The legendary Deep Purple frontman, Ian Gillan, has revealed a shocking truth: he's been performing with only 30% vision! In a recent interview, Gillan shared that his deteriorating eyesight is one of the factors pushing the band towards retirement, which seems to be on the horizon. But don't worry, they're not saying goodbye just yet.
Gillan, who turns 80 this year, is still going strong on stage, with a packed schedule for 2026 already in place. However, he admits that his vision loss makes everyday tasks a challenge, especially working on his laptop. But he's found ways to adapt, using his peripheral vision to see the screen. And despite the struggles, he hasn't lost his sense of humor, finding the humor in aging.
But here's where it gets emotional: Gillan's thoughts on retirement. He says, 'I think if I lose my energy, I'm going to stop. I don't want to be an embarrassment to anyone.' This sentiment is shared by his bandmate, drummer Ian Paice, who believes they'll continue as long as they're having fun and their fans enjoy their music. But the question remains, when will they know it's time to call it quits?
Deep Purple's retirement has been a topic of discussion since 2017, when they embarked on 'The Long Goodbye' tour. However, due to high demand, the tour extended beyond its planned end in 2019. Gillan jokes that it was a promotional strategy, but the band had no intention of stopping. They even have solo projects and Deep Purple gigs planned for years to come.
And this is the part most people miss: the band's perspective on retirement. Keyboardist Don Airey believes they won't know when the last gig will be, and it won't be a grand finale. He quotes T.S. Eliot, saying, 'This is the way the band ends. Not with a bang, but with a whimper.' Airey, like his bandmate Buddy Guy, doesn't believe musicians retire; they just 'drop.'
But is this a realistic view? Retirement is a complex issue for musicians, especially when health concerns arise. Should artists continue performing despite physical challenges, or is it time to step back and preserve their legacy? What do you think? Is it time for Deep Purple to 'drop' or 'fade out'? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
