Deep Purple is a British rock band formed in 1968, renowned for pioneering hard rock and heavy metal music. With a lineup that has changed several times, the most famous iteration includes lead vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Roger Glover, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice. Their groundbreaking album, Machine Head (1972), features iconic tracks like “Smoke on the Water,” known for its unforgettable guitar riff and narrative about a fire at a casino in Montreux. Deep Purple’s fusion of rock, classical music, and progressive elements has earned them a lasting legacy, influencing countless artists and earning them a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.