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Stealing Deep Purple: The Unbelievably True Story of the Most Audacious Stunt in Rock & Roll
In 1980, greed was good and you could get away with stealing just about anything, even a band name.
At the end of the 1970s, Rod Evans, the little known original singer of Deep Purple decided to relaunch the classic rock band for a continental American tour.
The only problem was that Evans reformed the group with no other original members and he had a very dubious legal claim to the band name.
What ensued was a tour plagued with bad performances, crowd riots, on-stage fighting and court cases.
The tour has become something of a legend among the fans of the band.
Using over 200 newspaper, book and magazine sources plus dozens of filmed interviews and brand new testimonies from people who were actually there, Steve McLean attempts to find out what actually happened.
“They all had something down their spandex pants. We couldn't
tell if it was vegetable or plastic.... Every time I watch that
scene in Spinal Tap, I think of Deep Purple in 1980.” - Llory McDonald, Support Act.
At the end of the 1970s, Rod Evans, the little known original singer of Deep Purple decided to relaunch the classic rock band for a continental American tour.
The only problem was that Evans reformed the group with no other original members and he had a very dubious legal claim to the band name.
What ensued was a tour plagued with bad performances, crowd riots, on-stage fighting and court cases.
The tour has become something of a legend among the fans of the band.
Using over 200 newspaper, book and magazine sources plus dozens of filmed interviews and brand new testimonies from people who were actually there, Steve McLean attempts to find out what actually happened.
“They all had something down their spandex pants. We couldn't
tell if it was vegetable or plastic.... Every time I watch that
scene in Spinal Tap, I think of Deep Purple in 1980.” - Llory McDonald, Support Act.
373 pages, Paperback
Published July 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 7, 2025
I recall seeing in the music press at the time (1980), that even though Deep Purple had split, an ‘unofficial’ version of the band featuring one ex-member was touring North America. Not being a Purple fan at the time, I didn’t give it much thought.
Years later and most of their 1970s albums now sit in my collection (I’m particularly fond of the Coverdale/Hughes periods). I also really enjoy the early pre-classic line up material.
Therefore as soon as I found out there was a book explaining the ‘Rod Evans & friends’ 1980 tour, I immediately bought a copy and to be honest, I couldn’t put it down!
What a thoroughly enjoyable read.
That it also references so many other ‘fake’ versions of famous bands enhanced the story even more.
The fact that the current line up of Deep Purple includes just Ian Paige, the drummer from the original line up, certainly gives us food for thought.
An extremely well researched book with a writing style that keeps to the subject matter at hand and doesn’t pander to the ego of the author, as so many Rock biogs do, was very refreshing.
I seriously can’t recommend it enough and in fact have already bought a copy for a friend whom I knew would find it very interesting and enjoyable.
Years later and most of their 1970s albums now sit in my collection (I’m particularly fond of the Coverdale/Hughes periods). I also really enjoy the early pre-classic line up material.
Therefore as soon as I found out there was a book explaining the ‘Rod Evans & friends’ 1980 tour, I immediately bought a copy and to be honest, I couldn’t put it down!
What a thoroughly enjoyable read.
That it also references so many other ‘fake’ versions of famous bands enhanced the story even more.
The fact that the current line up of Deep Purple includes just Ian Paige, the drummer from the original line up, certainly gives us food for thought.
An extremely well researched book with a writing style that keeps to the subject matter at hand and doesn’t pander to the ego of the author, as so many Rock biogs do, was very refreshing.
I seriously can’t recommend it enough and in fact have already bought a copy for a friend whom I knew would find it very interesting and enjoyable.
July 29, 2025
This book is obviously a must read for Deep Purple enthusiasts, but I’d recommend this book to anyone with an interest in music and the music industry. Not just for fans, this book delves into the legal, musical and cultural fallout of an ill fated venture. It’s a fascinating look at music industry ethics, fandom and brand power.
Deeply researched and engagingly written, I couldn’t put this book down!
Deeply researched and engagingly written, I couldn’t put this book down!
August 31, 2025
A great read. You don't need to be a fan of Deep Purple to enjoy this. Steve evokes the times and the music with wit, humour and affection. His deep knowledge and love for the subject shines through.
Recommended for anyone who likes music or is looking for a fun interesting read.
Get yourself a copy.
Recommended for anyone who likes music or is looking for a fun interesting read.
Get yourself a copy.
July 28, 2025
Thoroughly loved the unique writing style and touches of humour in this well researched book.
A real nostalgic trip into the world of rock music and totally fascinating to read.
Totally recommend to anyone interested in facts surrounding the band and the era.
A real nostalgic trip into the world of rock music and totally fascinating to read.
Totally recommend to anyone interested in facts surrounding the band and the era.
July 31, 2025
This is a brilliant, gripping story that kept me wanting to know more right from the start. Not just for rock music or Deep Purple fans, this will keep any reader intrigued and engaged. Wonderfully researched and well written - I really enjoyed this book.
July 27, 2025
This endearingly well researched blog is as entertaining as it is enlightening. Well recommended to fans and newbs alike. Well done Mr McLean!
August 19, 2025
Just finished reading this book, and completely loved it. Lots of really well researched facts on the band, and wider music industry of that era.
Would definitely recommend buying and reading
Would definitely recommend buying and reading
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews