Alternate Deep Purple lineups

In 1969, disagreements with the direction of the band Deep Purple resulted in vocalist Rod Evans and bassist Nick Simper fired. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore had young singer Terry Reid in mind, yet due to contract obligations Blackmore was forced to continue searching, ending up with vocalist Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover formerly of Episode Six.

So WI Reid had accepted?
 
Reid is one of those musicians in continual search of a band. He passed up lead singer in Led Zeppelin too. *facepalm*

Blame Mickie Most.

Another what if is Deep Purple continuing as a four-piece band - before they got David Coverdale it was a possibility that Glenn Hughes would handle both bass and vocals. Both Coverdale and Hughes did vocals.
 
Another possibility is Blackmore bringing in Phil Lynott. Blackmore recorded some demos with him and Ian Paice in the very earl '70s under the name Baby Face.
 
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