Deep Purple Mark IV Celebrates 50 Years of ‘Come Taste The Band’

Fifty years ago, Deep Purple concluded a tumultuous period in rock history with the release of Come Taste The Band on 7 November 1975. This album marked the end of an era for the band as they disbanded the following year, and it also served as the only studio album featuring the Mark IV lineup with guitarist Tommy Bolin. Come Taste The Band remains a significant “what if” story in rock music, showcasing the band’s bold attempt to reinvent themselves despite internal conflicts.

In the mid-70s, Deep Purple was a dominant force in hard rock, having made a name for themselves with albums like Deep Purple In Rock (1970) and Machine Head (1972), which produced classic hits such as Smoke On The Water and Highway Star. However, by the time Come Taste The Band was released, tensions within the band led to the departure of guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who was dissatisfied with the band’s shift towards blues, funk, and soul on albums like Burn (1974) and Stormbringer (1974).

Instead of disbanding, vocalists David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, along with Jon Lord and Ian Paice, decided to continue the band’s legacy by bringing in Tommy Bolin, a talented American guitarist known for his fusion style. Bolin’s addition to the lineup injected a fresh, adventurous spirit into Deep Purple, diverging from Blackmore’s signature sound.

Recorded in Munich with producer Martin Birch, Come Taste The Band showcased Bolin and Coverdale’s collaboration, blending funk, R&B, and groove elements with the band’s rock roots. The album received mixed reactions from fans and critics at the time, with some applauding its innovation and others skeptical of the departure from their previous sound.

The album’s tracks like Comin’ Home, Lady Luck, and Gettin’ Tighter demonstrated the band’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories. Songs like Dealer, I Need Love, and Drifter combined groove with grit, while Love Child hinted at Coverdale’s future work with Whitesnake. The standout track, This Time Around / Owed To ‘G’, showcased a different, more atmospheric side to the band’s music.

Despite the creative energy present on the album, behind-the-scenes conflicts and heavy drug use took a toll on the band, leading to their eventual breakup in 1976. Tommy Bolin tragically passed away later that year at the age of 25, marking the end of an era for Deep Purple.

Over the years, Come Taste The Band has garnered renewed appreciation for its adventurous approach and forward-thinking musicality. Many musicians have since praised Bolin’s contributions to the album, highlighting his unique tone and phrasing. The album’s legacy serves as a testament to Deep Purple’s willingness to take creative risks and push boundaries in the face of adversity.

As Deep Purple’s final studio album before their hiatus in 1976, Come Taste The Band remains a pivotal moment in the band’s history, showcasing a bold artistic vision and a willingness to evolve beyond their past successes. The album stands as a reminder that true innovation often comes with challenges and resistance, yet it is those brave steps that pave the way for future growth and success.