David Coverdale last show by Lord and Ian Paice (the last remaining original members), who had not told anyone else. The break-up was finally made public in July 1976. Said Coverdale in an interview: "I was frightened to leave the band. Purple was my life, Purple gave me my break, but all the same I wanted out." After the demise of Deep Purple, Coverdale embarked on a solo career. He released his first album in February 1977, titled "White Snake". All songs were written by Coverdale and guitarist Micky Moody. As his first solo effort, Coverdale later admitted: "It's very difficult to
Gillan (band) time and the group gained popularity in Europe. In 1980 Gillan reached the peak of their success, releasing the album "Glory Road", with initial copies containing the free album "For Gillan Fans Only". However, the band remained unknown in North America and were unable to raise any interest there despite a long and difficult 1980 tour there. By 1981 the band members had become disgruntled that their European and Japanese success was not translating into increased financial rewards, and after the "Future Shock" album, whilst on tour in Germany, Torme left just before the band were due to fly back