Ian Gillan Reveals He’s Considering Retirement from Deep Purple Due to Ongoing Health Issues
Photo by Stefan Brending (2eight), CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons
Growing Health Concerns
Ian Gillan says his worsening vision may soon bring his long run with Deep Purple to an end. Now 80, he continues to perform with the band he first joined in 1969. Deep Purple finished a major tour late last year, and Gillan is set for a handful of shows in 2025. Still, his eyesight has become a serious challenge.
Gillan explained the situation clearly: “It’s one of those things. I’ve only got 30 percent vision,” he told Uncut. “That won’t get better. It makes life mysterious.” He noted that simple tasks have become difficult. “The hardest thing is working on my laptop. I can’t see anything on the screen unless I use my peripheral vision; I pick up a line by looking at it sideways. But you find a way. You adapt.”
A Long History With Deep Purple
Gillan’s path with the group began before Deep Purple itself. He was first part of Episode Six with bassist Roger Glover. The two later replaced Rod Evans and Nick Simper in Deep Purple. Gillan sang with the band until 1973, returned again from 1984 to 1989, and came back once more in 1992, remaining the group’s singer ever since.
Reflecting on aging, Gillan said: “It’s hilarious this growing old thing. It’s a laugh a minute.” He added, “Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no. I walk down the road and hear something drop off – clang, there’s something else gone. Nothing’s changed really apart from I can’t pole vault any more. Other than that, things move a little more slowly. But nothing’s changed.”
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A Turning Point for Classic Rock Icons
Gillan’s comments arrive shortly after David Coverdale announced his retirement. Coverdale replaced Gillan in Deep Purple in the mid-’70s before leading Whitesnake for decades. He thanked “everyone who’s assisted and supported me on this incredible journey,” adding that “it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement.”
Even with Gillan’s health struggles, Deep Purple has confirmed a European tour for next summer. Gillan said: “I think if I lose my energy, I’m going to stop. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone. We’re not far off that. It creeps up on you; you don’t really notice.”
