As rockers Deep Purple prepared for their gig in Leipzig on Saturday, singer Ian Gillan needed ugent medical attention and now the group have been forced to cancel their european tour
Deep Purple have been forced to call off their tour, including five dates in the UK, after frontman Ian Gillan was rushed to hospital.
He explained that there were “very serious risks involved” with carrying on to the end and said scrapping all remaining dates was “in the best interest all round”.
The rock band announced the cancellation of two scheduled shows in Germany on Saturday, with fans hoping the 81-year-old would be able to take to the stage later this month.
However, he has released an update today saying that medics have told him he needs more time to recover. Among the five shows impacted in the UK is the highly anticipated night at the Royal Albert Hall.
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All four performances in Germany are now off, as well as gigs in the Netherlands and France, which will also not take place.
Ian wrote on social media: “Thank you for all the good wishes and support over the last few days, it means the world. I had a medical problem whilst in Leipzig which required urgent attention at the hospital.
“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.
“As a result, and on the advice of my medical team and management we have made the decision to postpone the rest of the European/UK tour until further notice. I’m very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause, but it’s in the best interest all round.”
A mini South American tour starting in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 5 was also announced last year but there has been no update on if that will go ahead.
Ian’s hospital dash came less than a month after the group’s legendary bassist Glenn Hughes underwent open-heart surgery. He announced he wouldn’t tour in October.
Deep Purple said all purchased tickets will remain valid for rescheduled dates once new shows are arranged.
No further details on the singer’s condition have been shared so far. “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 band wrote on Instagram at the weekend.
“This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalisation. 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. All tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled dates. With the greatest love and respect… Deep Purple x.”
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