Just days after Deep Purple postponed two shows in Germany due to singer Ian Gillan‘s hospitalization, the veteran “Smoke on the Water” band announced on Monday (Nov. 2) that it has been forced to postpone the rest of its planned U.K./European tour due to the frontman’s illness.
After announcing on Saturday (Oct. 31) that its shows at QI Arena in Leipzig and Sporthalle in Hamburg on Sunday (Nov. 1) would be waved off due to an unspecified health issue, the band issued an update. “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,” wrote Gillan on Instagram.
“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,” he continued. “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.”
At press time the band had not provided any additional information on what is ailing Gillan, 81, who has fronted the group during several stints after first joining the band in 1969 and is the voice of some of the British rock group’s biggest hits, including their signature 1973 Billboard Hot 100 No. 4 hit “Smoke on the Water.”
Among the shows impacted are four more stops in Germany, as well as gigs in the Netherlands, four shows in France and five U.K. shows, including what was intended to be the final stop on the European tour on Nov. 25 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. At press time the band still has a short South American tour on the books slated to launch on Dec. 5 in São Paulo, Brazil.
Gillan’s hospitalization came just weeks after former Deep Purple bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes underwent 10-hour open-heart surgery. Hughes announced his retirement from touring earlier this year, sharing an update in mid-October that revealed he was recovering at home following the procedure.
