Ian Gillan talks retirement

[That 70s Guy]

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IAN GILLAN TALKS RETIREMENT
Brought To You By VH1’s Dave Basner
Deep Purple legend Ian Gillan turns 66 today (8/19). He’s been making music for nearly 50 years but does he ever think about retiring? The rocker filled us in.

“Physically, of course, I mean, if I can’t do it then I will be forced into retirement because I certainly wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone. But there again, there’s a slow down isn’t there, I might end up working clubs, tapping my foot and singing blues, the way I started. But there again, there’s always the writing to keep me occupied so maybe I can get some of my other projects full on.”

Ian must still be able to perform as Deep Purple spent the better part of the year on the road. They’ve got more dates lined-up overseas in November and December and you can get them all at DeepPurple.com.

 

[LG]

^^One of the all time greats and he has a good handle on where he is right now. One thing about bands like Deep Purple has amazed me the last few years is how successful their tours have been. And it's not just old farts like myself at the concerts, but younger fans as well. The mainstream might be dominated by the new generation of artists but the fact the old dinosaurs can still pull off a fantastic tour is something I have profound respect and admiration for.

Happy Birthday Ian...

 

[Lynch]

I certainly don't mean to sound snarky as I really dig Ian, most specifically his work with Deep Purple, but this "news" is really kind of non-news, isn't it? "Do you ever think of retiring?"

"well yeah, maybe. Someday. I dunno".

 

[AboutAGirl]

Can't imagine him necessarily playing Deep Purple forever but like he said he can always transition to nice dignified club shows ala B.B. King if the time should arrive.

 

[Cosmic Harmony]

Ian has sorta been on the wishy washy side lately. He doesn't seem to know exactly where he's headed with his voice winding down like it is.

LG is right though. Deep Purple hasn't had a really big album or single since probably the "Perfect Strangers" days and the fact that they are consistently in the highest grossing tours every year instead of fading into oblivion is something to really be proud of. For my money they're one of he hardest touring acts in the world today without question.