Veteran rock singer and bassist Glenn Hughes has announced that he is canceling all planned 2026 tour dates due to ongoing health concerns, dealing a disappointment to fans around the world who had been anticipating his return to the road.
Hughes — known for his work with Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze, and a long solo career marked by soulful vocals and fiery stage presence — shared the news directly with followers through his official social channels. In a statement, he emphasized that the decision was made with both honesty and respect for his fans’ support.
“I don’t make decisions like this lightly,” Hughes wrote. “But my health needs to be my first priority right now.”
The cancellations affect a string of dates that had been scheduled throughout Europe and other territories for the first half of 2026. While specific shows and venues were already confirmed, Hughes expressed that continuing with the tour under his current condition simply wasn’t feasible.
In his announcement, Hughes didn’t downplay the emotional weight of the decision. The singer thanked fans for their enthusiasm and noted that he had been looking forward to performing live again after recent studio work and creative rewiring.
“I was genuinely excited to see all of you,” Hughes continued. “But at the end of the day, I need to respect what my body is telling me.”
He closed with a message of reassurance: He fully intends to return to performing when he has recovered sufficiently, and that the time away from touring will be used to focus on rest, treatment, and getting back to full strength.
Fans of Hughes know him not just for his distinctive voice — a blend of grit, range, and soul — but also for his indefatigable road ethic. Over the years, he’s built a reputation as a tireless performer who often pushed through demanding schedules and physically challenging tours.
Glenn Hughes first came to prominence in the early 1970s with Trapeze, but it was his tenure with Deep Purple — particularly on albums like Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste the Band — that cemented his status as a force in hard rock. His contributions as both bassist and co-lead vocalist helped shape Deep Purple’s sound during some of their most adventurous years.
Beyond Deep Purple, Hughes’s solo career has spanned decades, embracing funk, soul, blues, and rock with equal authority. His live shows have long been celebrated for their energy, spirit, and the genuine connection he forges with audiences.
Given that legacy, the tour cancellation — while understandable — is a notable moment. It marks a pause in a career defined by endurance and passion, reminding fans that even rock’s hardest workers need time to heal.
While no rescheduled dates have been announced, Hughes’s message made clear that this is not a farewell — merely a necessary pause. As soon as he’s ready to return, both he and his team promise that new performance dates will be shared.
In the meantime, many fans are revisiting Hughes’s vast catalog of recordings, celebrating the music and the voice that has inspired generations of rock listeners. Whether through his Deep Purple classics, solo triumphs, or collaborations with other artists, Hughes’s influence remains unmistakable.
