Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story

Rock fans have reason to celebrate with the upcoming release of Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story. This definitive box set includes newly remastered versions of all three Ian Gillan Band studio albums, along with rare mixes, demos, single edits, and three live shows, offering a complete look at this pioneering period of Gillan’s career.

Presented in seven-inch style packaging to complement last year’s Gillan box set, it also features a 24-page booklet with detailed sleeve notes by Rich Davenport, who conducted an exclusive interview with Ian Gillan about his time with the band.

Ian Gillan is one of rock music’s most influential figures, celebrated worldwide as the iconic lead vocalist of Deep Purple. Joining the band in 1969, he helped define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal, delivering legendary performances on classics like Smoke on the Water and Child in Time. His soaring, high-pitched vocals became a defining signature of the genre, inspiring generations of singers and leaving a lasting mark on rock history.

Gillan’s influence stretches beyond Deep Purple. In 1971, he brought raw intensity to the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, helping to cement the rock opera’s legendary status. He later joined Black Sabbath in the early 1980s for the Born Again album, showcasing his versatility and powerful stage presence while navigating a transitional period in his solo career. Across all his projects, Gillan’s technical mastery, dramatic flair, and unique vocal style have made him a lasting cultural icon.

Post-Deep Purple: Retirement and Early Solo Ventures

After leaving Deep Purple, Gillan briefly retired from music to explore a range of business ventures, some successful and others less so. Among these pursuits was Kingsway Studios, a space that became central to his creative revival. By 1974, he was back in the studio, quietly working on his first solo material, while a positive reception to his appearance at Roger Glover’s Butterfly Ball live performance reminded him—and fans—of his enduring appeal. This momentum led Gillan to form a new band rather than continuing solely as a solo artist.

The Ian Gillan Band: Reinvention and Jazz-Rock Fusion

Initially named Shand Grenade, management persuaded Gillan to attach his own name to the project, creating the Ian Gillan Band. He recruited guitarist Ray Fenwick, bassist John Gustafson, keyboardist Mike Moran, and drummer Mark Nauseef, with Roger Glover producing.

The band’s 1976 debut, Child in Time, marked a bold departure from Deep Purple’s hard rock style, exploring progressive jazz-rock fusion with extended compositions and experimental arrangements. While the album divided some fans, it built a cult following in Europe and Japan. The band followed up in 1977 with Clear Air Turbulence, deepening their jazz-inflected sound, and Scarabus, which leaned toward a more rock-oriented approach. This brief but creatively rich period is now celebrated in the 8CD box set Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story, featuring studio albums, rare mixes, single edits, and live performances.

Gillan and His Solo Career: Expanding Musical Horizons

Ian Gillan’s solo career, spanning roughly 12 studio albums under his name or band projects like the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan, showcases his constant experimentation outside hard rock. Key albums include:

• Child in Time, Clear Air Turbulence, Scarabus (Ian Gillan Band, 1975–1978; jazz-rock fusion)
• Mr. Universe, Glory Road, Future Shock, Magic (Gillan, 1978–1983; hard rock)
• Naked Thunder, Toolbox, Dreamcatcher, Gillan’s Inn, One Eye to Morocco (Solo/Various Projects, 1990–present; post-Deep Purple reunion work)

While his solo work never achieved the same mainstream fame as Deep Purple, it enjoyed significant success in Europe and remains a testament to Gillan’s willingness to explore new musical directions. His time with Black Sabbath, particularly on the Born Again album, bridged his solo efforts and arguably paved the way for the revival of Deep Purple’s Mark II lineup.

Across decades, Ian Gillan has proven himself as an artist unafraid to reinvent his sound, whether through hard rock, jazz-rock fusion, or experimental solo work. His presence, creativity, and unmatched vocal style have left a permanent mark on heavy rock, progressive music, and pop culture at large.

Down The Road: The Complete Ian Gillan Band Story hits stores on 27 February 2026.