Deep Purple rock legend Glenn Hughes announced his retirement from touring and live performances as he prepares to undergo open-heart surgery.

The 74-year-old musician took to Facebook to announce the news in a statement posted on Tuesday, sharing that he needs surgery and “has made the difficult decision to step back from live performances for the foreseeable future.”

“This past year, I’ve had some health issues,” the former Black Sabbath front man revealed, adding that he has had “numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram,” which led his medical team to suggest the operation.

Hughes (seen above in 2025) announced his retirement from touring after being told by doctors that he would need open-heart surgery. Redferns The singer (seen above in 1973) shared that he has had health issues over the past year and undergone “numerous” scans. Redferns

“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,” the singer ended, signing the message, “Your friend Glenn.”

Hughes had originally planned to perform a six-week US spring tour; however, the shows were cancelled earlier this year.

Hughes (seen above in 2025) thanked his fans for “walking beside” him. glennhughesonline/Instagram The rocker (seen above in 2012) had originally planned to perform a six-week tour in the US; however, tour dates were canceled earlier this year. Future via Getty Images

The singer revealed that the tour had been called off in a statement posted on his website in January.

“We regret to inform you that due to a minor health issue that requires his attention over the upcoming months, Glenn Hughes has made the difficult decision to cancel his 2026 touring plans,” the announcement read.

“I’m taking advice from my medical team, who I am working closely with,” Hughes said at the time, adding, “Hoping to see you, on the road of happy destiny.”

“Hoping to see you, on the road of happy destiny,” Hughes (seen above with Ian Gillan and David Coverdale in 2016) told fans. Getty Images The tour had been planned to run between March and May, and Hughes (seen above in 2023) would have performed both new and old songs. Redferns

The tour had planned to kick off on March 27 in California and travel across the country before concluding in Arizona on May 10.

“Looking forward to seeing you, on my next tour, in Spring 2026,” The 74-year-old musician said when the dates were first announced in late 2025.

He planned to perform music from his solo album “Chosen,” which was released last September, along with historic tracks from his time in popular rock bands such as Trapeze, Deep Purple, Hughes/Thrall, Iommi/Hughes and Black Country Communion.

Hughes planned to perform songs from his album “Chosen,” released in September 2025, along with features from his time in popular rock bands, including Deep Purple. Hughes (seen above in the far left with Deep Purple members Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice, Jon Lord and David Coverdale) joined the band in 1973. He stayed with them until their breakup in 1976. Redferns

Hughes joined the globally famous British rock band Deep Purple as a bassist and co-lead vocalist in 1973, performing on three studio albums with the group.

He remained with the rockers until their breakup in 1976.

The singer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 as a member of the legendary rock band along with his Deep Purple colleagues.