Dealer

Greetings, Zoo Freaks! Your hippie DJs at THE ZOO are spinning the gritty grooves of Deep Purple's "Dealer" from their 1975 album Come Taste the Band. This track, a co-write between vocalist David Coverdale and guitarist Tommy Bolin, slinks with a greasy, bluesy swagger that’s perfect for our late-night vibe. Fun fact: "Dealer" features Bolin sharing lead vocals with Coverdale, a rare moment for the guitarist in Deep Purple’s catalog. According to a review on Revista Ladosis, Bolin’s subtle phrases and stellar solo give the song its distinctive edge, blending hard rock with a funky undercurrent. The song’s raw energy reflects the chaotic state of the band at the time, with Bolin stepping in as a replacement for Ritchie Blackmore and bringing his jazz-fusion flair from his work with Billy Cobham and The James Gang.

Diving deeper, "Dealer" captures the turmoil of Deep Purple’s Mark IV lineup. Glenn Hughes, the bassist and co-vocalist, was grappling with cocaine addiction during the album’s recording, as he later admitted in interviews referenced on Tinnitist. Hughes noted that you can spot him high in footage when he’s shirtless—a candid glimpse into the band’s struggles. Bolin, too, faced his demons, tragically passing away from a multi-drug overdose in December 1976, just months after the Come Taste the Band tour ended. A post from @DeepPurplePod on X in November 2022 highlights the album’s significance as the only release from this short-lived lineup, asking fans for their favorite tracks. "Dealer" stands out for its slide guitar and Studio 54-esque groove, a departure from the band’s heavier Blackmore-era sound that some fans, as noted on La Maison des Légendes, felt didn’t quite fit the Deep Purple name.

Let’s rewind to how Deep Purple got their start. Formed in London in 1968, the band began as a psychedelic and progressive rock outfit, originally called Roundabout. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, inspired by his grandmother’s love for the 1950s song "Deep Purple," suggested the name during a rehearsal, as detailed on Songfacts. With Jon Lord on keyboards, Ian Paice on drums, Rod Evans on vocals, and Nick Simper on bass, they debuted with Shades of Deep Purple in 1968, scoring a hit with their cover of "Hush." By 1970, the classic Mark II lineup—featuring Ian Gillan and Roger Glover—shifted to a heavier sound with Deep Purple in Rock, cementing their status as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Their 1972 album Machine Head, with the iconic "Smoke on the Water," became a landmark, selling over two million copies in the U.S. alone, per Wikipedia.

Over the decades, Deep Purple navigated multiple lineup changes, spawning offshoots like Rainbow and Whitesnake, and sold over 100 million records worldwide. Their influence earned them a 2016 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, though only the first three lineups were honored, leaving out Bolin’s era, as noted on Songfacts. Connect with the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive into discussions at Glenn Hughes Fan Forum or join French-speaking devotees at La Maison des Légendes, which also promotes a book chronicling the band’s 50-year legacy. Keep it funky, Zoo Freaks!