Deep Purple Cancel Shows as Frontman Ian Gillan is Hospitalized

Deep Purple has canceled their concerts this weekend after lead vocalist Ian Gillan experienced a sudden medical emergency, leading to his hospitalization in Germany.

“With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena in Leipzig and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle in Hamburg,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band announced on Saturday. “This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalization.”

While the band did not elaborate on the specific nature of Gillan’s medical emergency or his current condition, the situation appears stable enough that they are already focused on rescheduling the affected shows.

“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 added. “Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows.”

As of press time, the band is still scheduled to resume their European tour on November 3 in Dortmund, Germany. The European leg of the tour will conclude on November 25 at London’s Royal Albert Hall, followed by a December tour of Latin America.

Gillan’s medical emergency comes just weeks after former Deep Purple singer and bassist Glenn Hughes revealed he was recovering from a ten-hour open-heart surgery.

Hughes joined Deep Purple in place of Gillan, who was a key member of the band’s classic “Mark II” lineup from 1969 to 1973—an era that produced seminal albums like *Deep Purple in Rock* and *Machine Head*. Gillan later rejoined the band in 1984 for five years, departed again, and returned in 1992, remaining with the group ever since.

Deep Purple has been touring in support of their 2026 album *Splat!*, which marks their 24th studio LP.

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