Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan has thanked fans for their support after a medical emergency forced the band to postpone the rest of their European and UK tour, he said in a statement posted on Instagram.
Gillan suffered a medical problem while the band was in Leipzig that required urgent hospital treatment. He explained that although he had hoped to continue until the end of the tour, his medical team and management advised against it due to serious health risks.
“Dear Friends, Thank you for all the good wishes and support over the last few days, it means the world,” Gillan said. “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,” he continued. “I’m very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause, but it’s in the best interest all round. Thank you for your understanding.”
The statement came after the band cancelled shows following Gillan’s medical emergency. No return date has yet been set for the postponed dates.
The hospitalization occurred during Deep Purple’s “Splat!” world tour, which began after the album’s release on 3 July 2026. The tour was planned to include 86 shows across 28 countries on three continents, with the album described as “the heaviest Deep Purple album in many years.” Deep Purple had more than a dozen concerts scheduled for Germany, the Netherlands, France and the U.K. before the postponement.
The band noted that all tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Deep Purple also has show dates scheduled for December 2026 in Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Mexico.
Gillan, 81, has faced health challenges in recent years. In a November 2025 interview with Uncut magazine, he revealed he was suffering from an eye ailment, telling the outlet “I’ve only got 30 percent vision.” Despite concerns about his eyesight, Gillan dismissed retirement rumours and continued to perform with the band through 2026 until the recent medical emergency in Leipzig forced the tour postponement.
