Photo: AFP
Steve Morse has made his "temporary hiatus" from Deep Purple a permanent one, announcing that he is leaving the iconic hard rock band to focus on his wife, Janine, who is battling cancer.
"Last autumn, I suddenly left the Purple writing session in Germany because my wife was having a real medical crisis," Morse explained in a statement shared by the band. "Almost a year later, we are learning to accept stage 4 aggressive cancer and chemo treatment for the rest of her life."
Morse announced this spring that he would go on a hiatus from the band to attend to "a family matter." He was replaced in the interim by guitarist Simon McBride. Morse's announcement ended his 28-year career with Deep Purple, which included eight studio albums and near-constant touring since 1994.
"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, Morse continued. "I suggested limning 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... I've already played my last show with Purple back in Florida on the Rock Legends Cruise."
Morse isn't completely closing the book on his live performing career. While being home with his wife "has made a real difference" he says he hopes to perform close to home, perhaps when some of his friends come to town to "get both of us out of the house!"
Frontman Ian Gillan praised Morse as a "musical genius" and added that the band admires the guitarist's commitment to his family in such a challenging time.
"Family comes first," added drummer Ian Paice.
Deep Purple is currently on tour in Europe, with live dates announced through next February.