Deep Purple have postponed two concerts in Germany after frontman Ian Gillan was hospitalised following what the band described as a medical emergency.
The group was scheduled to perform at Leipzig’s QI Arena on October 31 and Hamburg’s Sporthalle on November 1 as part of its ongoing Splat! world tour. In a statement, Deep Purple said the performances could not go ahead as planned because of Gillan’s hospitalisation.
The band apologised for the short-notice announcement and said it was working to arrange replacement dates. Existing tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled shows.
No further information has been provided about the nature of the emergency or Gillan’s condition.
Deep Purple are currently scheduled to continue the European leg of the tour in Dortmund on November 3, followed by a concert in Berlin on November 4. The tour is due to reach the UK later in the month, with performances planned for Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London between November 18 and 25.
The tour supports Splat!, the band’s 24th studio album, released in July via earMUSIC and produced by longtime collaborator Bob Ezrin.
Gillan, 81, said last November that he was losing his eyesight and had around 30 per cent of his vision remaining. At the time, he said retirement could be considered if he lost his energy, adding that he did not want to be an embarrassment to anyone.
Sources: NME.