Deep Purple Top Albums Ranked by Sales: Hard Rock Pioneers in Numbers
Deep Purple is one of the most influential hard rock bands in history, often credited alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as pioneers of heavy metal. With over 100 million albums sold worldwide, their music combines virtuosic musicianship, powerful riffs, and energetic performances. Deep Purple’s albums have defined multiple eras of rock music, blending hard rock, progressive rock, and blues influences.
Top-Selling Albums & Legacy
At the top of Deep Purple’s albums ranked by sales is the iconic Machine Head (1972), featuring classics like “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star.” It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it the band’s most commercially successful release and a defining album of the hard rock genre.
Made in Japan (1972), their legendary live album, sold around 10 million copies and captured the raw energy and virtuosity of their live performances. It remains a benchmark for live rock albums.
Other top-selling albums include Deep Purple in Rock (1970), which sold approximately 7 million copies, showcasing the band’s early transition from progressive rock to a heavier hard rock sound. Burn (1974) and Perfect Strangers (1984) also sold 3–5 million copies each, demonstrating the band’s enduring popularity across decades.
Fun Facts
● “Smoke on the Water” was inspired by a real fire at a Montreux casino during a Frank Zappa concert.
● Deep Purple was one of the first bands to perform a full rock concert at the California Jam festival in 1974 to an audience of over 200,000 people.
● The band has gone through several lineups, often referred to as “Mark I, II, III, IV,” each with distinct styles and contributions.
Trivia
● Made in Japan is considered one of the greatest live rock albums ever recorded, showcasing extended improvisations and solos.
● Deep Purple in Rock marked the arrival of the Mark II lineup, featuring Ian Gillan and Roger Glover.
● The riff of “Smoke on the Water” is one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history and is often used in music education.
Did You Know?
● Deep Purple was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
● Their influence spans multiple genres, from heavy metal to progressive rock and hard rock.
● Despite multiple breakups and reunions, Deep Purple continues to tour worldwide, maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Deep Purple: Origins, Members & Band History
Deep Purple was formed in Hertford, England, in 1968 by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Ian Paice.
The band initially experimented with progressive rock and psychedelic sounds, but soon transitioned to a heavier, guitar-driven style. Over the years, the classic Mark II lineup — Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice — became the most celebrated, creating albums that defined hard rock and heavy metal.
Despite numerous lineup changes and temporary disbandments, Deep Purple has remained active for over five decades, influencing countless rock and metal artists around the world.
Selling Albums: Deep Purple Ranked by Popularity
| Album Name | Total Sales (Millions) | Year of Release |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Head | 20 | 1972 |
| Made in Japan (Live) | 10 | 1972 |
| Deep Purple in Rock | 7 | 1970 |
| Burn | 5 | 1974 |
| Perfect Strangers | 3.5 | 1984 |
| Who Do We Think We Are | 3 | 1973 |
| The Book of Taliesyn | 2 | 1968 |
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