Deep Purple have postponed all remaining dates of their European and UK 2026 tour, including a scheduled performance at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, after frontman Ian Gillan required urgent medical attention while in Europe.
The announcement came on Monday evening, with the band confirming that the rest of the tour would be pushed back "until further notice." The Newcastle gig, set for November 18, would have been the band's first on Tyneside in four years.
Medical Emergency in Leipzig
In a statement issued just after 5pm on Monday, Gillan explained that he had suffered a medical problem in Leipzig that required urgent hospital treatment. He had hoped to receive clearance to continue until the end of the tour, but said there were "very serious risks" involved in doing so.
"Thank you for all the good wishes and support over the last few days...it means the world. I had a medical problem whilst in Leipzig which required urgent attention at the hospital," the statement read.
"I was hoping that I would get the all-clear to hang on until the end of the tour, but there are very serious risks involved in me doing so. As a result, and on the advice of my medical team and management, we have made the decision to postpone the rest of the European/UK 2026 tour until further notice."
Postponed Shows and Apology
In addition to Newcastle, the band were due to perform in Birmingham, Manchester, and London, including a special show at the Royal Albert Hall. Deep Purple, known for hits such as "Smoke on the Water" and "Hush," last played in Newcastle in October 2022 during their Whoosh! tour, with support from Blue Oyster Cult.
Signing off, Gillan apologised for the disruption, adding: "I'm very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause, but it's in the best interest all round. Thank you for your understanding."
