Deep Purple formed in Hertford, England, in March 1968 with vocalist Rod Evans, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice. The lineup shifted in 1969 when Evans and Simper departed, replaced by Ian Gillan and Roger Glover, creating the Mark II configuration that defined the band's hard rock sound blending heavy riffs, organ-driven keyboards, and powerful vocals. This era produced key albums including Deep Purple in Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), Machine Head (1972), and the live recording Made in Japan (1972). Multiple lineup changes followed, with Jon Lord retiring in 2002 and Ritchie Blackmore leaving earlier; current members include Ian Paice, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Don Airey, and Simon McBride. Deep Purple maintained an intensive touring schedule through the decades, known for high-energy live performances featuring extended improvisations and technical proficiency.