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Deep Purple rocker Steve Morse quits band to care for wife Janine battling cancer-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro
The guitarist took a hiatus in April due to his wife’s ‘real medical crisis’.
Steve Morse said he ‘can’t commit’ to spending so much time away from his wife on tour (Picture: Getty Images)
Deep Purple star Steve Morse has announced he will not be returning to the band due to his wife’s stage four cancer.
In April, the 67-year-old announced he would be taking a hiatus from the English rock band to spend quality time with wife Janine after she had been diagnosed with cancer.
He was temporarily replaced by Simon McBride on the group’s current tour and hoped to rejoin if Janine’s health improved.
However, Steve has now announced that his leave from Deep Purple will be permanent.
The guitarist announced the news in a statement over the weekend, telling fans: ‘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.
Steve has already performed his last concert with Deep Purple (Picture: Getty Images)
Deep Purple are regarded as pioneers of heavy metal and hard rock (Picture: Getty Images)
‘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.’
Steve confirmed his final show was at Deep Purple’s gig in Florida on the Rock Legends Cruise, and went on to thank fans for their support.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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!’
Sharing kind words about his replacement, Steve added: ‘I know Simon has the gig nailed already. But I’m now handing over the keys to the vault which holds the secret of how Ritchie’s Smoke on the Water intro was recorded. I guess you have to jiggle the key just right because I never got it open.’
Simon McBride has replaced Steve as guitarist (Picture: Redferns)
Deep Purple members (L-R) Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Don Airey and Simon McBride will continue on without Steve (Picture: Redferns)
Reacting to his predecessor’s departure, his Deep Purple bandmate Ian Gillan said in part of his lengthy statement: All this has come at a terrible time for everybody, including the other musicians in Deep Purple. After two years off the road because of quarantines everywhere, we had to get back to what we do, and that is perform live around the world and make music in the way we have always done, since 1968.
‘As we get older, we realise that we’re much closer to the end, and that triggers an urgency that won’t be tamed. From Steve’s perspective, I can only imagine that there is no possible ‘nice’ way of continuing with a new man, but it is either that or call it a day, because the lack of momentum was gradually becoming something more significant; it felt terminal.
‘The best way I can describe this is by using Steve’s own words; when I sent him a love letter a few weeks ago, he replied that it was weird being at home whilst we guys were out there, but “reality intervenes”… and that’s what has happened.
‘I can only put out love and respect, and positive vibes at the memories of good times together.’
Ian Paice also said: ‘We learnt he is also an incredibly nice man, who put up with our lack of knowledge of US sports teams and stars, and our continual talk of UK football, (soccer to our US friends!), with great patience. But there is one important truth here and that is, ‘family comes first’.
‘Steve is adhering to that truth with his wife Janine’s health situation. We will miss him.’
Roger Glover recalled being ‘captivated’ by Steve when he first heard him and hailed him as an inspirational ‘teacher’ whose ‘legacy in this band is beyond words’.
‘Sadly, life has intervened, and different challenges are upon us. Janine needs him now, and my best wishes and thoughts go out to them,’ Roger added.
Don Airey said of his beloved bandmate: ‘Thanks Steve for being such a shining light both musically and personally to me over the last few (20!) years. All I can do is wish you and Janine the best for the future, in the new course that life has taken you. I know it would take a lot more than this to extinguish your talent and your music, so hopefully we’ll see you down the road a-piece.’
The band then said in a joint comment: ‘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.’
Deep Purple formed in 1968 and are widely regarded as pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal. They have sold over 100million records worldwide across 20 studio albums, two of which have topped the charts in the UK.
Their most recent album, Turning To Crime, was released in November 2021, more than a year after their previous effort Whoosh! peaked at number four.
Macmillan cancer support
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, Macmillan can offer support and information.
You can contact their helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week from 8am to 8pm), use their webchat service, or visit their site for more information.
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