Deep Purple

United Kingdom, 1968–now

English band formed in 1968, best known in the line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan and Jon Lord. Machine Head (1972) and its 'Smoke on the Water' combined hard rock riffing with classically derived organ and guitar soloing.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Deep Purple and 10 artists Deep Purple influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Deep Purple?

• Jimi Hendrix — Ritchie Blackmore cited Hendrix's volume and drive as a benchmark.

Which artists did Deep Purple influence?

• Metallica — The young Lars Ulrich drew inspiration from Deep Purple's drive.
• Europe — Deep Purple were a core influence — guitarist John Norum channelled Purple's 'Lazy' in his 'The Final Countdown' solo.
• Van Halen — Ritchie Blackmore got Eddie 'hooked on the whammy bar' — Deep Purple's guitar drama a fundamental influence on his early playing.
• Iron Maiden — Harris has repeatedly cited Deep Purple as his formative band — Maiden's gallop and virtuosity descend from Purple's attack.
• Journey — The band's early hard-rock foundation drew on acts like Deep Purple before Perry steered them toward anthems.
• Rainbow — Rainbow was founded by Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore — Purple's heavy, organ-and-guitar hard rock is Rainbow's direct root.
• Nazareth — Deep Purple's heavy hard rock is a core model for Nazareth's riff-driven sound.
• Mercyful Fate — Deep Purple's hard-rock power and virtuosity were an early influence on Mercyful Fate's members.
• Whitesnake — Coverdale sang for Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976 and built Whitesnake out of what he took from it — down to hiring Jon Lord and Ian Paice into the new band.
• Diamond Head — Part of the documented descent of Diamond Head's NWOBHM sound, with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.