Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes, the longtime bassist and vocalist for Deep Purple, has announced he will no longer perform live following medical advice to undergo open-heart surgery. Diagnostic scans including MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram identified a need for surgical intervention, prompting him to prioritise his health over his professional commitments. This decision comes after Hughes had already postponed tour dates earlier in 2026 due to health concerns.

Hughes' final live appearance occurred in May 2026 at a reunited performance with The Dead Daisies, where the group performed material from both acts. A previously scheduled October concert in California has been cancelled as a result of his retirement from touring. The musician's five-decade career includes foundational work with Trapeze, his transformative years with Deep Purple beginning in 1973, and numerous solo projects and collaborations, establishing him as a significant figure in rock music history.