Deep Purple’s eternal lead singer Ian Gillian turns 79
In and out of Deep Purple over the years, Gillian sung in some of the band’s best songs including “Smoke on the Water”
Deep Purple’s eternal lead singer Ian Gillian turns 79
It’s a fact, that Ian Gillian will always be regarded as Deep Purple’s eternal lead singer, despite not being a founding member of the band and being replaced twice. But that, doesn’t change that Deep Purple’s most successful and memorable period, was during the years Gillian fronted the band. Between 1970 until his first departure from Deep Purple in 1973, the band reached the pinnacle of their success with a string of four hit albums that remain absolute Hard Rock classics, “Deep Purple in Rock” 1970, “Fireball” 1971, “Machine Head” 1972 and “Made in Japan” also in 1972. Deep Purple were among the leading bands of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene at the time (that included Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath) with songs such as “Speed King”, “Child in Time”, “Fireball”, “Highway Star” and of course their signature song “Smoke on the Water”.
Renowned for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Ian Gillan, born on August 19, 1945, in Chiswick, London, has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of hard rock and heavy metal.
Gillan grew up in a musical family and was influenced by early rock and roll and jazz music. He initially joined local bands during his teenage years, developing his vocal skills and stage presence. His first major break came in the mid-1960s when he joined Episode Six, a pop band that enjoyed moderate success. However, it was in 1969 that his career took a dramatic turn when he was invited to join Deep Purple, replacing their original lead singer, Rod Evans.
Gillan’s arrival marked a new era for Deep Purple. His vocal prowess was immediately evident on the band’s groundbreaking album Deep Purple in Rock (1970), which featured the classic lineup of Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Jon Lord (keyboards), Roger Glover (bass), and Ian Paice (drums). The album included the hit “Child in Time,” showcasing Gillan’s extraordinary vocal range. The band’s success continued with the release of iconic albums like Fireball (1971) and Machine Head (1972), the latter featuring the legendary track “Smoke on the Water.”
During his time with Deep Purple, Gillan also took on the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), further demonstrating his versatility as a singer.
Despite the band’s success, internal tensions with Ritchie Blackmore led to Gillan leaving Deep Purple in 1973. He then pursued a solo career, forming The Ian Gillan Band and later Gillan, which enjoyed success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums like Mr. Universe (1979) and Glory Road (1980). Gillan’s solo work allowed him to explore different musical styles, from hard rock to jazz fusion.
In 1983, Gillan briefly joined Black Sabbath, recording the album Born Again with the band. Although his time with Black Sabbath was short-lived, the album has since become a cult favorite among fans.
He returned to Deep Purple shortly after, in 1984 participating in the band’s successful reunion tour and recording the album Perfect Strangers. but problems within the band led him to depart once more. Regarded as the “only” fitting Deep Purple vocalist, in 1992, the band’s fans demanded the return after not “taking” to his replacement, Joe Lynn Turner. And so, it was. In 1994, following the recruitment of guitarist Steve Morse he has helped transform the group into a regular touring outfit, which he has fronted ever since. Gillan said of Blackmore’s final 1993 departure from Deep Purple, “he turned into a really weird guy, and the day he walked out of the tour was the day the clouds disappeared and the day the sunshine came out and we haven’t looked back since.” Recently in 2014, he did shut down some fans hopes of seeing Blackmore and Gillian together again on stage: “I don’t have an issue with Ritchie, nor does anyone. I’ve been in touch with Ritchie recently and everything’s cool, so there’s no bitter, personal problem. We’re too old for that and everything’s in the past.” He did however add that if Deep Purple were chosen as one of the inductees of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it would be out of the question to have Blackmore play with the band again due to it being “disrespectful” to the current lineup of the band”
Over the years, despite occasional lineup changes and brief departures, Gillan remained a key figure in Deep Purple, contributing to albums like The Battle Rages On (1993) and Now What?! (2013). The band’s enduring popularity has solidified their status as one of rock’s greatest acts, and Gillan’s voice remains central to their sound.
Ian Gillan is also known for his philanthropic efforts and involvement in various charitable causes and has also authored an autobiography, Ian Gillan: The Autobiography of Deep Purple’s Lead Singer, which offers insights into his life and career.
Look back: Deep Purple playing “Smoke on the Water”, live in 1973
Deep Purple playing live “Child in Time”, 1970, a prime example of Ian Gillian’s vocals
Watch more 1970’s related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
