Iconic ’60s rockers look incredible as they hit the stage decades after their biggest hits

Deep Purple proved they can still rock with the best of them as they delivered an energetic performance nearly six decades after the legendary band first formed.

The British rockers performed at the 60th Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on Monday July 13, 2026, taking over the iconic Auditorium Stravinski as part of the milestone celebration.

Frontman Ian Gillan, now 80, was joined by bassist Roger Glover, also 80, drummer Ian Paice, 78, keyboardist Don Airey, 78, and the youngest member of the group, 47-year-old guitarist Simon McBride.

Roger embraced the band’s classic rock aesthetic in a black sleeveless top, dark trousers, a bandana and sunglasses, while Simon wore a patterned shirt and jeans as the pair played guitar side by side.

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Ian Gillan kept his look relaxed in a grey shirt and dark trousers, while Ian Paice could be seen behind his drum kit and Don performed at the Hammond organ.

Deep Purple were formed in Hertford, England, in 1968, with drummer Ian Paice the only musician to have remained with the group through every incarnation. Ian Gillan and Roger joined the following year, becoming part of the celebrated Mark II line-up alongside Ritchie Blackmore and the late Jon Lord.

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That line-up helped transform Deep Purple into one of the most influential hard-rock bands of the era, releasing landmark albums including Deep Purple in Rock, Fireball and Machine Head.

Their best-known songs include ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Highway Star’, ‘Black Night’, ‘Space Truckin” and their 1968 cover of ‘Hush’. ‘Smoke on the Water’, with its instantly recognisable guitar riff, remains the band’s signature anthem more than 50 years after appearing on Machine Head.

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The group split in 1976 before reuniting in 1984 and have undergone several line-up changes throughout their long career.

Don took over keyboard duties following Jon Lord’s retirement in 2002, while Simon became a permanent member after longtime guitarist Steve Morse stepped away from touring in 2022.

Far from relying entirely on nostalgia, Deep Purple continue to make new music. The band released their 24th studio album, Splat!, on July 3, following 2024’s =1, and are continuing to tour throughout Europe and North America in 2026.