Psychedelic beginnings
Mk I
1968–1969
Rod Evans, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, Nick Simper, Ian Paice
The members
VocalsRod Evans1968–1969
GuitarRitchie Blackmore1968–1975 · 1984–1993
Organ and keyboardsJon Lord1968–1976 · 1984–2002
BassNick Simper1968–1969
EVERY MKDrumsIan Paice1968–1976 · 1984–
The story
The first line-up came together in 1968: Rod Evans on vocals, Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Jon Lord on organ, Nick Simper on bass and Ian Paice on drums.
The music mixed psychedelic rock, long instrumental passages and Jon Lord's classical influences – and plenty of covers in their own, extended versions.
The band broke through first in the USA, where Hush became a big hit. Interest at home in Britain was smaller, and in 1969 Blackmore and Lord wanted a heavier, rawer sound. Evans and Simper had to go.
