Ian Gillan Gillan Band and Gillan, before a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath in 1983. The following year, Deep Purple reformed and two more successful albums followed before he left in 1989. He returned to the group in 1993, and has remained its lead singer ever since. In addition to his main work—performing with Deep Purple and other bands during the 1970s and 1980s—he sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar", performed in the charity supergroup Rock Aid Armenia, and engaged in a number of business investments and
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