Rock legend Glenn Hughes announces retirement from touring due to health issues

Deep Purple rock legend Glenn Hughes announced his retirement from touring and live performances as he prepares to undergo open-heart surgery.

The 74-year-old musician took to Facebook to announce the news in a statement posted on Tuesday, sharing that he needs surgery and “has made the difficult decision to step back from live performances for the foreseeable future.”

“This past year, I’ve had some health issues,” the former Black Sabbath frontman revealed, adding that he has had “numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram,” which led his medical team to suggest open-heart surgery.

“I really have no option and no choice as health is my number one priority. Grateful to have been chosen with a life full with the gift of music…”

“Thank you for walking beside me,” the singer concluded, signing the message, “Your friend Glenn.”

Hughes had originally planned to perform a six-week US spring tour; however, the shows were cancelled earlier this year.

The singer revealed that the tour had been called off in a statement posted on his website in January.

“We regret to inform you that due to a minor health issue that requires his attention over the upcoming months, Glenn Hughes has made the difficult decision to cancel his 2026 touring plans,” the announcement shared with fans.

“I’m taking advice from my medical team, who I am working closely with,” Hughes said at the time, adding, “Hoping to see you, on the road of happy destiny.”

The tour had planned to kick off on March 27 in California and travel across the United States before concluding in Arizona on May 10.

“Looking forward to seeing you, on my next tour, in Spring 2026,” The 74-year-old musician said when the dates were first announced in late 2025.

He planned to perform music from his solo album “Chosen,” which was released in September 2025, along with historic tracks from his time in popular rock bands such as Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes/Thrall, Iommi/Hughes and Black Country Communion.

Hughes joined the globally famous British rock band Deep Purple as a bassist and co-lead vocalist in 1973, performing on three studio albums with the group.

He remained with the rockers for three years until their breakup in 1976.

The singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of the legendary rock band along with his Deep Purple colleagues.