Glenn Hughes Says He Has No Interest To Talk With Deep Purple Members

Former Deep Purple bassist Glenn Hughes has no intention of reuniting with his former bandmates, citing what he perceives as disrespectful behavior during their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2016.

In a recent interview with Guitar Interactive, Hughes addressed Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, the three longest-standing members of Deep Purple. Hughes, along with singer David Coverdale, joined Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976, replacing Gillan and Glover. Despite their contributions, Hughes felt disrespected during the 2016 induction.

“I will never speak to any of them again, simply because they were rude,” Hughes said about Gillan, Glover, and Paice. “Both Roger, Ian, and Gillan were rude to David [Coverdale] and me. Very, very hurtful. I didn’t give a fuck, actually, because I knew they were rude to begin with.”

Hughes expressed that he was the only sober person at the event and felt particularly slighted by Gillan’s behavior.

“Gillan was rude to me on stage, accepting the award. I went to congratulate him. He looked at me in the eyes like I didn’t exist. The guy has a problem with me, period. I’ll let him run with it. I feel bad for him. I’m really sorry about his wife [Gillan’s wife of 40 years died in 2022]. I’ve tried to reach out to him. He doesn’t want to know.”

Ian Gillan’s Side of the Story

Ian Gillan has also spoken about the 2016 induction. In a 2021 interview with Tales From the Road, he emphasized that the band was respectful to everyone. “We were very kind to everybody,” Gillan stated, adding that “all of those [other comments] are just opportunistic remarks from the others.”

Hughes noted the lack of connection with Gillan over the past 40 years despite his efforts. He explained:

“I’ve tried to make some kind of friendship with him over the last 40 years.
“He doesn’t want to know. David Coverdale and I don’t exist to him. I wish him only the very best, but I have no time left for that behavior.”