From his childhood in Hounslow to the global rise of Deep Purple, Ian will reflect on the experiences, music and outlook on life that shaped one of rock’s most influential careers. Ian Gillan’s career now spans more than six decades, with his voice remaining one of the most distinctive and celebrated in rock. He joined his first band, The Javelins, in 1962, then teamed up with Roger Glover in Episode Six in 1965. Touring with Dusty Springfield and performing across Europe and the Middle East helped shape his musicianship and distinctive vocal style. In 1969, Ian joined Deep Purple in what became one of the pivotal moments in rock history. Formed in 1968, Deep Purple are pioneers of hard rock. Their 1972 album Machine Head includes the iconic track Smoke on the Water, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the music genre. In 1970, Ian took on the role of Jesus Christ in the original London studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar for MCA Records, earning acclaim for his powerful and emotive interpretation. Throughout the late 1970's and 1980s, he continued to break new ground with Gillan, Garth Rockett and the Moonshiners and Repo Depo.

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