Rod Evans

Rod Evans (born 19 January 1947 in Slough, Berkshire) is a former English singer and was a founding member of Deep Purple in 1968. He provided vocals for the group's first three albums, including the hit single "Hush". He was replaced by Ian Gillan in 1969.

Early career

Before joining Deep Purple, Evans played together with Ian Paice in The Maze, formerly MI5. He was also in a band called The Horizons in the mid 1960s.

He was a founding member of Deep Purple when they formed in Hertfordshire in 1968.^[1] The most recognised song recorded with Evans is "Hush."

After recording three albums with the band, he was dismissed and replaced with Ian Gillan in 1969.^[1] After his departure, Deep Purple became a heavier outfit, as opposed to the more progressive and pop driven sound achieved with Evans.

Post Purple

After leaving Deep Purple, Rod went on to form Captain Beyond, along with former Johnny Winter drummer Bobby Caldwell, former Iron Butterfly bassist Lee Dorman and guitarist Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt, who also was part of the last incarnation of the Butterfly. This band proved to be very influential, but sales never reflected their musical achievements. Lack of commercial success ended the group after three albums.

Evans left Captain Beyond and the music business after their first two albums. He then became a director of respiratory therapy at a West American hospital until 1980.^[2]

Reformation controversy

In 1980 he was approached by a management company which specialized in questionably-reformed bands with big names and began to tour under the Deep Purple name accompanied by unknown session musicians. The line up was Rod Evans (vocals), Tony Flynn (guitar), Tom de Rivera (bass), Geoff Emery (keyboards), and Dick Jurgens (drums).

After several shows ended in near riots,^[3] Evans was sued by the management of the real Deep Purple and they were awarded damages of $672,000. As a result of the lawsuit, Evans no longer receives royalties from the band's first three albums.^[3]

Seclusion

He has not appeared publicly since the court case and his current whereabouts are of considerable interest to fans of early Deep Purple.

There have been considerable, unverified rumours that he entered the medical profession and was practising in the US city of San Francisco from the early 1980s onwards.

References

External links

• The Highway Star - Information from a Deep Purple fansite.
• Additional information - Further reading.