Deep Purple has postponed the rest of its planned U.K. and European tour after frontman Ian Gillan required urgent medical attention in Leipzig. The band announced the decision on Monday, November 2, following the postponement of two German shows the previous day.
Gillan said in an Instagram update that he had experienced a medical problem while in Leipzig and was treated at a hospital. He had hoped to continue performing through the end of the tour, but said doing so would involve “very serious risks.” The postponement was made on the advice of his medical team and management. The band has not shared further details about his condition.
The affected dates include four additional shows in Germany, a performance in the Netherlands, four in France and five in the U.K. The cancelled itinerary included a planned November 25 concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Deep Purple’s short South American tour, scheduled to begin December 5 in São Paulo, remained on the band’s calendar at the time of the announcement.
Gillan, 81, first joined Deep Purple in 1969 and has fronted the group during several periods. He sings on some of the band’s best-known songs, including “Smoke on the Water.”
Sources: Billboard.