Deep Purple's Ian Gillan Recovering After "Successful" Surgery Following Medical Emergency
News Source
β’Sat, 07 Nov 2026 16:38:00 +0000
π° What Happened
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan says surgery after a medical emergency went well. He wrote on Facebook that he had a procedure which was successful and now needs to rest. The band has not said what was wrong.
The 81-year-old was taken to hospital in late October. Deep Purple cancelled shows in Leipzig and Hamburg, then postponed the rest of its European tour. Tickets will be valid for new dates.
A Latin American tour planned for December is still on the schedule.
π The Backstory
Deep Purple formed in England in 1968 and became one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Gillan co-wrote Smoke on the Water, one of the most famous guitar riffs ever recorded. The band has sold more than 100 million records.
Gillan has spoken about his eyesight, saying he has only 30 per cent vision. He has said it will not stop him singing. He also sang with Black Sabbath for a short time in the 1980s.
π― Why It Matters
Gillan is 81 and still touring, which raises questions about how long older performers should push themselves. For fans, postponed shows mean lost travel and ticket plans.
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan says surgery after a medical emergency went well. He wrote on Facebook that he had a procedure which was successful and now needs to rest. The band has not said what was wrong.
The 81-year-old was taken to hospital in late October. Deep Purple cancelled shows in Leipzig and Hamburg, then postponed the rest of its European tour. Tickets will be valid for new dates.
A Latin American tour planned for December is still on the schedule.
Deep Purple formed in England in 1968 and became one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Gillan co-wrote Smoke on the Water, one of the most famous guitar riffs ever recorded. The band has sold more than 100 million records.
Gillan has spoken about his eyesight, saying he has only 30 per cent vision. He has said it will not stop him singing. He also sang with Black Sabbath for a short time in the 1980s.
Gillan is 81 and still touring, which raises questions about how long older performers should push themselves. For fans, postponed shows mean lost travel and ticket plans.