DEEP PURPLE's IAN GILLAN Explains Why He Decided To Call His 2027 U.K. Spoken-Word Tour 'Talking Gib'rish'

In a new interview with The Strange Brew podcast, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan spoke about his upcoming "Talking Gib'rish" tour. Set to take place in the spring 2027 in the United Kingdom, this very special series of live speaking events 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 music icon.

Regarding how the idea for the "Talking Gib'rish" tour came about, Gillan said: "[I'd] never [done something like this before]. I mean, I've done a few talks and things like that. I'd speak for the ICD occasionally, the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy. I did some talks in Berlin, and last year in Edinburgh. I think that must have triggered it. I just got a call through the office. I had an offer from the promoter to do 25 [spoken-word shows]. I thought, 'Yes. Why not?'"

On the topic of why he chose to name the tour "Talking Gib'rish", Ian said: "Well, I think it all started with my songwriting. And it's a technique. Because I work with a band that writes the music first and I have to write the songs afterwards, it's kind of tricky to keep up with what's going on. So I had so many times when I was trying to write a song, and then they decided to completely scrap the song or change it, I thought, 'Well, why don't I just do the basics first and do the tune, and just put some gibberish words to it so that I can get the phrasing right and the time and the meter and all that sort of thing, so it scans properly, and then I'll finish it off later?' And that's pretty much how I did. So I started writing gibberish. And then, on stage, I remember a long time ago at the Lyceum when we'd barely started, Ritchie [Blackmore, original DEEP PURPLE guitarist] broke a string, and he came across, he said, 'I'll be a few minutes. Tell 'em a joke.' And I'd never had to do that before, so I started talking gibberish on that occasion, too, and I still do today between songs. It's kind of a trademark. Most of the stories I'm gonna be talking about are events that have taken place that I think people will find interesting over the years since I started and right up to date."

Gillan's career now spans more than six decades, with his voice remaining one of the most distinctive and celebrated on the global stage. 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 1970s 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.

When the "Talking Gib'rish" tour was first announced in June 2026, Ian said in a statement: "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!"

The U.K. tour will begin in April 2027 and continue throughout May.

2027 tour dates:

April 28 - Bournemouth Pavilion
April 29 - Ipswich Corn Exchange
April 30 - London Union Chapel
May 1 - Cardiff New Theatre
May 2 - Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halltheatre
May 5 - Glasgow Pavilion
May 6 - York Barbican
May 7 - Newcastle Tyne & Opera
May 8 - Edinburgh Queens Hall
May 9 - Manchester Rncm Theatre
May 12 - Leicester De Montfort Hall
May 13 - Coventry Warwick Arts Centre Theatre
May 14 - Birmingham Town Hall
May 15 - Nottingham Albert Hall
May 16 - Hayes Beck Theatre
May 19 - Basingstoke The Anvil
May 20 - Bath The Forum
May 21 - Guildford G Live
May 22 - Folkestone Leas Cliff Halls
May 23 - Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
May 24 - Bristol St George's
May 27 - Sheffield City Hall, Memorial Hall
May 28 - Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
May 29 - London Cadogan Hall

Photo credit: Olaf Heine