Steve Morse Announces Departure From Deep Purple After 28 Years
Tuesday, 26 July 2022
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Ben Wolf
Steve Morse (pictured, left) has left Deep Purple on a permanent basis in order to care for his wife Janine, who has stage four cancer.
The guitarist, who joined Deep Purple in 1994, revealed back in March that he would temporarily step away from touring, with guitarist Simon McBride stepping into the role.
Now, Morse has confirmed that he's unable to commit to Deep Purple's schedule for the rest of 2022 and beyond, and has left the band. He issued a lengthy, emotional statement to fans and his bandmates:
"Last Autumn, I suddenly left the Purple writing session in Germany because my wife was having a real medical crisis. Almost a year later, we are learning to accept stage four aggressive cancer and chemo treatment for the rest of her life.
"We both miss being at shows, but I simply couldn't commit to long or far away tours, since things can change quickly at home. I suggested lining up a substitute guitarist last Autumn, hoping we could see the miraculous cancer cure all of us have heard about. As time went by, I could see the way things were heading though, after 28 years of being in the band.
"I've already played my last show with Purple back in Florida on the Rock Legends Cruise. I wish to thank the listeners who so strongly supported live music and turned every show from a dress rehearsal to a thundering, exciting experience. I'll miss everybody in the band and crew but being Janine's helper and advocate has made a real difference at many key points.
"As Janine adjusts to her limitations, she is able to do many things on her own, so we will try to play some shorter nearby concert tours with friends to – hopefully – get both of us out of the house!"
Deep Purple have also released a statement through their social media channels, which finishes by saying, "There will be no further comment from the band. We kindly ask that Steve and Janine’s privacy is respected and to keep them in your thoughts at this time."
McBride is currently touring with Deep Purple, who are in the middle of a run of European festival appearances. They also have UK and European dates in the autumn. Tickets are on sale now.
Their latest album is the 2021 covers record 'Turning To Crime'.
Deep Purple Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Thu October 20 2022 - LONDON O2 Arena
Sat October 22 2022 - GLASGOW OVO Hydro
Sun October 23 2022 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Tue October 25 2022 - BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena
Wed October 26 2022 - MANCHESTER AO Arena
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