Born in '45, UK vocalist and songwriter Ian Gillan spent his early 20s in various bands that failed to take off. After catching him onstage one night, guitarist Richie Blackmore tapped Gillan to front the soon-to-be reconfigured Deep Purple had a prolific four years, climaxing with the '72 release of their classic LP Machine Head. Gillan departed the band in '73, and enjoyed occasional success in his solo career. In '83 he briefly replaced Ronnie James Dio in Black Sabbath, and in '92, he rejoined Deep Purple, with whom he continues to tour and record.