Glenn Hughes Retires From Touring Ahead of Open-Heart Surgery

Rock icon Glenn Hughes has announced his retirement from touring and live performances, according to a new post on his social media. The decision came upon his doctor’s advice, as he’s due to have heart surgery. As such, he will not be performing for the foreseeable future, he says.
“This past year, I’ve had some health issues. The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team, that I need another open-heart surgery,” Hughes wrote on Facebook. “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.”
Known as the “Voice of Rock,” Hughes made waves in Trapeze before joining Deep Purple in 1973, cementing its MKIII lineup and anchoring the smash hit album Burn. Watch his electric stage presence in this 1974 performance of the title track:
Deep Purple split in 1976, and Hughes launched his solo career. He would go on to play with Gary Moore, Tony Iommi, Joe Satriani, Black Sabbath, Black Country Communion, The Dead Daisies, and more. In 2016, Hughes was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His latest solo album, Chosen, was released in 2025.
We’re wishing a speedy recovery to Glenn Hughes!
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.