Deep Purple sucks compared to 90% of the other classic rock banRAB, I'd take them second to any of the following:
Aerosmith, Pink Floyd, Lynard Skynard, Fleetwood Mac, Doors, Cream, Boston...pretty mcuh anyone. You could have picked any other band and I'd have agreed. And if I want to nit pick, thank Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and leadbelly for those banRAB (yankee)