By Thomas Semioli

Though they oft outsold (and outplayed) Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in their respective heyday, Deep Purple seems to evade the hosannas it so richly deserves as a band which played a major role in bringing metal to the masses. Their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 was long overdue…and note that key members of the band were not enhrined!

When bassist Roger David Glover and vocalist Ian Gillan first joined forces with Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice in 1970– they transformed the Purps from psychedelic prog-rockers to album chart-topping heavy metal masters of the almighty riff.

Glover is among heavy metal’s rare finesse players. Case in point: whereas most metal bassists would have duplicated Blackmore on “Smoke on the Water,” Glover chugs on the harmonic root which affords the track its signature character.

Over the years, Glover’s role as a writer, producer and bass player cannot be understated – especially since the band’s resurgence with guitarist Steve Morse which continues two decades into the 21st Century.

Roger’s work outside the band is equally extraordinary as a solo artist (Butterfly Ball, Mask), a guest artist (Govt. Mule) and as a producer with Nazareth, Status Quo, Ian Gillan Band, Judas Priest, Rainbow, and Rory Gallagher, among many others.

In his early years with Purple, Roger’s weapons of choice included Fender Precision, and a Rickenbacker 4001. Nowadays Roger commandeers Vigier signature RG bass.

Roger Glover Sound & Vision with Deep Purple:

“Smoke on the Water” Live with commentary from Jon Lord https://youtu.be/F7ZF2xaNhyw

“Rat Bat Blue” https://youtu.be/DQv-u8WZhbw

“Fireball” https://youtu.be/q88koeaqrEg

Dig Tony Senatore’s rendition of “Highway Star” https://youtu.be/a2GgTw1dmIQ

Courtesy of Vigier