Why Was Rod Evans Fired from Deep Purple: The Behind-the-Scenes Story
Introduction
The firing of Rod Evans from Deep Purple is a well-known chapter in the band's history, often shrouded in mystery. The reasons behind this decision are complex, involving the band's evolving musical direction and the personalities of its members. This article delves into the background of Rod Evans' exit, highlighting the key factors that led to this significant change in the band's lineup.
The Formation and Early Days of Deep Purple
Deep Purple was initially formed by Chris Curtis, but his drug addiction led to his departure. The band was then taken over by Ritchie Blackmore and Lord, who steered the group towards a hard rock sound. This new direction would set the stage for major changes in the band's future.
Ritchie Blackmore's Vision for Deep Purple
In 1969, Ritchie Blackmore witnessed Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin and was immediately impressed by his high-pitched screams. However, Plant was already established with Led Zeppelin, making a switch impossible. This led Blackmore to seek out Ian Gillan, who became the band's future nemesis.
It is widely believed that Gillan's devilish metal vocals and expansive vocal range were a significant improvement over Rod Evans' more subdued style. Gillan's vocal range, spanning four octaves, contrasted with Robert Plant's more intimate, three-octave range, giving Deep Purple a new and powerful sound.
The Influence of Ian Gillan
After the band acquired Ian Gillan and Roger Glover as a pair, Deep Purple's sound shifted dramatically. Ian Gillan's powerful and distinctive voice, often referred to as "devilish metal vocals," became the cornerstone of Deep Purple's new hard rock identity.
The Sacking of Rod Evans
While Ritchie Blackmore felt that Rod Evans was not the right fit for hard rock, the band eventually made the decision to replace him with Ian Gillan. This shift was complicated by the fact that Gillan would only join if Roger Glover, who was not with the band at the time, would also be a member of the group.
This situation forced Nick Simper, the band's longtime keyboardist, to leave as well. Thus, deep Purple's lineup underwent a significant transformation, marking a new era in their career. Rod Evans, after disappearing without a trace following the 1980 "reunion debacle," never returned to the stage as a Deep Purple member.
Legacy and Aftermath
Rod Evans' departure is remembered as a pivotal moment in Deep Purple's history. While he may not have found the success he hoped for as a full-time vocalist, his role in the band was crucial in shaping their musical style.
Nick Simper continued to play in the North and West London areas, although he never had the same widespread recognition as the other band members. Sadly, this opportunity never came, and Nick was forced to move on from his role in Deep Purple.
Conclusion
The decision to fire Rod Evans and bring in Ian Gillan resulted in a major shift in Deep Purple's sound and subsequent success. While Evans' absence marked the end of an era, it also opened the door for a new chapter in the band's history, defined by the powerful vocals and hard-hitting music of Ian Gillan.