Deep Purple Cancels Two Shows as Ian Gillan, 81, Hospitalized for Medical Emergency

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Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan, 81, was hospitalized following a medical emergency, forcing his band to cancel two upcoming tour dates.

The British rock group — which also includes guitarist Simon McBride, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice and keyboardist Don Airey — announced the cancellations on Instagram Saturday, saying they were doing so “with great disappointment.”

The band said it would be “unable to perform” Saturday night at the QI Arena in Leipzig, Germany, as well as Sunday evening at the Sporthalle in Hamburg.

“This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalization,” the statement read.

“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,” they added.

The band stated that they are focused on finding “suitable” dates to reschedule both shows, noting that all previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled performances.

“With the greatest love and respect … Deep Purple x,” the statement concluded.

The band has been on the road for its “SPLAT!” world tour since early August, with performances scheduled through December.

Gillian joined Deep Purple in 1969 after leaving his previous group, Episode Six, replacing original frontman Rod Evans just one year after the band was formed in London in 1968.

Meanwhile, former Deep Purple member Glenn Hughes also recently stepped away from touring and live performances due to health issues of his own.

Hughes, 75 — who joined the band as bassist and co-lead vocalist in 1973 and remained until 1976 — announced his retirement from onstage appearances in August, revealing he would need to undergo heart surgery.

“This past year, I’ve had some health issues. The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team that I need another open-heart surgery,” the former Black Sabbath frontman wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.

He added that he had “no option” and “no choice,” explaining that his health remains his “number one priority.”

“Grateful to have been chosen with a life full with the gift of music … Thank you for walking beside me,” his statement concluded, signed, “Your friend, Glenn.”

Notably, Hughes was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of Deep Purple, alongside his former bandmates.

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