Rock Legend Ian Gillan: “We’re Not Ready to Hang Up Our Guitars Just Yet”
After more than five decades of making rock music, Deep Purple is still going strong. Ian Gillan, the band’s lead singer, has recently talked about whether the band plans to stop making music and performing.
Many bands as old as Deep Purple – with legendary guitarists such as Richie Blackmore and Steve Morse in their lineup over the years – have already retired or are on their last tour. But Deep Purple, who are all in their 70s, are not thinking about stopping yet.
Retirement rumors
Ultimate Classic Rock writes that Gillan, who will turn 79 soon, said about retirement rumors: “But to answer your question: it is what it is. As soon as you start feeling unable to deliver at that level — of course, you adjust, of course, you adapt and make do the best you can. But when the energy level goes, that’s time to stop because then it gets embarrassing and nobody wants that. But so far, so good.”
The band has been very busy this year. They released a new album in July and are currently on a world tour. They plan to play in the UK in November, including a show at London’s O2 Arena.
No plans to stop working
Ian Paice, the band’s drummer, also said last year that they don’t have a plan to stop working. He thinks they might keep making albums even if they can’t tour anymore.
