Rock legend Glenn Hughes, best known as the bassist and singer for Deep Purple, has announced his retirement from touring and live performances. The 74-year-old musician, who also played with Black Sabbath and Trapeze, made the announcement on Facebook, citing health issues and an upcoming heart surgery.
Health Issues Force Difficult Decision
In a statement, Hughes revealed that he has "had some health issues" over the past year, and after numerous medical tests, his team has advised that he needs another open-heart surgery. He described the decision to step back from performing as "difficult," but emphasized that "health is my number one priority."
Hughes expressed gratitude for his career, saying he is "grateful to have been chosen with a life full with the gift of music," and thanked fans with the words, "Thank you for walking beside me."
Recent Health Scares and Career Highlights
Earlier this year, Hughes was forced to cancel the US leg of his solo tour, titled "The Chosen Years," due to a minor health issue. He returned to the stage in May for a show with The Dead Daisies in Illinois. His last solo album, Chosen, was released in 2025 and supported by a UK tour.
Hughes has a history of heart problems, having been diagnosed with a heart murmur as a child and undergoing heart surgery in 2013. In a 2016 interview with Classic Rock, he reflected on how the operation changed his outlook, saying, "Having the operation with my heart and the new aorta has really changed my psychology about life and people and love itself."
That same year, Hughes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple.
