Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has been hospitalized following a medical emergency, forcing the legendary British rock band to postpone two concerts in Germany.
In a statement shared on Instagram Saturday (Oct. 31), Deep Purple announced “with great disappointment” that its concert at QI Arena in Leipzig that evening, as well as its upcoming performance at Sporthalle Hamburg, had been postponed.
“This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalisation,” wrote the band, which also features guitarist Simon McBride, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice and keyboardist Don Airey.
Deep Purple did not provide further details about Gillan’s condition or indicate when he might be released from the hospital.
“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 band added that it is working to find a “suitable time to reschedule” both concerts. Tickets purchased for the original dates will remain valid for the rescheduled performances.
Deep Purple has been on the road for its SPLAT! world tour since late summer, with additional dates scheduled across Europe, the United Kingdom, South America and Mexico through late December.
Gillan has served as Deep Purple’s lead vocalist during multiple stints, first joining the band in 1969. He is the voice behind some of the British rock group’s best-known hits such as “Smoke on the Water”and “Highway Star.”
Gillan’s hospitalization comes just weeks after former Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes underwent 10-hour open-heart surgery. Hughes, who announced his retirement from touring earlier this year, shared an update in mid-October, saying he was recovering at home following the procedure.
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