Fireball

Fireball is the fifth album by Deep Purple, released in 1971. It is also the second album recorded by the classic Mark II line-up.

Following the success of In Rock, the band's previous album, Fireball became a hit reaching #1 in The UK - the band's first of three number ones in their home land.

"Strange Kind of Woman" was released as a single and reached #8 in the UK. However, it wasn't included on the original European version of the album. Instead, "Demon's Eye" made it to the record. American and Japanese versions both have "Strange Kind Of Woman", but not "Demon's Eye.

In 1996, a 25th Anniversary Edition was released. It contained the original European version of the album along with extensive liner notes and 9 additional tracks from the same recording sessions, including "Strange Kind Of Woman".

The album is considered by many fans (although not by the majority in the band) as a classic record, that was important in developing the hard rock / heavy metal sound. On the other hand, it also includes a country song, "Anyone's Daughter", which is something the band has never done before or after Fireball.

Several songs from the album made it to the concert setlists througout the years (mainly after Blackmore's departure) and "Strange Kind of Woman" is still played live nowadays.

The album was recorded by the classic Mark II line-up, that included:

Ian Gillan - vocals
Ritchie Blackmore - guitar
Roger Glover - bass
Jon Lord - keyboards, Hammond organ
Ian Paice - drums