At 80 years old, Ian Gillan, the legendary frontman of DEEP PURPLE, continues to perform across the world. Despite his ongoing dedication to the stage, he recently revealed a major health concern that has slowly reshaped his daily life. During a new and candid conversation with Uncut, the iconic singer explained that his eyesight has deteriorated to just 30%, and although he remains active, he admitted the condition “won’t get better.”
Although fans have admired his unmatched energy for decades, Gillan didn’t shy away from acknowledging how aging has changed things. He also noted that, while he still loves performing, retirement is beginning to feel closer than ever. Nevertheless, DEEP PURPLE‘s schedule remains packed, with concerts planned in Dubai and Malaysia this month and an extensive run of shows across Europe and Japan already confirmed for 2026.
Speaking honestly about his health, Gillan shared:
“It’s one of those things. I’ve only got 30 per cent vision. That won’t get better. It makes life mysterious.”
His comments reflect the challenges he faces daily. Even simple tasks, like working on his laptop, have become increasingly difficult. He explained that he rarely sees anything clearly unless he uses his peripheral vision, a technique he had to learn gradually. However, Gillan emphasized that adaptation remains a natural part of aging, noting how people find new ways to manage the changes that come their way. As he put it:
“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.”
Despite the seriousness of his condition, Gillan managed to maintain the humor that fans have loved throughout his career. With his trademark wit, he joked about the odd surprises that come with getting older:
“It’s hilarious this growing old thing. It’s a laugh a minute. Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no. I walk down the road and hear something drop off – clang, there’s something else gone.”
He went on to reflect on how some abilities simply fade with time, although life still continues to move forward in its own rhythm. While speaking about things he can no longer do, Gillan quipped:
“Nothing’s changed really apart from I can’t pole vault anymore. Other than that, things move a little more slowly. But nothing’s changed.”
However, the topic of retirement remains a difficult one for many longtime artists, and Gillan is no exception. Even though he maintains a sense of humor and positivity, he acknowledged that a time will come when he won’t feel capable of performing at the level he expects from himself. As a result, he expressed a desire to step away before he ever becomes a burden or disappointment to fans or bandmates. He reflected:
“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.”
Gillan’s relationship with DEEP PURPLE spans more than half a century. He joined the band in 1969, and after participating in the live performance “Concerto for Group and Orchestra,” he made his studio debut with the group’s landmark 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock. That record not only launched a powerful new direction for the band but also cemented Gillan as one of rock’s most unmistakable voices.
He initially left DEEP PURPLE in 1973 after the intense touring and pressure took a toll. Still, his passion for music pushed him forward, and he spent the following decade exploring new creative paths. He formed the Ian Gillan Band and later the band Gillan, both of which allowed him to experiment with different musical styles and maintain his reputation as a dynamic performer.
His career took another unexpected turn in 1983, when he joined Black Sabbath for a brief but memorable stint as their vocalist. Although the collaboration was short-lived, it added another chapter to his already remarkable legacy. By 1984, Gillan reunited with DEEP PURPLE, and since then, he has remained one of the group’s most stable and recognizable members.
Even as he faces serious challenges, Gillan’s unwavering determination shows why he has remained a beloved figure in rock music for so long. His reflection on aging, though honest and at times sobering, carries a sense of acceptance. While he admits retirement may arrive sooner than fans would like, he continues to perform with the same sincerity that made him iconic decades ago.
For now, Gillan remains committed to bringing powerful performances to audiences worldwide. Although the road ahead may be unpredictable, his resilience shines through. His ability to adapt — and to find humor even in the most difficult moments — proves just how strong his connection to music remains.
Fans around the world continue to celebrate his incredible contributions to rock history, and while the future may be uncertain, Ian Gillan’s legacy is already secure. His influence on generations of musicians and fans is undeniable, and his honesty about aging only deepens the respect people have for him.
