Rock legend Glenn Hughes, known for his work with Deep Purple, has announced his retirement from touring and live performances as he prepares for open-heart surgery. The 74-year-old musician shared the news on Facebook on Tuesday, stating that he has made the difficult decision to step back from live shows for the foreseeable future due to health issues.
Hughes revealed that he has experienced health problems over the past year, undergoing numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram. His medical team has advised him to undergo open-heart surgery, leading him to prioritize his health.
"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," Hughes wrote in his statement, signing off as "Your friend Glenn."
This announcement follows the earlier cancellation of Hughes's planned six-week U.S. spring tour. The tour dates, which were scheduled to run from March 27 to May 10, were called off in January due to a "minor health issue that requires his attention over the upcoming months." At the time, Hughes indicated he was following his medical team's advice and expressed hope to return to the road.
The planned tour was set to feature music from his solo album "Chosen," released in September 2025, as well as historic tracks from his time with bands such as Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes/Thrall, Iommi/Hughes, and Black Country Communion. Hughes joined Deep Purple as bassist and co-lead vocalist in 1973, performing on three studio albums before departing in 1976. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of Deep Purple.