Deep Purple has cancelled two upcoming shows in Germany after its lead vocalist, Ian Gillan, was taken to hospital in the wake of a medical emergency.
The legendary British rock band were scheduled to perform at the QI Arena in Leipzig on October 31 and at the Sporthalle in Hamburg on November 1 as part of their ongoing ‘Splat!’ world tour.
The group announced on Saturday that both performances would be postponed. In a statement they said, “With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle (Hamburg).”
The cancellation followed a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, resulting in his current hospitalisation.
The band expressed understanding of the inconvenience caused by the short notice and confirmed that replacement dates are being organised. All existing tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled shows, they added, signing off with “With the greatest love and respect… Deep Purple x”.
No further details about the nature of Gillan’s medical emergency or his condition have been released.
Deep Purple is slated to resume its European tour at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund on Tuesday, November 3, followed by a performance at Berlin’s Uber Arena the next evening.
The tour will continue through the UK, with concerts scheduled for Newcastle (November 18), Glasgow (19), Birmingham (21), Manchester (22) and two dates in London (24 and 25). The final UK stop will be at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the venue where the band premiered their orchestral work ‘Concerto for Group and Orchestra’ in 1969.
The ‘Splat!’ tour supports the band’s 24th studio album, released in July via earMUSIC and produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin.
Last November, Gillan disclosed that he is losing his eyesight, estimating he retains roughly 30 % of his vision. He has adapted to the challenges and noted that retirement “is not far off,” adding, “I think if I lose my energy I’m going to stop. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone.”
Earlier this year, founding guitarist Ritchie Blackmore rejoined the band for a historic performance in New York, where he joined Gillan, Roger Glover and Ian Paice for a rendition of ‘Smoke on the Water.’ The reunion was described by Blackmore as “very emotional.”
