Funky Junction were an Irish rock band formed in 1972 specifically to record a tribute album of songs made famous by Deep Purple. The lineup featured Eric Bell, Phil Lynott, and Brian Downey of Thin Lizzy, who were joined by vocalist Benny White of the group Elmer Fudd and keyboardist Dave Lennox. The project was brought about by a German businessman using the alias Leo Muller, which was a name used by record producer Dave Miller. Although the musicians were reluctant because they were focused on developing their own identity, they accepted the project for financial reasons. Lynott performed on bass and backing vocals, while White performed lead vocals and Lennox contributed keyboards. After a rehearsal lasting two or three hours, the group recorded the album in a single day. Released in 1973 as Funky Junction Play a Tribute to Deep Purple, the album combined Deep Purple covers with several loosely improvised instrumental pieces. For its German release, it was retitled The Rock Machine Play the Best of Deep Purple and credited to The Rock Machine. Despite the participation of Thin Lizzy members, the band's name did not appear on the album. In 1973, another album titled Especially for You... was issued under the Funky Junction name, although it featured different musicians and did not involve the original lineup.
