The Ian Gillan team are proud to announce that Ian will be touring the UK in spring 2027 with his ‘Talking Gib’rish Tour’. This special series of live speaking events will give audiences the chance to hear personal stories from Ian’s remarkable life and career in music.
From his childhood in Hounslow to the global rise of Deep Purple, Ian will reflect on the experiences, music and outlook on life that shaped one of rock’s most influential careers. The tour offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from a true music icon.
Ian Gillan’s career spans more than six decades, with his voice remaining one of the most distinctive and celebrated in rock music. He joined his first band, The Javelins, in 1962 before teaming up with Roger Glover in Episode Six in 1965. Touring with Dusty Springfield and performing across Europe and the Middle East helped shape his musicianship and distinctive vocal style.
In 1969, Ian joined Deep Purple in what became one of the defining moments in rock history. Formed in 1968, the band pioneered the hard rock genre, and their landmark 1972 album Machine Head featured the iconic track Smoke on the Water, cementing their status as one of the world’s most influential rock bands.
In 1970, Ian took on the role of Jesus in the original London studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar for MCA Records, earning widespread acclaim for his powerful and emotive performance. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, he continued to explore new musical directions with Gillan, Garth Rockett and the Moonshiners, and Repo Depo.
The ‘Talking Gib’rish Tour’ offers fans a rare opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories from Ian in his own words—candid, humorous and unfiltered.
Ian said
“I am quivering with anticipation at the prospect of embarking on my first ever public speaking engagements… The TALKING GIB’RISH Tour, in April/May 2027. I’ll be covering a lot of ground, from my early days in Hounslow to whatever might have happened on the latest World Tour with my beloved Deep Purple… and maybe something funky in-between.
After 65 years on the road, there will be stories about some of the fascinating and sometimes magical events and people that I’ve encountered along the trail.
It’s going to be a blast!”
Tickets are available from the venue or via Eventim:
https://www.eventim.co.uk/artist/ian-gillan/ian-gillan-talking-gibrish-tour-4182366/?affiliate=3AA
Posted on 23 July 2026
