Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan Undergoes ‘Successful’ Surgery After Medical Emergency

Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan offered a health update Saturday, a week after a “medical emergency” forced the band to postpone their European tour.

Gillan returned to social media Saturday to tell fans that he recently underwent surgery, which would be followed by a period of rest and recovery.

“I had a procedure yesterday which was successful,” Gillan wrote. “I now have to rest, in order to make a complete recovery and ensure that I’m as fit as can be before getting back to work, thanks everybody for your patience and understanding. I really do appreciate it and apologize for all the inconvenience.”

The group postponed a pair of Germany shows last weekend — and subsequently nixed the remainder of their tour — after announcing that Gillan was hospitalized with an unspecified health issue.
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A few days later, Gillan updated fans, saying he “had a medical problem whilst in Leipzig which required urgent attention at the hospital.” However, “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.”

Deep Purple’s postponed European tour was scheduled to run through November 25. As of now, the band’s Latin America tour — scheduled to begin December 5 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and conclude December 19 in Mexico City — is still on the schedule.