Glenn Hughes Cancels 2026 U.S. Tour Due to Health Issue
Renowned musician and bassist Glenn Hughes has made the tough decision to cancel his upcoming 2026 U.S. tour due to a “minor health issue that requires his immediate attention in the following months.” He shared this news through his social media channels, assuring fans that refunds for tickets and VIP upgrades would be available at the original points of purchase.
Hughes, famous for his contributions to iconic bands like Deep Purple and a short-lived period with Black Sabbath, conveyed his appreciation and hopefulness in his statement. “I’m following the guidance of my medical team, with whom I am closely collaborating. Looking forward to meeting you on the journey to happiness,” he expressed.
The tour, initially set to commence on March 27 in San Juan Capistrano, California, and conclude on May 10 in Tempe, Arizona, was intended to be Hughes’ first extensive tour in the U.S. following the release of his 15th solo album, Chosen, in September 2025. This album marked his comeback to solo projects after a hiatus of nine years, subsequent to a series of live shows across Europe promoting the album. In addition, Hughes lent his vocals to the debut single, “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” by the SatchVai Band earlier in 2025, where he collaborated with guitar virtuosos Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
Hughes’ musical journey spans over fifty years, starting in Cannock, Staffordshire, England, where he led the 1960s band Finders Keepers as the bassist and lead singer. He attained broader recognition as part of the British funk-rock band Trapeze, contributing to three albums between 1970 and 1972 while showcasing his skills on guitar, piano, and trombone as well.
In 1973, Hughes joined Deep Purple, filling the shoes of Roger Glover as the bassist. Despite being predominantly a vocalist, Hughes initially hesitated to join the band until the concept of a dual-lead singer arrangement arose. Alongside David Coverdale, who took on co-lead vocals, Hughes shared the limelight across three albums with Deep Purple before the band dissolved in 1976. His work during this period eventually led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band in 2016.
Subsequent to Deep Purple’s disbandment, Hughes battled with substance abuse, which hindered his ongoing projects. He released his debut solo album, Play Me Out, in 1977 and later collaborated with former Pat Travers guitarist Pat Thrall for the Hughes/Thrall album in 1982. However, health and addiction challenges restricted his tour activities. In the mid-1980s, Hughes briefly collaborated with artists like Gary Moore, Tony Iommi, and Black Sabbath, providing vocals on Black Sabbath’s Seventh Star. Unfortunately, injuries and health issues limited his ability to tour extensively during this phase.
By the early 1990s, Hughes had conquered his struggles with substance abuse and reestablished himself as a productive solo artist. Since then, he has worked with various musicians, including John Norum, Chad Smith, John Frusciante, and engaged in projects like Phenomena, AINA, and Black Country Communion, a supergroup formed with Jason Bonham, Joe Bonamassa, and Derek Sherinian. Hughes’ repertoire encompasses albums like Soul Mover (2005), Music for the Divine (2006), and First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (2008), portraying a career marked by adaptability and perseverance.
In recent years, Hughes has been at the forefront of The Dead Daisies, stepping in as the band’s lead vocalist and bassist in 2019. He participated in several albums with the group, including Holy Ground (2021) and Radiance (2022), solidifying his presence in contemporary rock and showcasing his enduring performance capabilities despite his extensive tenure in the industry.