Latest News About Deep Purple

Deep Purple’s latest verified updates center on an active 2026 touring schedule and continued news around Ian Gillan’s eyesight and possible retirement. The band’s official site says they announced a multi-date North American tour with Kansas and occasional guest Jefferson Starship on March 29, 2026, and their site also shows they were on stage in Tokyo on April 11, 2026.[2][9]

Recent band news

The band’s official news feed also notes an Australia-related cancellation in February 2026, saying Deep Purple would not be performing at the Pandemonium Festival shows or the Newcastle side-show. Their website continues to list recent and current activity, which suggests the group remains active rather than winding down.[6][8][9]

Ian Gillan update

The biggest personal headline is Ian Gillan’s eyesight. A November 2025 report said he had around 30% vision left and was considering retirement if his energy drops, though he had not confirmed stepping away.[1][7]

Album and catalog

On the releases side, earMUSIC highlighted a 20th-anniversary edition of Rapture of the Deep in 2025 with a new mix and unreleased tracks. That same label page also points back to the 2024 studio album =1, which remains the band’s newest full studio release mentioned in the sources I found.[5]

What to watch

The most important things to watch next are how Gillan’s health affects touring, whether the North American dates proceed as planned, and whether the band adds more 2026 shows. Deep Purple are still very much active, but the Gillan situation makes this a potentially significant transition period.[7][9][1][2]