Glenn Hughes cancels US tour dates due to health issue
A prominent rock singer and bassist from the 1970s has canceled his upcoming tour dates in the United States due to concerns surrounding his health. Glenn Hughes, recognized for his contributions to iconic bands such as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, made the decision to forego his entire 2026 U.S. tour due to the necessity of addressing a minor health issue that has arisen and demands his immediate attention in the upcoming months. His series of two dozen shows, slated for the spring season, including a planned performance on April 18 at the Strand Theater in Hudson Falls, N.Y., have been canceled, with refunds being made available to ticket holders.
In a statement issued by Hughes himself, he expressed his regret over the situation, stating, “I’m taking advice from my medical team, who I am working closely with. Hoping to see you, on the road of happy destiny.” Hughes, at the age of 74, chose not to delve into the specifics of his current health challenges. Despite grappling with substance abuse in decades past, specifically throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, reports indicate that Hughes has successfully maintained his sobriety for over twenty years, a commendable feat undertaken with unwavering determination and self-discipline.
Having embarked on his musical career as the lead vocalist and bassist of the British funk rock outfit Trapeze, Hughes went on to join Deep Purple in 1973, where he collaborated with fellow bandmate David Coverdale on vocals until the group disbanded in 1976. The musician was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Deep Purple in 2016. Later on, in the ‘80s, Hughes took on the role of lead singer for Black Sabbath, contributing to the recording of the band’s album “Seventh Star” alongside original member Tony Iommi.
Subsequent to his stints with these renowned bands, Hughes went on to participate in various musical projects alongside prominent musicians including Deen Castronovo from Journey, Pat Thrall from the Pat Travers Band, and prominent figures like Jason Bonham and Joe Bonamassa. Additionally, he ventured into solo endeavors, releasing a catalogue of around a dozen albums over the years. In a recent endeavor, Hughes lent his vocals to “I Wanna Play My Guitar,” the debut single from the collaborative venture between Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, known as the SatchVai Band.
Although Hughes continues to showcase his musical prowess by performing cherished hits like “Sail Away,” “Stormbringer,” and “Burn” from the Deep Purple archive during concert appearances, he has notoriously refused to reconsider reuniting with the band following what he perceived as disrespectful behavior exhibited towards him and David Coverdale during the band’s Rock Hall induction ceremony. Hughes articulately expressed his stance, firmly stating, “I will never speak to any of them again, simply because they were rude.” This decision stood as a testament to Hughes’ principles and values, demonstrating his unwillingness to compromise on self-respect and dignity despite the circumstance.