He sure was...

I was in 6th grade.. I knew some Purple tunes, but not many.. They did that California Jam thing with Purple, Sabbath, Black Oak Arkansas etc which they broadcast on TV late one night.. Coverdale was signing for Purple and, in not knowing much about them in 6th grade, I thought HE was the original singer.. He did my favorite Purple song "Burn".. if you're not familiar with it, you'll recognize the voice..

So, pull up a video of the "incident" with Deep Purple at California Jam.. you'll dig it.. Blackmore ties to set his cabinets on fire and it, well, goes a little out of control.. lol.. I think he smashes a guitar, as well..

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Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..