Ian Gillan, frontman of the iconic British rock band Deep Purple, has announced an intimate new tour – and he’s coming to York!
Ian will be touring the UK in the spring of 2027 with his ‘Talking Gib’rish Tour’ – a special series of live speaking events that will allow audiences 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 chance to hear directly from a true icon of rock music.
Ian Gillan – Talkin’ Gib’rish will be at York Barbican on Thursday 6 May 2027.
Tickets will go on sale Friday 26 June at 10am via the York Barbican website.
Ian Gillan’s career now spans more than six decades, with his voice remaining one of the most distinctive and celebrated in rock. He joined his first band, The Javelins, in 1962, then teamed 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 pivotal moments in rock history. Formed in 1968, Deep Purple are pioneers of hard rock. Their 1972 album Machine Head includes the iconic track Smoke on the Water, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the music genre.
In 1970, Ian took on the role of Jesus Christ in the original London studio recording of Jesus Christ Superstar for MCA Records, earning acclaim for his powerful and emotive interpretation. Throughout the late 1970’s and 1980s, he continued to break new ground with Gillan, Garth Rockett and the Moonshiners and Repo Depo.
The ‘Talking Gib’rish Tour’ will offer 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.
“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!”
