore played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and achieving commercial success. During his time with Deep Purple, from 1968 to 1994, Blackmore contributed his distinctive guitar playing to numerous albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1972), and "Made in Japan" (1972). These albums showcased his exceptional talent for crafting powerful riffs, melodic solos, and intricate guitar arrangements that became hallmarks of Deep Purple's music.
In 1994, after years of creative differences and lineup changes within Deep Purple, Ritchie Blackmore decided to leave the band to explore new musical horizons. He formed his own rock band called Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, which allowed him greater creative freedom. With Rainbow, Blackmore continued to captivate audiences with his guitar prowess and released several successful albums, including "Rising" (1976) and "Straight Between the Eyes" (1982).
However, in 1997, Blackmore made a surprising shift in musical direction. He transitioned from rock to folk rock and embarked on a new journey with his girlfriend and later wife, Candice Night. Together, they formed the duo Blackmore's Night, fusing elements of Renaissance music, folk, and rock. With Blackmore's masterful guitar playing and Night's enchanting vocals, the duo garnered a loyal following and released a string of albums, including "Shadow of the Moon" (1997) and "Ghost of a Rose" (2003).
Ritchie Blackmore's ability to adapt to different musical styles and his unwavering commitment to his craft have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history. Known for his electrifying live performances and his unique blend of blues, classical, and hard rock influences, Blackmore has inspired generations of musicians and continues to be revered as a guitar virtuoso.
Throughout his life, Blackmore has been married multiple times. He married Margit Volkmar sometime between 1965 and 1969, Bärbel between 1969 and 1971, and Amy Rothman between 1981 and 1983. However, his most notable and enduring marriage has been to Candice Night, whom he married on May 8, 2008, when he was 63 years old and Night was 37 years old.
Ritchie Blackmore's musical journey has been one of constant exploration and reinvention. From his influential years with Deep Purple to the establishment of Rainbow and his subsequent foray into folk rock with Blackmore's Night, he has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. His virtuosity, innovative playing style, and enduring passion for music have earned him a rightful place among the legends of rock guitar.
- Jon Lord - organ, keyboards, vocals
Jon Lord, whose full name was John Douglas Lord, was a highly talented British composer and keyboard player. He is best known for his exceptional performances with renowned bands such as Whitesnake, Deep Purple, as well as his successful solo career.
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Jon Lord was born on 9 June 1941 in Leicester, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom. He was the first child of Reginald Charles Lord, born on 18th December 1907, and Miriam Hudson, born on 16th October 1912. Sadly, when Jon Lord was 54 years old, his mother Miriam Hudson passed away in 1995. The following year, when he was 55, his father Reginald Charles Lord also passed away in 1996.
In terms of his personal life, Jon Lord was married twice. He first married Judith Feldman in 1969 when he was 28 years old. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Together, they had a son named Sarah Lord. Later in the same year, at the age of 34, Jon Lord married Vickie Gibbs, and they had a son named Amy Lord.
Jon Lord's professional journey as a musician began in 1968 when he joined the band Shades of Deep Purple. He was 27 years old at the time. The following year, in 1969, he continued his musical career as a member of the band Self-Titled (Mk I), also known as Deep Purple, when he was 28. Throughout the 1970s, he contributed his musical talents to various Deep Purple albums, including "In Rock" (1970), "Machine Head" (1971), "Fireball" (1971), "Made in Japan" (1972), "Who Do We Think We Are" (1973), and others. Additionally, during this time, Jon Lord released solo albums such as "Windows Continuo On Bach" (1974) and "Sarabande" (1975).
In the mid-1970s, Jon Lord expanded his musical horizons by working with Whitesnake, joining them in 1978 for their album "Trouble." He continued his collaboration with Whitesnake on the album "Live in the Heart of the City" (1980). In the early 1980s, he released another solo album titled "Before I Forget" (1982). Later, he reunited with Deep Purple for albums such as "Perfect Strangers" (1984), "The House of Blue Light" (1987), and "Slaves and Masters" (1990).
Tragically, on 16th July 2012, Jon Lord passed away in London, England, United Kingdom at the age of 71. His remarkable contributions to the world of music, both through his performances with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and his solo work, left a lasting legacy. In 2012, he was laid to rest in Hambleden (St. Mary) New Churchyard, located in Hambleden, Wycombe District, Buckinghamshire, England. Jon Lord's exceptional talent and unforgettable compositions continue to inspire musicians and fans alike, ensuring that his impact on the music industry will never be forgotten.
- Nick Simper - bass guitar, vocals
- Ian Paice - drums
Ian Paice, whose full name is Ian Anderson Paice, is a British drummer renowned for his unparalleled tenure with the iconic band Deep Purple. He holds the distinction of being the only musician to have performed in all the line-ups of the band and appears on all their studio and live albums.
Ian Paice was born on June 29, 1948, in Nottingham, City of Nottingham, England, United Kingdom. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent and passion for drumming, setting the stage for his illustrious career.
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Paice's remarkable journey with Deep Purple commenced in 1968 when he joined the band as their drummer. At the age of 20, he embarked on a musical odyssey that would solidify his place in rock history. Throughout the years, he lent his powerful and dynamic drumming style to numerous albums and projects undertaken by Deep Purple.
His contributions to Deep Purple's albums include the early classics such as "Shades of Deep Purple" (1968) and "In Rock" (1970), where his energetic drumming played an integral role in defining the band's distinctive sound. Paice's rhythmic prowess shines through on iconic tracks like "Smoke on the Water" and "Highway Star," captivating audiences worldwide.
As Deep Purple evolved and explored different musical territories, Ian Paice remained an essential and unwavering presence. He contributed to albums such as "Machine Head" (1971), "Made in Japan" (1972), and "Perfect Strangers" (1984), showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a drummer.
In addition to his tenure with Deep Purple, Paice's talent extended to other musical ventures. He collaborated with artists such as Whitesnake, including albums like "Trouble" (1978) and "Live in Heart of the City" (1980), as well as Jon Lord's album "Before I Forget" (1982). These collaborations further solidified his reputation as a highly sought-after drummer in the rock music scene.
Ian Paice's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to Deep Purple has earned him accolades and a devoted fan base worldwide. His powerful and precise drumming style, combined with his ability to adapt and evolve, have made him an influential figure in the realm of rock music.
With a career spanning several decades, Ian Paice's impact on the music industry is immeasurable. His drumming has provided the backbone to countless rock anthems, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Deep Purple and cementing his status as one of the greatest drummers in rock and roll.
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