DEEP PURPLE POSTPONE GERMAN SHOWS AFTER IAN GILLAN HOSPITALISED

Deep Purple have postponed shows in Leipzig and Hamburg after lead singer Ian Gillan suffered a medical emergency. The band said the 31 October performance at Leipzig's Quarterback Immobilien Arena, and the following night's show at Hamburg's Sporthalle, could not go ahead because Gillan is in hospital receiving treatment. In a statement, the band said: "We sincerely apologise for the short notice and share the disappointment of our wonderful fans who were looking forward to these shows." The shows will be rescheduled, and tickets bought will remain valid for the new dates.

Deep Purple's line-up features Gillan on vocals alongside Roger Glover, Ian Paice, Don Airey and Simon McBride, and the band is on its Splat! World Tour. Gillan first joined Deep Purple in 1969, as part of its Mark II line-up with Glover, Ritchie Blackmore, Jon Lord and Paice. He left in 1973 for solo projects, briefly fronted Black Sabbath, then rejoined in 1984. He left again in 1989, returned in 1992, and has remained lead singer since. The band is known for songs including Smoke On The Water and Child In Time.

Deep Purple are due to tour the UK next month, with shows in Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and London between 18 and 24 November, ending at the Eventim Apollo. Rock band Jayler will support, alongside Mammoth, fronted by Wolfgang Van Halen, in Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester. It remains unclear whether Gillan's hospitalisation will affect the UK dates. Last year, Gillan told Uncut magazine his eyesight was deteriorating, saying: "I've only got 30 per cent vision. That won't get better." The band said it is focused on finding dates to reschedule the Leipzig and Hamburg shows.