Rocker Ian Gillan Has 30 Percent Vision Left

Rocker Ian Gillan Has 30 Percent Vision Left

EXCLUSIVE

photo of Ian Gillan.
Source: MEGA

Rocker Ian Gillan has 30 percent vision left.

Nov. 28, 2025, Published 9:00 a.m. ET

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Ian Gillan, the lead singer of Deep Purple, has disclosed that he is experiencing significant vision loss, indicating that retirement may be imminent. This news comes as a shock to the music community, particularly following the recent passing of his friend Ozzy Osbourne.

    <p>In an interview, Gillan, who celebrated his 80th birthday in August, revealed that he currently has only 30 percent of his vision remaining, raising concerns about his future performances.</p>

    <p>Deep Purple recently completed a concert in Tbilisi, Georgia, and has announced a European tour scheduled for June and July 2026. However, Gillan expressed uncertainty about his ability to participate in these events.</p>

    <p>"It's one of those things. I've only got 30 percent vision," Gillan stated. "That won't get better. It makes life mysterious. 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."</p>
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                 alt="image of The rocker said he only has 30 percent vision." 
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        <figcaption class="sc-giAqnE haccci">
            <span>Source: MEGA</span>
            <p>The rocker said he only has 30 percent vision.</p>
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    <p>Gillan also humorously addressed the challenges of aging: "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. 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."</p>

    <p>When asked about his future, he remarked, "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."</p>

    <p>His comments have resonated deeply within the music community, which is still coping with the loss of Osbourne, who passed away in October at the age of 76 due to a heart attack and complications from respiratory failure after battling Parkinson's disease for several years.</p>

    <p>A source close to the rock industry commented, "Losing Ian's voice and sight feels like another chapter closing in an era defined by giants like Ozzy."</p>

    <p>Another insider noted, "Ian's condition is a devastating blow, especially so soon after Ozzy's death. These legends were the pillars of rock – now one by one they're slipping away."</p>

    <p>Deep Purple's most recent album, their 23rd, titled <em>* =1 *</em>, was released in 2024 and includes tracks such as "Lazy Sod," "Portable Door," and "Pictures of You."</p>
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            <img src="https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/Woi0O5oXJ/0x0/sharon-osbourne-raves-great-donald-trump-leaving-voicemail-after-ozzy-death-1-1763047372581.jpg" 
                 loading="lazy" 
                 alt="image of Ozzy Osbourne died in July." 
                 srcset="https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/Woi0O5oXJ/480x252/sharon-osbourne-raves-great-donald-trump-leaving-voicemail-after-ozzy-death-1-1763047372581.jpg 480w, 
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        <figcaption class="sc-giAqnE haccci">
            <span>Source: mega</span>
            <p>Ozzy Osbourne died in July.</p>
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<section class="sc-jHcYrh hanhiD">
    <p>MORE ON:</p>
    <p>Ozzy Osbourne</p>
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    <p>Gillan's recent health update comes on the heels of other notable retirements, including that of <strong>David Coverdale</strong>, 74, who served as Deep Purple's lead singer from 1973 to 1976 after Gillan. Coverdale announced his retirement shortly before Gillan's revelation regarding his eyesight, expressing gratitude to fans and stating, "It really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement."</p>
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            <img src="https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/KOQV8qqPd/0x0/another-blow-for-rock-world-as-legendary-frontman-pal-of-ozzy-osbourne-80-is-doomed-to-die-blind-as-he-announces-retirement3-1763746876149.jpg" 
                 loading="lazy" 
                 alt="image of The singer said he can't work on his laptop." 
                 srcset="https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/KOQV8qqPd/480x252/another-blow-for-rock-world-as-legendary-frontman-pal-of-ozzy-osbourne-80-is-doomed-to-die-blind-as-he-announces-retirement3-1763746876149.jpg 480w, 
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                         https://media.okmagazine.com/brand-img/KOQV8qqPd/2160x1131/another-blow-for-rock-world-as-legendary-frontman-pal-of-ozzy-osbourne-80-is-doomed-to-die-blind-as-he-announces-retirement3-1763746876149.jpg 2160w" 
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                 height="628" 
                 class="sc-fFSRdu efvKbs"/>
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        <figcaption class="sc-giAqnE haccci">
            <span>Source: MEGA</span>
            <p>The singer said he can't work on his laptop.</p>
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<div class="sc-gkCpWe evoggL">
    <p>While Gillan is set to participate in a few upcoming Deep Purple performances, his warning regarding the potential end of his touring career has led to an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom are urging him to retire and enjoy his remaining days in peace.</p>
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