Deep Purple postpones shows as Ian Gillan hospitalised for ‘medical emergency’

Deep Purple have postponed two upcoming shows after frontman Ian Gillan was hospitalised due to a “medical emergency”.

Gillan, 81, first joined the rock group in 1969 and is leading the current line-up, comprising Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride.

Deep Purple, known for hits such as Smoke On The Water and Child In Time, are currently touring Germany as part of their Splat! World Tour.

The group announced the postponements in a message on X on Saturday, expressing their “deep disappointment”.

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.”

The message also said: “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.

“All tickets purchased will be valid for the rescheduled dates.”

The announcement came just hours before the band were due to perform at Leipzig’s Quarterback Immobilien Arena, and has been flooded with messages of support from fans.

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan (Yui Mok/PA)

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When Gillan joined Deep Purple, he formed part of the band’s Mark II line-up alongside bassist Roger Glover, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, keyboardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian Paice.

The new line-up marked a shift towards a heavier hard rock sound, moving away from the more psychedelic style of the group’s first two albums.

Gillan left the band in 1973 and went on to pursue a number of solo projects, most notably with his band, Gillan.

He also spent a short time as the frontman of Black Sabbath before rejoining Deep Purple in 1984.

Gillan left again in 1989 before returning in 1992, and has remained the group’s lead singer ever since.