Deep Purple bassist and vocalist Glenn Hughes is retiring from touring and live performances as he prepares for another open-heart surgery. The 74-year-old musician announced the decision on Tuesday, Aug. 4, after medical tests raised concerns that require further treatment.
Hughes said his health must now take priority after nearly six decades spent recording music and performing around the world.
Hughes revealed that he has faced health issues over the past year. According to his statement on Facebook, doctors reviewed the results of multiple MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram before advising him that another open-heart procedure was necessary.
“This past year, I’ve had some health issues,” Hughes wrote. He added that the medical results had “alerted my medical team” that another surgery was needed.
The rocker described the decision to stop performing live as difficult but necessary. “I really have no option and no choice as health is my number one priority,” he wrote. Hughes also expressed gratitude for a life shaped by music and thanked fans for supporting him throughout his career.
A Career Spanning 58 Years
Instagram | @glennhughesonline | Glenn Hughes focuses on recovery and family as he prepares for another heart surgery.
Hughes has spent 58 years making records and touring internationally. His career includes major chapters with Deep Purple, Trapeze, and Black Sabbath, as well as his solo work.
He joined Deep Purple in 1973 as the band’s bassist and co-lead vocalist. His time with the group continued until its breakup in 1976. Deep Purple later received one of rock music’s highest honors when the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
The organization recognized the group as influential figures in hard rock whose style helped pave the way for later metal bands.
While most fans supported his decision, Hughes also addressed a small group of people who made jokes about his health announcement.
“99.9% of you understand my predicament,” he wrote, while criticizing those who treated the situation as entertainment. He said his social media pages had long provided a place for friendship and mutual respect.
Hughes also encouraged people to treat one another with kindness. At this point in his career, he said he had “lived and done it all musically” and was surrounded by family and friends who supported his decision.
The 2026 Tour Was Already Canceled
Instagram | @martinthompsonlive | Prior to announcing his retirement, Hughes had already canceled a major U.S. tour due to health problems.
The retirement announcement follows another health-related change earlier in 2026. Hughes had canceled a planned six-week U.S. tour that was scheduled to begin in California in March.
The tour was expected to feature songs from his solo album “Chosen,” along with material connected to Deep Purple, Trapeze, and other parts of his career.
In January, a statement on Hughes’ website said that a minor health issue would require his attention in the coming months. Hughes said he was following medical advice and working closely with his medical team.
The cancellation later became part of a broader decision to step away from touring while preparing for heart surgery.
What Comes Next for Glenn Hughes
Hughes has not indicated that he is leaving music entirely. His latest announcement specifically concerns touring and live performances, with his health taking priority as he prepares for surgery.
After decades on stage, the decision marks a significant change for a musician whose career has remained closely tied to live performance.
Glenn Hughes’ retirement from touring comes after 58 years of international performances and recording work. His planned open-heart surgery follows months of medical testing and earlier health concerns that led to the cancellation of his 2026 U.S. tour.
For now, Hughes is turning his attention toward treatment, recovery, and time with family and friends while leaving behind an extensive body of work with Deep Purple, Trapeze, Black Sabbath, and as a solo artist.
