Mark I bassist Simper recommended Ian Gillan when Ritchie Blackmore's outfit were looking for a frontman in 1968, although the singer refused the job, saying he was better off staying with his own group Episode Six.

Purple then hired Rod Evans, but when Gillan was approached again the following year, he said he'd only join if Roger Glover took over bass duties - and that spelled the end for co-founder Simper's 16-month, three-album stint.

He tells TeamRock: "It was definitely a body blow. It was a turnaround, when you consider I'd recommended Ian in the first place. He had the chance but rejected it. We auditioned about 200 people before we found Rod Evans - I bet Ian was thrilled to get that second chance in 1969.

"When he did come on board, he made it very clear he wasn't joining without Roger. I was definitely peeved."