In a new interview with Songwriting For Songwriters, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan confirmed the band is putting the finishing touches on a new album, tentatively slated for release in June 2026.

The album will follow ＝1, released in July 2024 via earMUSIC. Discussing lyrical themes, Gillan described the material as unexpectedly optimistic:

“It’s a fairly loose conceptual idea of the end of humanity, but not as grim as it sounds. It’s about the metamorphosis of humanity into a metaphysical state—our next incarnation.”

Gillan added that it’s still early to reveal details, noting the album won’t arrive until June.

He also reflected on DEEP PURPLE’s songwriting dynamic and how it differs from solo writing:

“When you’re writing as a band, there are no boundaries creatively—but you’re also confined by what you’re given.”

In July 2022, guitarist Steve Morse officially left the band to care for his wife, Janine, and was replaced by Simon McBride. Gillan said the band has felt rejuvenated since McBride joined.

Last November, DEEP PURPLE announced a UK tour for November 2026, with dates in Newcastle, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, and London.

Addressing the possibility of retirement in a recent interview on Dubai 92’s The Big Breakfast, Gillan said the band isn’t focused on an end point:

“You don’t make long-term plans if you’re thinking of stopping. The band is hard and mean and hungry at the moment—I’ve never felt it so tight.”

The 80-year-old singer also recently told Uncut magazine that ongoing health challenges, including severe vision loss, have made daily work more difficult, though he continues to adapt. Despite this, Gillan emphasized his gratitude and humor about aging.

Contemplating retirement, he concluded:

“If I lose my energy, I’m going to stop. I don’t want to be an embarrassment to anyone. It creeps up on you—you don’t really notice.”