With Tommy Bolin
Mk IV
1975–1976
David Coverdale, Glenn Hughes, Tommy Bolin, Jon Lord, Ian Paice
The members
VocalsDavid Coverdale1973–1976
Bass and vocalsGlenn Hughes1973–1976
GuitarTommy Bolin1975–1976
Organ and keyboardsJon Lord1968–1976 · 1984–2002
EVERY MKDrumsIan Paice1968–1976 · 1984–
The story
American Tommy Bolin took over from Blackmore and brought a freer, more jazz- and funk-flavoured guitar style.
Come Taste the Band (1975) was a different kind of Purple album, and many today regard it as underrated.
The tour after the album was hard going, and in 1976 the band split up. Tommy Bolin died in December that year.