What band's original name was Roundabout?

Deep Purple was originally assembled under the name Roundabout. The project began in 1967 when drummer Chris Curtis imagined a rotating “supergroup” whose musicians would join and leave like riders on a musical roundabout.

Organist Jon Lord and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore became the project’s key architects after Curtis departed. The developing lineup eventually included vocalist Rod Evans, bassist Nick Simper, and drummer Ian Paice. The group was still billed as Roundabout during an early tour of Denmark and Sweden in April 1968.

Ritchie Blackmore proposed the name Deep Purple, inspired by his grandmother’s favorite song, “Deep Purple,” written by Peter DeRose. The band considered other suggestions, including “Concrete God,” but chose Deep Purple. The name change happened before the group’s debut single and first album established its identity in 1968.