With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle (Hamburg),
the band announced on Instagram Saturday, according to TMZ. The statement confirmed that 81-year-old frontman Ian Gillan was hospitalized following an unspecified medical emergency.
Deep Purple Cancels Leipzig and Hamburg Concerts After Ian Gillan Medical Emergency
The British rock group called off their weekend performances in Germany with short notice as frontman Ian Gillan received hospital treatment. The band announced that the sudden cancellations affected Saturday night’s scheduled stop at the QI Arena in Leipzig and Sunday evening’s performance at the Sporthalle in Hamburg.
The remaining band members—guitarist Simon McBride, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, and keyboardist Don Airey—shared the update with ticket holders on Saturday, as noted by Page Six. The musicians stated that they share the disappointment of their fans and are actively working to find suitable replacement dates for both postponed arena shows.
Tour Schedule Impact and Rescheduling Plans for the Splat Tour
Deep Purple has been traversing the globe on their current world tour in support of Splat!, their 24th studio album released in July.
As of press time, the band’s itinerary points toward a resumption of the European trek on November 3 in Dortmund, Germany, according to Ultimate Classic Rock. The current European schedule extends through November 25 at London’s Royal Albert Hall before the group shifts to a Latin American tour in December.
Recent Health Developments Across Deep Purple’s Lineup History
Gillan’s sudden hospitalization follows recent health challenges within the broader family of Deep Purple alumni. Rolling Stone noted that former member Glenn Hughes announced his retirement from live onstage appearances in August, revealing he would need to undergo heart surgery following health complications over the past year.
Gillan first joined Deep Purple in 1969, fronting the iconic “Mark II” lineup that produced landmark albums such as Deep Purple in Rock and Machine Head, before returning to the band permanently in 1992 after intermittent departures. The band was subsequently inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Postponed Concerts
What venues were affected by the recent cancellations?
The band postponed their concert at the QI Arena in Leipzig, Germany, and the following night’s show at the Sporthalle in Hamburg, Germany, as reported.
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. Both shows will be rescheduled and tickets remain valid.Deep Purple x pic.twitter.com/XDPNYoBEc5
When is Deep Purple scheduled to return to the stage?
'DEEP PURPLE CANCELS SHOWS DUE TO singer IAN GILLAN's medical emergency'With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle (Hamburg). This comes as a result… pic.twitter.com/xFGF8P4WNO
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