The Evolution of Deep Purple: From Sugarlump to Rock Royalty

The Evolution of Deep Purple: From Sugarlump to Rock Royalty

Brainstorming sessions are essential for generating ideas, but not every suggestion is a winner. Deep Purple, the iconic British rock band, went through several name changes before settling on their famous moniker. The bandmates initially considered names like Sugarlump, Orpheus, Concrete God, and Roundabout, but none of these stuck. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore drew inspiration from bands like Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues, ultimately choosing the name Deep Purple.

In the early days of the band, they toured under different names, including Roundabout during a Danish tour in 1968. However, keyboardist Jon Lord revealed that Ritchie Blackmore had already started telling reporters that their name was Deep Purple. Blackmore explained that he was influenced by the colorful names of other bands and a piece of music his grandmother used to play, leading to the choice of Deep Purple as the band's final name.

The song "Deep Purple" by Nino Tempo and April Stevens played a significant role in inspiring the band's name. The lyrics of the song, evoking a sense of nostalgia and memory, resonated with Blackmore and the band members. Deep Purple became a part of the vibrant rock 'n' roll scene of the late 1960s, adding to the colorful palette of band names that included pinks, blues, and Cream. The band's decision to choose Deep Purple over other options like "Concrete God" was a wise one, as it has become synonymous with their legendary music career.