I think Longevity might not be the best word here: They had at least one amazing album for the 70/80/90s: Machine Head, Perfect Strangers, Purpendicular.
Maybe consistency is a better word, specially if you are throwing Rush into the mix
I agree that Zep and Floyd do have a stronger overall catalog, and shorter as well, but their highest points are pretty much on the same level as these other bands highest points too. DP was pretty much a "1 album a year" band, which I think led to some albums having some filler that shouldn't be there.
Also, maybe another point to why their live albums sold so well too. You could just get all the singles in a single packaging. See: Made In japan
gabapenteado OP t1_j9b3tmm wrote
Reply to comment by Contrarian_Eh in Why has the Deep Purple legacy not aged as well as other 70's rock giants? by gabapenteado
I think Longevity might not be the best word here: They had at least one amazing album for the 70/80/90s: Machine Head, Perfect Strangers, Purpendicular.
Maybe consistency is a better word, specially if you are throwing Rush into the mix