Deep Purple have been forced to cancel two shows in Sweden this week. The band were scheduled to perform on June 14th at Gröna Lund in Stockholm, and on June 15th at Liseberg in Gothenburg. The cancellations were blamed on “health issues” and now drummer Ian Paice has spoken up via Facebook:

"To all the people who were expecting to see Deep Purple in Sweden and Denmark this week, I would like to let you know the reason the shows were not possible,and also to stop all the speculation and rumours.

On the morning of the 14th of June, I woke up to find that the right side of my body was feeling numb and I could not control my right hand and fingers. So I had myself admitted to hospital where I was diagnosed with having suffered a 'mini-stroke' or TIA. The hospital staff in Stockholm were amazing and started my treatment straight away.

After both CT and MIR scans, there was found to be no serious or permanent damage. As of this moment, all I am suffering is a slightly numb right side of the face a tingling sensation in my right hand. My dexterity in the hand is coming back quickly and I fully expect to recommence touring next month. So now I have a set of tablets which have to be taken every day to ensure it doesn't happen again!.

So sorry for not being able to play for you. And I'm sorry for myself! These are the first shows I have missed with Deep Purple since its formation in 1968.

Thanks to all the people who have shown concern and sent their best wishes."

Deep Purple's schedule is as follows:

June
17 - Fængslet - Horsens, Denmark

July
8 - Clam Rock - Klam, Austria
9 - Schlosspark Esterhazy - Eisenstad, Austria
12 - Arena del Mare - Genova, Italy **
13 - Parco Campo Marte - Brescia, Italy **
15 - Parco della Pace - Servigliano, Fermo, Italy **
16 - Montreux Jazz Festival - Montreux, Switzerland
19 - Tollwood Festival - Munich, Germany
20 - Domplatz - Fulda, Germany ***
22 - Freilichtbühne Großer Garten Junge Garde - Dresden, Germany **
23 - KönigPalast - Krefeld, Germany
26 - Festiwal Legend Rocka – Dolina Charlotty - Słupsk, Poland
29 - Suikerrock – Market Square - Tienen, Belgium
30 - Loreley Freilichtbühne - Sankt Goarshausen, Germany
31 - Am Burggraben - Mosbach, Germany

** - with Toseland
*** - with Marillion