Planet Rock is reporting that Deep Purple vocalist, Ian Gillan, has revealed he only has 30% vision and his eyesight “won’t get better.”
In a candid new interview with Uncut, Gillan spoke openly about aging and conceded that retirement is “not far off.”
“It’s one of those things. I’ve only got 30 per cent vision. That won’t get better. It makes life mysterious,” Gillan said.
“The hardest thing is working on my laptop. I can’t see anything on the screen unless I use my peripheral vision – I pick up a line by looking at it sideways. But you find a way. You adapt.”
Reflecting on retirement, Gillan said: “I think if I lose my energy I’m going to stop. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone. We’re not far off that. It creeps up on you – you don’t really notice.”
Read more at Planet Rock.
Deep Purple’s next live dates are scheduled for November 20 in Dubai, UAE and November 23 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Find the band’s live itinerary here.
Music On Vinyl has announced the January 16, 2026 release of Deep Purple – Greatest Hits on limited edition gold vinyl.
Deep Purple – Greatest Hits
• Limited edition of 1,500 individually numbered copies on gold vinyl
• Deluxe 4LP slipcase with linnen laminate finish
• 180 gram audiophile vinyl
• Compilation of a wide range of live recordings and classics, including “Smoke On The Water” and “Child In Time”
Says Music On Vinyl: “The previous pressings of Deep Purple’s massive 4-LP Greatest Hits set sold out very quickly, and we’re bringing it back on limited edition gold vinyl.”
Further product details:
Deep Purple’s Greatest Hits, released in 2009, is a comprehensive compilation showcasing the legendary band’s most iconic tracks. Spanning their groundbreaking career, the album features classic live versions of hits like “Smoke On The Water,” “Highway Star,” “Child In Time,” and “Black Night,” offering a perfect introduction to Deep Purple’s influential sound. Known as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal, the band’s virtuosic guitar solos, soaring vocals, and dynamic keyboard riffs shine throughout this collection. Greatest Hits captures the essence of Deep Purple’s heyday while celebrating their timeless appeal. It highlights the band’s ability to blend powerful rock energy with intricate musicianship, making them a cornerstone of the genre. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this compilation is an essential addition to any rock music collection, solidifying Deep Purple’s legacy as one of the most influential bands in rock history.
To pre-order, head to musiconvinyl.com.
Tracklisting:
Side A
“Highway Star” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“The Cut Runs Deep”
“Vavoom: Ted The Mechanic”
“Ramshackle Man”
“A Castle Full Of Rascals”
Side B
“Perfect Strangers” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“Truth Hurts”
“Solitaire”
“Loosen My Strings”
“Anyone’s Daughter” (Live At The NEC)
Side C
“A Touch Away”
“Black Night” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“Nasty Piece Of Work”
“Slow Down Sister”
Side D
“Child In Time” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“Anya” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
Side E
“Love Conquers All”
“Sometimes I Feel Like Screaming”
“Wicked Ways”
“The Purpendicular Waltz”
Side F
“Speed King” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“The Battle Rages On”
“King Of Dreams”
“Soon Forgotten”
Side G
“Knockin’ At Your Back Door” (Live At The NEC)
“Fire In Te Basement”
“Time To Kill”
“Cascades: I’m Not Your Lover”
“Fortuneteller”
Side H
“Lazy” (Live at Schleyer-Halle)
“Somebody Stole My Guitar”
“Hush” (Live At The NEC)
“Smoke On The Water” (Live At The NEC)
