Deep Purple 's vocalist , Ian Gillan , stated in an interview with the website Ultimate Classic Rock that the band has no plans to retire.
Rumors of a possible end to their career began after the announcement of the name of Deep Purple's new tour with Yes , which hit the road last Wednesday, the 14th. Announced as =1 More Time , the tour's name led some fans to speculate about a farewell from the group.
“It was only recently that I heard someone mention [the tour name]. I’d never heard it before. I’d never talked to anyone about it. Nobody asked me. That’s nonsense. That’s not the name of the tour. I think the tour is called Unleashed ,” Ian said.
Despite the musician's statement, the tour was announced as =1 More Time on the band's website and promotional materials, referencing their latest release, =1 .
However, the singer added: “Not that it matters; it’s a Deep Purple tour, we’re happy and all that.”
Finally, the musician denied that he will hang up his boots, but says he will do so at the right time, respecting his physical limits — and also those of his bandmates.
“As soon as you start to feel unable to perform at a certain level, of course you adjust, adapt, and do the best you can. But when your energy level drops, it’s time to stop, because then the situation becomes awkward and nobody wants that. However, so far, everything is fine,” he said.
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