As the 1970s dawned three bands were at the heart of a seismic shift in rock music towards more amplified styles – Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. In 1975 the third of those were officially crowned by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s loudest band.
But there was always more to the London band than ear-splitting volume. They played hard and fast but their music also encompassed jazz, blues and orchestral composition.
Still going strong and with three survivors of the ‘Mark II’ line-up of the 1970s – singer Ian Gillan, Bassist Roger Glover and drummer Ian Paice – the band have released their 23rd album, =1 (equals one).
Two thirds of heavy metal’s unholy trinity are now confined to the history books, but Deep Purple are still here and at the top of their game. You can hear a track from =1 every hour on our dedicated station.
Exclusively Deep Purple – Listen Now
Exclusively Led Zeppelin – Listen Now