Deep Purple have postponed the UK and European leg of their 2026 tour after frontman Ian Gillan was hospitalised.
The 81-year-old singer experienced a medical emergency in Leipzig last week, forcing the band to postpone shows in Germany and delay the remainder of their tour on medical advice.
In a statement to fans, Gillan said: "Dear friends, thank you for all the good wishes and support over the last few days, it means the world.
"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 2026 tour until further notice.
"I’m very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause, but it’s in the best interest all round.
"Thank you for your understanding."
What UK gigs are impacted by Deep Purple's postponement?
The band had been due to play in Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London in November as part of their Splat! World Tour.
Best known for classic rock anthems such as Smoke On The Water, Highway Star, and Black Night, Deep Purple have not yet released updated ticket information or rescheduled dates.
The Mark II line-up—featuring Gillan, Roger Glover, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice—helped define the group’s heavier sound with albums like Deep Purple In Rock (1970), Fireball (1971), and Machine Head (1972).
The post said: "Deep Purple regret to announce that tonight’s Leipzig and tomorrow’s Hamburg shows cannot go ahead due to a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, who is currently hospitalised.
"We apologise to our fans.
"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.
"Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows.
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"All tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled dates."
Gillan first joined Deep Purple in 1969 and, apart from periods away from the band, has remained their frontman ever since.
He has also fronted Black Sabbath and released solo material with his band, Gillan.
The current line-up features Gillan, Glover, Paice, Don Airey, and Simon McBride.
Did you have tickets to Deep Purple's gigs in the UK? Let us know in the comments.
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