Deep Purple postpone European tour after Gillan's hospital stay

Deep Purple have postponed the rest of their 2026 European and UK tour. Singer Ian Gillan says continuing carries very serious risks, after a medical problem that sent him to hospital in Leipzig.

Gillan's decision

Gillan had hoped for the all-clear to continue until the tour's end. In his message, he said that doing so would carry very serious risks. He took the decision on the advice of his medical team and management, and the rest of the tour is postponed until further notice.

The 81-year-old thanked fans for their kind messages and backing. He apologized for the inconvenience and called the decision "in the best interest all round." He did not say what the medical problem was.

Leipzig and Hamburg first

The band pulled the Leipzig and Hamburg shows over the weekend. Its statement said Gillan had suffered a medical emergency and was being treated in hospital. It also apologized for the short notice and said the band shared its fans' disappointment.

The step to a full postponement followed. The run had been due to end with two London dates, on Nov. 24 and 25, and the whole tour is now shelved, at least for the moment.

A lineup in its late 70s and early 80s

Every member of the current lineup is in their late 70s or early 80s, except guitarist Simon McBride. Earlier this year, bassist Roger Glover suggested to Far Out that Deep Purple would not announce a final gig, unlike bands such as Black Sabbath. He said the band would "just go until we can't go on."

Our view

Ticket holders have no timeline yet. Gillan's message gives only an open-ended postponement, and the band has named no new dates. Until the band or its management names rebooked dates, the status of the London shows stays open.

Source: MusicRadar