Deep Purple cancel two German concerts after a medical emergency involving singer Ian Gillan. The band were due at the QI Arena in Leipzig on Saturday, Oct. 31, and at the Sporthalle in Hamburg on Sunday, Nov. 1. Both shows are now off. The band says Gillan is in the hospital and that both dates will be rescheduled, as it confirmed in an official post on X.
Deep Purple Cancel Leipzig and Hamburg: The Statement
The band shared a longer statement on social media on Oct. 31, as reported by Blabbermouth:
“Important announcement. With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perfom as scheduled tonight [October 31] at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening [November 1] at the Sporthalle (Hamburg). This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalisation.”
“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.”
The statement was signed, “With the greatest love and respect… Deep Purple.” The band has not given any further details about Gillan’s condition.
Tickets for Leipzig and Hamburg Stay Valid
Fans holding tickets do not need to do anything yet. According to the band, “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.” New dates have not been announced.
- Oct. 31: QI Arena, Leipzig (cancelled, to be rescheduled)
- Nov. 1: Sporthalle, Hamburg (cancelled, to be rescheduled)
- Tickets: valid for the new dates once they are set
The Splat! Tour and the Current Lineup
The two concerts were part of the German leg of the band’s tour behind Splat!, which came out July 3 via earMUSIC. It is the band’s sixth album with producer Bob Ezrin, who has produced every Deep Purple album since 2013’s Now What?!
The lineup is Ian Gillan on vocals, Roger Glover on bass, Ian Paice on drums, Don Airey on keyboards and Simon McBride on guitar. McBride replaced Steve Morse, who officially left in July 2022.
No Formal Farewell Tour
In July, Glover told Paul Cashmere of Australia’s Noise11.com that the band would not stage a farewell run. “We ain’t gonna stop,” he said. “We’re not gonna have a final tour, a final gig and make a hoopla about it.” He added that “‘The Long Goodbye’ got longer and longer, and we decided to ditch that in the end.” His summary: “We’re just gonna carry on till we can’t. That’s it.”
Deep Purple helped lay the foundations of heavy music, as SDMETAL’s look at the origins of the metalhead explains.
What Happens Next for Deep Purple
For now, Deep Purple cancel only the Leipzig and Hamburg shows, and the band says both will be rescheduled. New dates and any update on Gillan will come from the band. SDMETAL will update this story when official information is released.
