When looking at resumes, it was nearly impossible to compete with Glenn Hughes. First stepping on stage during the late 1960s, the musician spent the next several decades performing alongside Finders Keepers, Trapeze, Deep Purple, Kings of Chaos, California Breed, the Dead Daisies, and even Black Sabbath. If that wasn’t enough, Hughes also pursued a solo career, releasing over a dozen albums. Cherishing every second of his time in the spotlight, Hughes recently announced his retirement from touring following a serious surgery.
On October 2, Hughes planned to entertain fans alongside the Purple Daisies in Agoura Hills, California. But on Tuesday, that show was suddenly canceled. Releasing a statement, the famed musician wrote, “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Glenn Hughes announces his retirement from touring and live performances.”
Videos by American Songwriter
Not the statement fans wanted to hear, Hughes continued to explain the reasoning behind the decision. “Upon his Doctor’s advice, Glenn will have to undergo heart surgery and has made the difficult decision to step back from live performances for the foreseeable future.”
Fans Thank Glenn Hughes For Decades Of Music
Needing to focus on his health, Hughes recalled how he struggled with his health over the last year. “This past year, I’ve had some health issues. The results from numerous MRIs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram have alerted my medical team, that I need another open-heart surgery. I really have no option and no choice as health is my number one priority.”
With Hughes forced to retire, he took a moment to thank fans for their continued support over the decades. While not the ending he envisioned, the musician concluded, “Grateful to have been chosen with a life full with the gift of music… Thank you for walking beside me.”
Marking the end of an era, fans filled the comment section with praise for Hughes. Helping define several generations of music, one fan declared, “Glenn, you have been a constant in my youth, ever since 2003 UK tour.” Another person added, “It will be sad for us to not see you happy at the stage. But you have gave us all a lot to listening on. Hope you get well and many greetings from us in Sweden.”
The announcement brought an abrupt end to Hughes’ touring plans, including his scheduled California appearance. But no matter what the future holds, few musicians will ever match the resume Hughes built throughout his career.
(Photo by Javier Bragado/Redferns)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 10: Lainey Wilson performs during the Windy City Smokeout on July 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 29: (L-R) Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado of Foreigner perform onstage during The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis 39th Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner on September 29, 2025 at the New York Hilton Midtown raised millions of dollars to support the pioneering work of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, a designated Center of Excellence at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and the world’s premier research center targeting spinal cord and brain injury and other neurological disorders and diseases. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for The Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 31: Shaboozey performs on NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on July 31, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images) -
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JULY 10: Lainey Wilson performs during the Windy City Smokeout on July 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images) -
Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time 2024 -
Photo by Chris McKay/Getty Images for Live Nation -
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MAY 02: Don Henley of Eagles performs during the 55th Annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival at Fair Grounds Race Course on May 02, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage) -
Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images