Deep Purple Postpones Shows After Ian Gillan Hospitalized

Deep Purple announced on Saturday, October 31, 2026, via Instagram that frontman Ian Gillan, 81, had been hospitalized after a sudden medical emergency. The band postponed its Splat! world tour stops at QI Arena in Leipzig, Germany, originally set for that same night, and at Sporthalle in Hamburg, Germany, originally scheduled for November 1.

• Deep Purple’s current lineup includes Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, Don Airey on keyboards and Simon McBride on guitar, with Paice the band’s only remaining original member.
• Tickets bought for the Leipzig and Hamburg dates will carry over once new dates are set.
• The Splat! tour supports Deep Purple’s 24th studio album, also titled “Splat!”, issued in July 2026 on earMUSIC and produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin.
• No details on the cause of Gillan’s medical emergency or his present condition have been made public.

What Deep Purple Said About Postponing the Shows

In its Instagram statement, the band wrote that it was “with great disappointment” that it had to cancel the two concerts, citing Gillan’s hospitalization directly. The group acknowledged the late timing of the news, saying it understood fans would share in the letdown over missing the Leipzig and Hamburg performances.

Deep Purple said its team is actively searching for a “suitable time” to reschedule both dates and confirmed that anyone holding tickets for the original shows will be able to use them once new dates are confirmed. The statement closed with the band signing off, “With the greatest love and respect… Deep Purple x.”

Deep Purple’s Scheduled 2026 Tour Dates

Aside from the two postponed German dates, the rest of Deep Purple’s touring schedule remains in place as announced. The band is set to pick back up on November 3 in Dortmund and continue across Europe, the United Kingdom and Latin America through mid-December.

• Nov 03: Dortmund, Westfalenhalle, Germany
• Nov 04: Berlin, Uber Arena, Germany
• Nov 06: Frankfurt, Festhalle, Germany
• Nov 07: Nuremberg, Arena, Germany
• Nov 09: Amsterdam, Ziggodome, Netherlands
• Nov 10: Strasbourg, Zenith, France
• Nov 12: Bordeaux, Arkea Arena, France
• Nov 13: Nantes, Zenith, France
• Nov 15: Lyon, LDLC Arena, France
• Nov 18: Newcastle, Utilita Arena, UK
• Nov 19: Glasgow, OVO Hydro, UK
• Nov 21: Birmingham, BP Pulse Arena, UK
• Nov 22: Manchester, AO Arena, UK
• Nov 24: London, Eventim Apollo, UK
• Nov 25: London, Royal Albert Hall, UK
• Dec 05: Sao Paulo, Suhai Hall, Brazil
• Dec 08: Santiago, Movistar Arena, Chile
• Dec 10: Buenos Aires, Movistar Arena, Argentina
• Dec 13: Monterrey, Arena Monterrey, Mexico
• Dec 16: Guadalajara, Arena Guadalajara, Mexico
• Dec 19: Mexico City, Estadio Fray Nano, Mexico

The November 25 London date returns Deep Purple to the Royal Albert Hall, the same venue where the band first staged its “Concerto for Group and Orchestra” back in 1969. After wrapping the UK run, the band is slated to head to Latin America in December for shows across Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Mexico.

Ian Gillan’s Recent Comments on His Health

Gillan, who stepped into Deep Purple’s lead vocalist role in 1969 as a replacement for original frontman Rod Evans and went on to sing on tracks such as “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway Star,” had already opened up about health struggles tied to touring before this latest hospitalization. In November 2025, he disclosed that his eyesight had dropped to roughly 30 percent of what it used to be.

Gillan said at the time that fading stamina, not his vision, would ultimately be what pushes him off the road. “I think if I lose my energy I’m going to stop,” he said. “I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone.”

More Info

• Deep Purple Postpone Shows as Singer Ian Gillan Hospitalized Due to Medical Emergency | Consequence
• Ian Gillan hospitalized after medical emergency as Deep Purple postpone two concerts: “I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone” | Guitar Player
• Deep Purple postpone two German shows with Ian Gillan in hospital following "medical emergency" | Louder / Classic Rock
• Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan Hospitalized Following Medical Emergency, Two Shows Postponed | Billboard
• Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, 81, hospitalized due to medical emergency, cancels upcoming tour dates | Page Six (Music/Celebrity)
• Deep Purple postpone shows after Ian Gillan hospitalised following medical emergency | NME
• Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan, 81, is hospitalized for medical emergency forcing band to cancel shows | Daily Mail Showbiz
• Deep Purple postpone German shows due to Ian Gillan suffering medical emergency | Far Out Magazine