Deep Purple is an English hard rock band that formed in Hertfordshire in 1968. They’re regarded as pioneers of the popular music genre of heavy metal along such acts as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Ian Gillan’s singing and Ritchie Blackmore’s playing approach proved to be influential to many rock bands of 1970s and 1980s (including but not limited to Rob Halford of “Judas Priest” and Brian May of “Queen”). “Deep Purple” were also very influential to progressive music as well