Singer hospitalized in Germany following unspecified medical issue; band is currently scheduled to resume tour next week
Deep Purple called off their concerts this weekend after singer Ian Gillan had a “medical emergency.”
“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),” the Rock Hall-inducted band announced Saturday. “This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalization.”
Deep Purple did not elaborate on the nature of Gillan’s medical emergency or his current condition, but it appears the situation is not too concerning as the band is already looking to reschedule the gigs.
“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,” the band added. “Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows.”
As of press time, Deep Purple are scheduled to resume their European tour Tuesday in Dortmund, Germany. The trek concludes Nov. 25 at London’s Royal Albert Hall in their native England, after which the band will spend December on tour in Latin America.
Gillan’s medical emergency comes just weeks after former Deep Purple singer and bassist Glenn Hughes revealed he was recovering after undergoing an open-heart surgery operation that lasted 10 hours.
Hughes joined Deep Purple in place of Gillan, who was a member of the band’s “Mark II” lineup from 1969 to 1973, an era that saw the release of Deep Purple in Rock and Machine Head. Gillan rejoined the band in 1984 for five years, exited again, then came back in 1992 and has remained with Deep Purple ever since.
Deep Purple have been touring in support of their 2026 album, Splat!, their 24th studio LP.