The title of the Deep Purple track "Smoke on the Water" originated from a dream Roger Glover experienced two days after the fire over Lake Geneva. A Welsh-born musician, songwriter, and producer, Glover became a central figure in hard rock through his long-standing tenure as the bassist for Deep Purple and his involvement with Rainbow.
Early Career and Episode Six
Born in Brecon in 1945, Glover relocated to South Kensington at age nine. He began playing guitar at thirteen and later attended Harrow County School for Boys in Pinner. During his time there, he formed the band Madisons, which eventually merged with a rival group to become Episode Six. This ensemble included Ian Gillan, with whom Glover would later share a long musical partnership in Deep Purple.
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Glover joined Deep Purple in 1969, contributing to major albums including Deep Purple in Rock, Fireball, Machine Head, and Who Do We Think We Are. He remained with the group until 1973. During this period, he developed the bass riff for "Maybe I'm a Leo" and provided the title for their most recognizable song. He returned to the band in 1984 following their reformation and continues to record and perform with the group today.
Production and Solo Work
Throughout the 1970s, Glover worked as a producer for various acts, including Judas Priest, Nazareth, and Status Quo. His debut solo album, The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper's Feast, arrived in 1974. He later served as the bassist and lyricist for Ritchie Blackmore's band, Rainbow, between 1979 and 1984. His subsequent solo output includes projects like Mask, Snapshot, and If Life Was Easy.
Collaborations and Instrumentation
Glover has participated in diverse musical projects, including performing with Jon Lord and Gov't Mule. He contributed to the 2021 Deep Purple album Turning to Crime, marking a rare instance of him providing lead vocals on a band record. Over his career, his equipment choices evolved from Fender Precision and Rickenbacker basses to Vigier instruments and SWR amplification.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Brecon, Wales
- Primary band: Deep Purple
- Former band: Rainbow
- Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: April 2016
- Education: Middlesex University, Harrow High School
- Instrument: Bass guitar
Questions readers ask
Did Roger Glover ever sing lead vocals for Deep Purple?
Yes, he performed lead vocals for an entire concert in the 1970s due to Ian Gillan's illness and contributed co-lead vocals to a track on the 2021 album Turning to Crime.
What bands did Roger Glover produce in the 1970s?
He produced albums and singles for artists including Judas Priest, Nazareth, Elf, Status Quo, the Ian Gillan Band, and David Coverdale.
Achievements
- Instruments: bass guitar, guitar and bass
- Genres: hard rock and progressive rock
