A rock ‘n’ roll legend is shutting down rumors that his upcoming concerts in Upstate New York are part of a farewell tour.
Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan told Ultimate Classic Rock in a new interview that the band’s joint tour with progressive rock group Yes was not supposed to be called the “=1 More Time Tour.” The tour was announced in April, named after Deep Purple’s new album “=1,” but the tour name led to speculation that retirement is coming soon and has since been changed.
“That’s rubbish,” Gillan told UCR. “That’s not the name of the tour. I think the tour is called ‘Unleashed.’ Not that it matters; it’s a Deep Purple tour and we’re happy and whatever.”
Deep Purple released “=1″ last month and recently reissued the 1972 album “Machine Head” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its classic rock hit, ““Smoke On the Water.” The English rock band, also known for songs like “Hush,” “Highway Star” and “Black Night,” was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
Gillan, 78, said he has no plans to call it quits anytime soon but admitted that it’s a fair question at his age. Recent rock artists that have retired due to health issues include Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, Great White founding member Jack White, and The Zombies’ Rod Argent.
“As soon as you start feeling unable to deliver at that level – of course, you adjust, of course, you adapt and make do the best you can. But when the energy level goes, that’s time to stop because then it gets embarrassing and nobody wants that. But so far, so good,” Gillan told Ultimate Classic Rock.
Deep Purple and Yes will play the Broadview Stage at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in Saratoga Springs on Sept. 4 and at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Sept. 6. The SPAC concert will begin at 7:30 and the show on the former Woodstock site will begin at 6:30.
Tickets for both concerts are available through Live Nation, VividSeats, and StubHub.
Yes, the progressive rock band behind fan favorites like “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” is also celebrating more than half a century of music. The English group was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
