Former Deep Purple and the Dead Daisies singer Glenn Hughes has appeared in public for the first time since undergoing major heart surgery three weeks ago, according to a post on Instagram.
The photo showed Hughes having dinner outside his home. His friend Risa Margo shared the image and commented on his recovery.
Risa Margo wrote in the caption of Hughes’ photo: “I have never known what proof of life meant when I have seen that post. But I know what it means here. The incredible Glenn Hughes out for dinner 3 weeks after major heart surgery!!”
Hughes had announced his retirement from touring after the surgery. In his health update at that time, he described the procedure and his recovery.
“Now Home after an 8-day stay, and a 10-hour open-heart surgery operation, called aortic valve replacement, exactly the same procedure I had done in 2013, at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center, Westwood, LA,” Hughes said. “My doctor, Dr Richard Shemin, head, cardiac, and professor of UCLA, really took care of me with his remarkable staff. Each day as I move forward, I am getting my energy back. There is only love in my life. There are no mistakes.”
Hughes also shared a broader reflection on his experience with health challenges.
“Everything is in its right place. Never believe that there is something wrong in your life. You are where you’re supposed to be. Going through those experiences that are necessary for you right now. When you become angry at yourself because you don’t like the experiences that you are going through, you are hindering your growth. Rather, be grateful, & thankful, for every experience that you’re going through. Even though it may appear to be terrible in your life, be thankful for this experience, for the experience is not what you think it is, in your finite mind. There is a greater purpose to it. All is well…”
The public appearance marked a significant milestone in Hughes’ recovery following his decision to step back from touring.
Hughes had faced heart challenges before. He was diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child and underwent his first open-heart surgery in 2013 to repair one of his aortas. The aortic valve replacement he recently had is the same type of procedure he underwent in 2013.
In January 2026, Hughes canceled a scheduled six-week U.S. spring tour, citing a minor health issue. Over two months later, in August 2026, he announced his retirement from live performances after medical tests including MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram revealed he needed another open-heart surgery. A planned October 2 concert with the Purple Daisies at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, was canceled once his retirement took effect.
Despite his touring constraints, Hughes continued his solo work. He released his latest solo album, Chosen, on September 5, 2025, demonstrating his commitment to recording even as his health situation unfolded.
