Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan says worsening eyesight may soon bring an end to his decades-long run with the legendary band. Now 80, Gillan has continued to perform despite losing most of his vision, completing major tour dates last year and returning for additional shows in 2025. But he admits retirement may not be far away.
Gillan revealed he’s operating with only “about 30% vision,” explaining that everyday tasks like reading from a laptop have become difficult. He says he has learned to adapt by using peripheral vision to navigate text, adding, “You find a way.”
Gillan first joined Deep Purple in 1969 with bassist Roger Glover, though he would leave, return twice, and eventually become the band’s longest-serving vocalist. Reflecting on aging, he joked about the challenges of getting older, saying he sometimes hears his body “drop something off.”
The timing of his comments comes shortly after David Coverdale, who once replaced Gillan and later built a Hall of Fame career fronting Whitesnake, officially announced his retirement. While Gillan hasn’t set a date, he says he’ll step down the moment his performances suffer, stating, “I don’t want to be an embarrassment.”
Even with his health concerns, Deep Purple has already booked a European tour for next summer. Gillan says he’ll continue as long as he still has the energy — but acknowledges that the end “creeps up on you.”
SOURCE: Ultimate Classic Rock