Ian Gillan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Gillan
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Gillan performing live with Deep Purple in Germany, July 2022
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| Background information | |
| Born | 19 August 1945 Chiswick, Middlesex, England |
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| Years active | 1962–present |
| Labels | Independent |
Ian Gillan (born 19 August 1945) is an English singer and songwriter. He is famous for being the lead singer of the rock band Deep Purple. He is known for his powerful voice that can cover a wide range of notes.
Gillan was first inspired by Elvis Presley. In the mid-1960s, he started several local bands. He found major success after joining Deep Purple in 1969. He left the band in 1973 to take a break from music. He later returned with his own groups, the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan.
For one year, he was the singer for the famous band Black Sabbath. In 1984, Deep Purple got back together, and Gillan rejoined them. He left again in 1989 but returned in 1993. He has been Deep Purple's lead singer ever since.
Besides his work with bands, Gillan sang the part of Jesus in the first recording of the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (1970). He has also been involved in charity work, like the supergroup Rock Aid Armenia.
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Early Life
Ian Gillan was born on 19 August 1945, in Middlesex, England. His mother, Audrey, came from a musical family. Her father was an opera singer and pianist. Gillan remembers his mother playing "Rondo alla Turca" on the piano.
He grew up in Cranford, Middlesex. As a teenager, he was a big fan of Elvis Presley. After watching an Elvis movie, he decided he wanted to be a performer. He left school and took a job making ice machines.
Music Career
First Bands
Gillan's first band was called Garth Rockett and the Moonshiners. He was the singer and also played drums. He soon realized he couldn't sing and play drums at the same time. He decided to focus on being the lead vocalist.
He then joined a band called the Javelins. They played songs by artists like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. After the Javelins, Gillan joined a soul band called Wainwright's Gentlemen. In 1965, he joined a more professional band called Episode Six. He started writing songs with the band's bassist, Roger Glover.
Joining Deep Purple
By 1969, the band Deep Purple was looking for a new sound. They wanted to play hard rock. The band members saw Gillan perform with Episode Six. They were impressed and asked him to be their new lead singer.
Gillan and his songwriting partner, Roger Glover, both joined Deep Purple on 16 June 1969. One of Gillan's first contributions was the song "Child in Time". The band's new sound was a huge success. Their album Deep Purple in Rock became a classic.
In 1970, Gillan was asked to sing the part of Jesus on the album Jesus Christ Superstar. The album's creators, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, were amazed by his singing on "Child in Time".
By 1972, after recording famous albums like Machine Head and Made in Japan, Gillan felt tired. The band's busy schedule was exhausting. He also had creative disagreements with guitarist Ritchie Blackmore. Gillan decided to leave the band and gave his notice in 1972. His last day was 30 June 1973.
Solo Bands and Black Sabbath
After leaving Deep Purple, Gillan took a break from music. He tried different business projects. In 1975, he returned to music and formed the Ian Gillan Band. The band's style was a mix of jazz and rock.
He then formed a new band called Gillan. This group had a harder rock sound. Their 1979 album Mr. Universe was a success in the UK. The band released several more popular albums, including Glory Road and Magic. In 1982, Gillan had to stop performing to rest his voice.
In 1983, Gillan was invited to join Black Sabbath. He recorded one album with them, Born Again. He toured with the band and they often played Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" as a special treat for the audience. Gillan enjoyed his time with Black Sabbath but left after the tour.
Return to Deep Purple
In April 1984, the classic Deep Purple lineup reunited. Gillan was back as the lead singer. They recorded the album Perfect Strangers and went on a very successful world tour. They released another album, The House of Blue Light, in 1987.
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However, disagreements between Gillan and Blackmore started again. Gillan was asked to leave the band in 1989. He then formed a new version of his old band, Garth Rockett and the Moonshiners, and toured.
In 1992, the other members of Deep Purple wanted Gillan back for their 25th anniversary. He rejoined to record the album The Battle Rages On. Blackmore left the band for good during the tour in 1993.
Since then, Gillan has remained Deep Purple's singer. The band found a new guitarist, Steve Morse, and continued to tour and record. Gillan has said that their first album with Morse, Purpendicular, was very important for the band's future.
Charity Work and WhoCares
Gillan has a special connection with the country of Armenia. In 1989, he took part in Rock Aid Armenia to help after a major earthquake. Because of this, he has remained very popular there.
He formed a supergroup called WhoCares with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. The group raises money for charity projects, like building a music school in Armenia. In 2009, Gillan received an Order of Honour from the Prime Minister of Armenia for his work.
Personal Life
In 1984, Gillan married his wife, Bron. They renewed their wedding vows twice. Bron passed away in 2022. Their daughter, Grace Gillan, is also a singer. Gillan lives near Lyme Regis, Dorset, in England.
Gillan is a fan of the Queens Park Rangers football club and also enjoys cricket.
Selected Discography
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Jesus Christ Superstar (1970) with Deep Purple
with Black Sabbath
with The Javelins
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with Ian Gillan Band & Gillan
Solo
with WhoCares
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Timeline
See also
In Spanish: Ian Gillan para niños
