10 Bands Who Survived A Lead Singer Change
6. Deep Purple
Deep Purple are a band that has changed their members so many times that it gets difficult to pinpoint who the definitive band are. Arguably, the best moments in the band's history were when Ian Gillian was at the helm, as he brought high-powered shrieks that made every song seem like a cinematic event.
Once the band saw major success, tension started brewing between Gillian and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, which resulted in Gillan’s departure along with bassist Roger Glover.
With the difficult job of replacing one of rock’s great belters, Purple lucked out by getting two vocalists for the price of one. While bassist Glenn Hughes's huge voice gave him the nickname The Voice of Rock, it wasn’t until David Coverdale joined the picture that the band had their true rockstar frontman. Even if Gillan’s screams was one of the band’s biggest draws, Coverdale’s bluesy delivery on songs like “Mistreated” gave the band a greater musical depth when they took to the stage.
Unfortunately, this lineup didn’t last as the band began to spiral towards the end of the 70’s, but this iteration of Purple has remained a fan favorite lineup while also giving David Coverdale his first taste of rock stardom.