Friday, November 3: Tig’s Rock Birthdays

Happy Birthday today (Nov. 3) Deep Purple co-founder and former bassist Nick Simper. He's 72. Also celebrating is former Dio, current Dio Disciples keyboardist Scott Warren (55).

Nick Simper was born in Frogmore Horse Maternity Home in Norwood Green, Southall, Middlesex London and he played in various bands before co-founding Deep Purple in 1968. Simper played bass on three Deep Purple albums from 1968-1969, and in mid 1969 he was fired by Deep Purple along with original singer Rod Evans. When new singer Ian Gillan was brought in as a replacement for Evans, Gillan brought along bassist Roger Glover as replacement for Simper. The hiring of both Gillan and Glover was suggested by Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice. Ritchie Blackmore also had stated in interviews that he felt Simper’s bass playing was too old fashion and not suited for the hard rock direction that he wanted to take the band in.

After his departure from Deep Purple, Simper formed his own band Warhorse. For more on Nick Simper, check out his official website here.