Mistreated

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the raw, bluesy vibes of Mistreated by Deep Purple from their 1974 album Burn. This track, a standout at nearly seven and a half minutes, was penned by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and newcomer vocalist David Coverdale. According to the 30th Anniversary Edition booklet of Burn, Blackmore had the music for Mistreated tucked away for years, inspired by Free’s Heartbreaker, and even considered it for the 1973 album Who Do We Think We Are but held it back until Coverdale crafted its heartfelt lyrics. The song’s recording was an intense overnight session from 11 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. in Montreux, Switzerland, using the Rolling Stones’ mobile studio. Coverdale, in the same booklet, shared his frustration after the first playback, saying he “sat down and cried” because he wanted the vocals to be perfect, pushing for a second take to nail the emotional depth. At live shows, bassist Glenn Hughes often introduced it as a Blackmore creation from years prior, adding to its mystique.

The song’s legacy extends beyond Deep Purple. Coverdale continued performing Mistreated with Whitesnake, featuring it on live albums like Live at Hammersmith and Live...in the Heart of the City, and even re-recorded it for Whitesnake’s 2015 The Purple Album. Blackmore also brought it to Rainbow, with Ronnie James Dio’s powerful vocals featured on albums like On Stage and Live in Munich 1977. Fans on the Marshall Amp Forum debate which version reigns supreme, with some praising Coverdale’s soulful delivery and Blackmore’s focused guitar in the Deep Purple original, while others lean toward Dio’s commanding presence in Rainbow’s take. The track’s emotional weight, with lyrics like “I’ve been mistreated, I’ve been abused,” resonates universally, as one fan on Songfacts quipped, “Yeah, buddy, join the club,” tying it to the universal pain of heartbreak.

Deep Purple kicked off in London in 1968, originally under the name Roundabout, with a psychedelic and progressive rock sound. Founded by drummer Chris Curtis, the lineup solidified with Ritchie Blackmore on guitar, Jon Lord on keyboards, Rod Evans on vocals, and Nick Simper on bass. Their early albums, like Shades of Deep Purple, leaned into psychedelic covers, but by 1970’s Deep Purple in Rock, with Ian Gillan on vocals and Roger Glover on bass, they shifted to a heavier sound, cementing their status as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal alongside Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Known for their electrifying live performances, they earned a 1975 Guinness World Record as “the globe’s loudest band” after a 1972 show at London’s Rainbow Theatre. Despite multiple lineup changes, including Coverdale and Hughes joining for Burn, the band’s core energy and innovation kept them thriving, selling over 100 million records worldwide.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Deep Purple through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at dedicated sites like The Highway Star, a comprehensive fan hub with news, tour info, and forums. On Facebook, groups like Deep Purple Fans bring together devotees sharing memorabilia, concert stories, and love for classics like Mistreated. Whether you’re spinning this track at THE ZOO or jamming with fellow freaks, Deep Purple’s legacy keeps the rock spirit alive.