An end of an era: Glenn Hughes steps down from live performances

Glenn Hughes, a legendary bassist/vocalist for Deep Purple and inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has announced his retirement from live performances and tours, as per Blabbermouth. Glenn, who will turn 75 later this month, has made the painful choice to take a break from live concerts for the time being due to heart surgery, as advised by his cardiologist.

GLENN HUGHES ANNOUNCEMENT

LIVE SHOWS CANCELLED

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes announces his retirement from touring and live performances.

Upon his Doctor’s advice, Glenn will have to undergo heart 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 results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team, that I need another 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.”

– Your friend Glenn

Glenn‘s most recent live performance was a reunion with The Dead Daisies on May 30, 2026, at the storied Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Illinois. For this unusual concert, Glenn performed a 50/50 split set with guitarist Doug Aldrich, drummer Tommy Clufetos, and guitarist David Lowy under the name of The Purple Daisies. The set began with ten of The Dead Daisies’ favourite songs and continued with nearly as many famous Deep Purple hits. The Purple Daisies announced a second performance on October 2, 2026, at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills, California, in reaction to the amazing response to the sold-out St. Charles concert. However, the Agoura Hills show has since been cancelled due to Glenn’s retirement.