Ian Paice is the only individual to have maintained a continuous tenure as a drummer for Deep Purple since the group first convened in 1968. He has contributed to every studio album and live performance produced by the band over the course of its existence, establishing a singular record of participation in the history of the project.
Early Career and The Maze
Born in Nottingham in 1948, Paice spent his youth in Germany before moving to Bicester in the United Kingdom. He acquired his first drum kit at age 15 and entered the professional sphere playing for his father's dance band. His early experience included a stint with the Shindigs, which released a single featuring Paice and George Adams. By 1966, he joined the group MI5, which later rebranded as the Maze. This ensemble focused on club appearances and recorded multiple singles in France and Italy.
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In March 1968, Paice co-founded Deep Purple alongside vocalist Rod Evans. Evans had attended an audition for a lead singer position, bringing Paice along for the session. Ritchie Blackmore, the group's guitarist, sought out Paice for the role of drummer, identifying him as the band's essential rhythmic driver. Paice's ability to maintain a consistent presence allowed him to remain the group's sole constant member through its various evolutions.
Projects During the Band Hiatus
When Deep Purple dissolved in 1976, Paice co-founded Paice Ashton Lord with fellow member Jon Lord and performer Tony Ashton. The band released the album Malice in Wonderland before disbanding in 1977. In 1979, Paice joined Whitesnake, participating in the Lovehunter tour and performing on albums including Ready an' Willing and Saints & Sinners. He departed Whitesnake in 1982 to collaborate with Gary Moore, a partnership that resulted in the album Corridors of Power and extensive touring before Paice rejoined the reformed Deep Purple in 1984.
Collaborative Work
Beyond his tenure with Deep Purple, Paice has contributed to diverse projects. He performed on the Velvet Underground's 1973 album Squeeze and participated in the Eddie Harris London Sessions, collaborating with figures such as Jeff Beck and Steve Winwood. In 1983, he worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the tribute project Arrested – The Music of Police. He also contributed to sessions for George Harrison in 1989 and Jim Capaldi’s 2001 release, Living on the Outside.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Primary Instrument: Drum kit
- Deep Purple Tenure: 1968 to present
- Whitesnake Tenure: 1979–1982
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction: 2016
- First Band: Georgie & the Rave-Ons
Questions readers ask
Has Ian Paice ever left Deep Purple?
No, he is the only original member who has performed on every album and at every live appearance since the band's inception in 1968.
Did Ian Paice play with other notable artists during the Deep Purple split?
Yes, he played with Paice Ashton Lord, Whitesnake, and the Gary Moore Band between 1976 and 1984.
Achievements
- Instruments: drum kit, percussion instrument and violin
- Genres: hard rock, progressive rock and blues rock
