Deep Purple, one of the original British prog rock bands, have canceled two of their upcoming tour dates, revealing that frontman Ian Gillan, 81, has been hospitalized after a “medical emergency."
No further details of Ian's health or the emergency have been shared.
© Corbis via Getty Images"With great disappointment, Deep Purple must announce that they are unable to perform as scheduled tonight at the QI Arena (Leipzig) and tomorrow evening at the Sporthalle (Hamburg)," the band’s social media post read.
"This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalization."
It continued: "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. Deep Purple and their team are focused on finding a suitable time to reschedule both these shows."
© Corbis via Getty ImagesIn what will be considered hopeful news for fans of the band, a November 3 tour date, also in Germany, remains on the schedule as does the rest of the European tour which arrives in the band's native UK on November 18 and concludes on November 25 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The world tour has been running since August, and will later make its way to South America.
© RedfernsAfter forming in the late 1960s, the line-up changed in 1970 with Ian joining and the band moved towards a heavier sound alongside the likes of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 with the organization describing the group as the "harbingers of hard rock, paving the way for metal groups with their breakneck style."
Deep Purple went through a number of lineup changes over the decades, with Ian exiting in 1973. He rejoined in 1984 for five years, and then returned, again, in 1992.
© Mirrorpix via Getty ImagesDuring his departures, Glenn Hughes took over as frontman, and both were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Glenn, 75, also worked alongside the likes of Black Sabbath, and announced his retirement from touring and live performances in August following a successful aortic valve replacement operation.
© Getty Images"This past year, I’ve had some health issues," he shared in a social media statement.
"The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team that I need another open-heart surgery. I really have no option and no choice, as health is my number one priority. Grateful to have been chosen with a life full of the gift of music… Thank you for walking beside me."
