Legendary Hard Rock band formed in 1968 and along with 'Black Sabbath' and 'Led Zeppelin' ruled the early Hard Rock / Metal scene. After 4 initial albums of prog-rock, the band heralded a new guitar heavy technique, that launch a winning formula of albums. At this stage the band wielded legendary members, 'Ritchie Blackmore', 'Ian Gillan', 'Roger Glover', 'Jon Lord' and 'Ian Paice', referred to as the Mark II line-up. In 74' 'Gillan' left after continued feuding with 'Ritchie Blackmore' and was replace with 'David Coverdale' (later to form 'Whitesnake') and 'Glenn Hughes'. Shortly after 'Blackmore' himself quit and formed Rainbow, Tommy Bolin took over the guitar duties on the last album before Deep Purple were disbanded. The original Mark II line-up reformed in 84' but old feuds arose and since the band has undergone numerous changes. Still touring today, with the Mark II line-up except 'Ritchie Blackmore' has been replaced with 'Steve Morse' while 'Jon Lord' has recentally departed to be replaced by 'Don Airey'.

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