Speak of Purple and their guitarists and most folk think of Blackmore or maybe Tommy Bolin, but the amazing Steve Morse served in that role longer than either of those 2 put together - 28 years!
I’ve been a Steve Morse fan from before his Purple days, a player with an individual voice and style. He’s been a farm labourer, an airline pilot, as well as one of the finest guitar players out there. In recent years, he’s had mobility issues with his right hand/wrist and I thought this was why he has finally quit the band. No, it’s to care for his wife, who has been diagnosis with cancer .
https://planetradio.co.uk/planet-rock/news/rock-news/steve-morse-deep-purple/
If you’re unaware of Steve Morse and like virtuoso, rock guitar, I whole heartedly recommend you check out his work with his own band, The Dixie Dregs or Kansas, as well DP.