Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan Provides Update on Medical Emergency That Postponed Euro Tour: ‘I Was Hoping That I Would Get the All Clear’
The "Smoke on the Water" band was forced to hit pause on the rest of their 2026 U.K./European dates due to the singer's condition.
Deep Purple, the renowned rock band, has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their scheduled U.K. and European tour due to the health of their lead singer, Ian Gillan. The frontman's hospitalization occurred just days after the band postponed two shows in Germany. Gillan shared on Instagram that he sought urgent medical attention after experiencing a health issue in Leipzig, adding that he was hoping to fully recover in time for the tour's conclusion.
However, his medical team and management have advised against it due to significant risks. The band regrets any inconvenience this may cause and has postponed the remainder of the tour "until further notice". Gillan, who has been the voice of the band since 1969 and is known for hits like "Smoke on the Water", is 81 years old. The affected shows include additional dates in Germany, performances in the Netherlands, France, and five U.K. shows, including the planned finale at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
The band's South American tour, set to commence on December 5 in São Paulo, Brazil, remains unaffected. Gillan's health crisis follows shortly after former bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes underwent 10-hour open-heart surgery and subsequently retired from touring.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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