10 Outrageous Omissions From The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame

8. Deep Purple

"Smoke On The Water" has been dissected by critics, played badly by teenagers, and even rearranged by Richie Blackmore himself in songs like "Man On The Silver Mountain." Like the best rock riffs it has become part of the culture at large, becoming as recognisable as Beethoven - everyone can hum along to it. The band are essential to the history of rock n' roll composition; keyboardist John Lord made church organs cool, and eventually led to a split between two rock camps, those who eschew keyboards in rock, and those who love them. The band has had a number of good lineups and two great ones. Deep Purple Mark II featured the great Ian Gillian on vocals, and released not only "Smoke On the Water," but "Highway Star," "My Woman From Tokyo," and the undeniable "Speed King." The Mark IV lineup introduced included bassist Glenn Hughes, and launched singer David Coverdale into superstardom; one listen to the deep blues of "Mistreated," and you'll understand why. Deep Purple is as important to heavy metal as Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath, and won't be denied for much longer.