Deep Purple postpones German shows after Ian Gillan hospitalized

The band said the two German dates are postponed while Gillan remains in hospital, with rescheduling to be arranged.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 31 Oct 2026 19:00:20 GMT

Deep Purple announced on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, that its concerts at the QI Arena in Leipzig and the Sporthalle in Hamburg are postponed after frontman Ian Gillan was hospitalized following a medical emergency.

What happened

The 81‑year‑old singer was due to perform in Germany over the weekend. The band posted a statement on Instagram saying the Leipzig show scheduled for that evening and the Hamburg show the following night could not go ahead because Gillan’s condition required hospitalisation.

What the reports add

Billboard reported that the band expressed “great disappointment” and clarified that tickets for the original dates will stay valid for any future rescheduled performances.
Rolling Stone noted that Deep Purple plans to resume its European leg on Nov. 3 in Dortmund and that the tour will wrap up on Nov. 25 at London’s Royal Albert Hall before heading to Latin America in December.
Both outlets mentioned that the SPLAT! world tour, which began in late summer, includes additional dates across Europe, the UK, South America and Mexico through late December.
Billboard also referenced that Gillian’s hospitalization follows former bassist Glenn Hughes’s recent 10‑hour open‑heart surgery, highlighting a string of health issues among former members.

What was said

"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). This comes as a result of a medical emergency involving Ian Gillan, which has resulted in his current hospitalization,"

the band wrote on Instagram, as cited by both Billboard and Rolling Stone.

"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 continued, adding that the group is working to find a suitable time to reschedule the shows.

How it came about

Deep Purple’s SPLAT! world tour has taken the band across Italy, Germany and other European venues. The postponements follow recent health setbacks within the Deep Purple family, including Glenn Hughes’s open‑heart surgery earlier in October, underscoring how medical emergencies can abruptly alter touring schedules.

Key facts

Ian Gillan was hospitalized following a medical emergency. (billboard.com)
Deep Purple postponed concerts in Leipzig and Hamburg. (rollingstone.com)
The band announced the postponement via Instagram on Oct. 31, 2026. (billboard.com)