Deep Purple has cancelled two shows on the German leg of their ‘Splat!’ world tour after a medical emergency involving singer Ian Gillan. The band posted the announcement on Instagram.
The cancellations affect performances scheduled for October 31 at the QI Arena in Leipzig and November 1 at the Sporthalle in Hamburg. Gillan was hospitalised as a result of the medical emergency.
The band’s statement said: “Important announcement. With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perfom as scheduled tonight [October 31] at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening [November 1] at the Sporthalle (Hamburg). This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalisation.”
Deep Purple added: “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 explained that they are working to reschedule both shows. “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.”
The announcement was made on the band’s social media as part of their efforts to inform fans and ticketholders of the situation. No further details about Gillan’s condition or the nature of the medical emergency were provided at this time.
The cancellation comes during Deep Purple’s tour in support of their 24th studio album, Splat!, released earlier in 2026. The band had planned an extensive touring schedule with 86 shows across 28 countries on three continents. They were scheduled to resume their European tour on November 3 at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund, followed by a concert at Berlin’s Uber Arena on November 4.
In a November 2025 interview with music magazine Uncut, Gillan had disclosed that he had 30 percent vision and that his condition would not improve. Despite this, he later dismissed rumours of retiring due to his eyesight issues, continuing to perform with the band through 2026.
The cancellation adds to recent health challenges affecting members of Deep Purple’s circle. Glenn Hughes, who played with Deep Purple alongside stints with Trapeze, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion and Dead Daisies, underwent open heart surgery at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center earlier in 2026. Hughes announced his retirement from touring and live performances in August 2026 following the procedure, which involved an aortic valve replacement.
Deep Purple and their team are now working to find suitable dates to reschedule the Leipzig and Hamburg performances. All tickets purchased for the cancelled shows will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.
