Ian Gillan has been hospitalised following a medical emergency.
The exact nature of the Deep Purple lead singer’s medical situation was not disclosed. The band cancelled two shows that were due to take place this weekend.
A Facebook post on the band’s page read, “With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle (Hamburg). This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalisation.”
The post continues, “We understand that this announcement comes at short notice and share the disappointment of all our wonderful fans that we are unable to perform in Leipzig and Hamburg. Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows.”
In a November 2025 interview with music magazine Uncut, Gillan, who is 81, disclosed a problem with his eyes.
“It’s one of those things,” he said. “I’ve only got 30 per cent vision. That won’t get better.”
Months later, the Smoke on the Water singer told the same publication that rumours about his impending retirement due to the vision issues were unfounded.
“I will retire or stop when I haven’t got the strength to do it, or when it becomes embarrassing,” he shared in June. “I won’t just keep going for the sake of it. But we’re getting by so far, and I’m still standing when I walk off at the end of a show, just about.”
Deep Purple’s Splat! World Tour is scheduled to continue through the rest of the year, with a final concert in Poland set for June 2027.
