Deep Purple Postpones UK and European Tour After Ian Gillan Hospitalized
Following an issue last week that necessitated urgent medical care for frontman Ian Gillan, Deep Purple have delayed the rest of their UK and European tour after singer Ian Gillan required urgent medical attention following a problem last week. The 81-year-old stated that continuing the trek would present very serious risks after an incident that forced the postponement of two weekend gigs in Leipzig and Hamburg.
The sudden halt affects the group’s Splat! World Tour, which was scheduled to bring the band to Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London throughout November. The band expressed deep disappointment in an announcement issued just hours before they were set to take the stage at Leipzig’s Quarterback Immobilien Arena on Saturday.
Gillan Health Crisis Forces Tour Cancellation
Gillan addressed fans directly regarding the health crisis that led to the hospital stay. “I had a medical problem whilst in Leipzig, which required urgent attention at the hospital,” Gillan said in a statement. “I was hoping that I would get the all-clear to hang on until the end of the tour, but there are very serious risks involved in me doing so.”
On the advice of his medical team and management, the decision was made to postpone the remaining dates until further notice.
“Deep Purple regret to announce that tonight’s Leipzig and tomorrow’s Hamburg shows cannot go ahead due to a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, who is currently hospitalised,” the band stated over the weekend. “We understand that this announcement comes at short notice and share the disappointment of all our wonderful fans.”
Decades of Hard Rock History
Gillan’s tenure with Deep Purple stretches back over five decades. Upon entering the ensemble in 1969, he became part of their renowned Mark II lineup alongside drummer Ian Paice, keyboardist Jon Lord, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, and bassist Roger Glover. This line-up steered the group away from its early psychedelic style toward a heavier hard rock sound.
That line-up is known for a trio of critically acclaimed albums: Deep Purple in Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), and Machine Head (1972).
Gillan left the group in 1973 to pursue solo projects, including his band, Gillan, and fronted Black Sabbath for a brief stint before returning to Deep Purple in 1984. Following another departure in 1989 and a 1992 return, he has remained the group’s lead singer ever since. Today, the group’s roster consists of Simon McBride, Don Airey, Paice, Glover, and Gillan.
The band and their team are currently focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule the shows.
