IAN GILLAN: Health Situation and the Shadow of Retirement

Deep Purple’s legendary vocalist, Ian Gillan, at the age of 80, has been notably reserved about his health over the years.

However, his recent statements have brought to light a serious condition that, according to him, the moment of the band’s retirement is not far: the progressive and irreversible loss of his vision.

In recent interviews, Gillan detailed the extent of his condition, which has no prospect of improvement. The singer revealed that he currently has only 30% of his vision remaining.

Despite the news, Gillan has not set a final date for Deep Purple, but he made it clear that the deciding factor will be the loss of his performance capability:

"I think if I lose my energy, I’ll stop. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone. We’re not far from it. It creeps up on you; you really don’t notice."

His main concern is to maintain the integrity and quality of the band’s performances. The energy and vocal range that made him famous are his standard of excellence and the inability to reach that level will be the sign to stop.

Deep Purple has maintained a schedule of shows, recently completing a major tour and confirming plans, such as a European tour for next summer (2026), and even mentioning the possibility of a new leg in South America in 2026.

Gillan continues to be the voice leading one of rock’s most enduring bands, showing remarkable resilience over decades, including overcoming challenges like Hepatitis in the 1970s.

Ian Gillan’s situation, therefore, is not one of immediate retirement, but rather a sincere awareness of the limits that age and health problems impose, especially his vision, leaving the future of the legendary band Deep Purple in a holding pattern, focused on the preservation of its artistic dignity.