Ian Gillan is only a singer.
Ian Gillan ( born 19 August 1945 ) is an English singer and songwriter . He originally found commercial success as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple . He first found widespread commercial success after joining Deep Purple in 1969 . After a short time away from the music business , he resumed his music career with solo bands the Ian Gillan Band and Gillan , before a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath . In addition to his main work -- performing with Deep Purple and other bands during the 1970s and 1980s -- he sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber 's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar , performed in the charity supergroup Rock Aid Armenia , and engaged in a number of business investments and ventures , including a hotel , a motorcycle manufacturer , and music recording facilities at Kingsway Studios .