Deep Purple ProfileAfter postponing two shows in Germany on their current tour itinerary, Deep Purple have postponed the remaining tour dates they had booked for this year.
On Monday (2 November), The Music reported that two of the band’s shows in Leipzig and Hamburg were going to be rescheduled, citing frontman Ian Gillan’s “medical emergency” and hospitalisation.
While the Smoke On The Water rockers didn’t share more details about his medical emergency, they said they understood fans’ disappointment about the postponement and were working on a “suitable time” to reschedule both dates.
Now, Ian Gillan has shared another statement, revealing that he suffered a medical problem in Leipzig. He hoped to receive an “all-clear” and carry on with the tour, but instead, he was informed that there were “very serious risks involved” in taking that path.
“Dear Friends, thank you for all the good wishes and support over the last few days, it means the world,” he began.
He continued, “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.
“I'm very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause, but it's in the best interest all round. Thank you for your understanding. Cheers, IG.”
The band’s European and UK tour was set to continue into November and December.
In July, Deep Purple released their latest album, Splat!, the 24th album in their discography.
The band described the effort as “the heaviest Deep Purple album in many years,” with the lyrics exploring an end-of-humanity concept and Gillan showcasing his original screaming vocal style for the first time in many years. The album debuted at #19 in Australia upon its release.
