Malice in Wonderland

Paice Ashton Lord had a brief but spectacular moment in the history of rock 'n' roll. There was a great buzz in the music press when drummer Ian Paice and organist Jon Lord formed a new band after the unpleasant dissolution of Deep Purple. Tony Ashton was at the top of Jon Lord's wishlist, as they had previously collaborated on joint projects, and he became the singer, pianist, and frontman of the band. They placed ads in the music press, held auditions, and ultimately completed the band with Bernie Marsden (guitar) and Paul Martinez (bass), along with additional background singers and a brass section.