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DEEP PURPLE’s IAN GILLAN Denies He Ever Said He Was Close To Retirement: ‘What I Said Was When I Felt I Didn’t Have The Strength, Then I Would Retire’
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan has pushed back on reports that he had signalled he was nearing retirement, insisting his earlier comments were misinterpreted. Speaking to The Independent's music editor Roisin O'Connor, the 80-year-old frontman said he never suggested retirement was imminent, only that he would step away once he lacked the strength or energy to perform, regardless of his worsening eyesight. The clarification matters as it follows widespread coverage last November suggesting the band's decades-long run might be winding down, whereas Gillan maintains the group remains energised and has no fixed end date in sight.
Gillan clarified that comments about his failing vision, which he says leaves him with only around 30% sight, were wrongly linked to retirement plans, noting drily that he "doesn't sing through his eyes". He also said he prefers touring widely over doing residencies, valuing the experience of bringing live music directly to fans, and praised the band's current line-up, crediting guitarist Simon McBride's arrival with reinvigorating Deep Purple. He added that "human dignity" would ultimately determine when it was time to stop performing, rather than any predetermined timeline.
In short
- Ian Gillan denies saying Deep Purple's retirement was imminent
- Says he'll retire only once he lacks strength, not due to eyesight issues
- Prefers touring to residencies; band feels reinvigorated with guitarist Simon McBride
Explained simply
Deep Purple is one of rock music's most enduring bands, with Ian Gillan as its iconic frontman for much of their multi-decade career. The band remains active on the touring and recording circuit, cementing their status as living legends in rock history. As one of the few surviving bands from rock's classic era, developments involving the band attract significant attention from fans and media alike.
Last November brought reports suggesting that Gillan, now 80 years old, might be approaching the end of his performing career with Deep Purple. The coverage sparked widespread discussion about whether the band's long and remarkable run might be nearing its conclusion. This followed comments Gillan had made that were interpreted as signals that retirement might be imminent.
Gillan has now clarified that previous reports misrepresented his position on his future with the band. He has stressed that he never suggested he was close to retiring, only that he would eventually step away once he no longer possessed the physical strength to perform to the required standard. He remains committed to Deep Purple and has indicated the band continues to feel energised about their future, with no set endpoint in sight.
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