Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan is recovering after a medical emergency forced the legendary rock band to postpone its European tour.
On Saturday (Nov. 7), the 81-year-old singer shared a health update with fans, revealing that he had undergone a successful procedure and would need time to rest before making a full recovery.
“I had a procedure yesterday which was successful,” Gillan wrote on Facebook. “I now have to rest, in order to make a complete recovery and ensure that I’m as fit as can be before getting back to work, thanks everybody for your patience and understanding. I really do appreciate it and apologise for all the inconvenience.”
Last weekend, Deep Purple revealed that Gillan had been hospitalized with an unspecified health issue, prompting the postponement of two concerts in Germany. Days later, the band confirmed that the remainder of its scheduled U.K. and European tour would also be postponed due to the singer’s illness.
The cancellations began with the band’s Oct. 31 show at QI Arena in Leipzig and its Nov. 1 date at Sporthalle in Hamburg. Gillan later shared more details about the health scare on Instagram.
“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,” the singer wrote.
“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.”
Deep Purple has been on the road for its SPLAT! world tour since late summer, with the postponed U.K. and European dates originally set to run through late November. At press time, the band’s Latin American leg was still scheduled to launch Dec. 5 in São Paulo, Brazil, with a final stop in Mexico City on Dec. 19.
Gillan has fronted Deep Purple during multiple stints since first joining the band in 1969. He is the voice behind some of the group’s biggest hits, including its signature 1973 song “Smoke on the Water,” which peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
