For the first time in 40 years, Glenn Hughes is performing full concerts of classic Deep Purple material, with shows scheduled this month and next in Australia and New Zealand.

Stuff.co.nz are reporting that Hughes had to cut his show in Christchurch, New Zealand short on Tuesday night, potentially due to "some sort of medical event", witnesses say.

According to the report, one witness took to Facebook to say the gig had ended about three-quarters of the way through, "as Glenn appeared to have some sort of medical event on stage".The post went on to say Hughes crouched during a song to make what appeared to be an adjustment to an effects pedal.

"[B]ut I don't think that's the reason he crouched. Then he waved his roadie over who assisted him off stage. Paramedics were there really quickly."

However, a St John spokesman said no crews were called to the Addington venue on Tuesday night. Stay tuned for updates on Hughes’ condition.

In the video below, recorded on September 21st, Hughes performs two Deep Purple classics on Australian TV. On the eve of his Australian tour, Glenn stormed through a short medley including “Smoke On The Water” and “Highway Star”.

Hughes played his last concert with Deep Purple on March 15th, 1976, at Liverpool's Empire Theatre. On that night, the UK bassist and vocalist walked away from one of history's truly game-changing rock phenomena and never looked back… until now.

Witness one of rock's greatest singers front a mighty handpicked band performing some of Deep Purple's all-time greatest songs with epic rock concert production.

Says Hughes: “I’m incredibly excited to get out there and play tracks like “Burn”, “Mistreated”, “Stormbringer” and “Getting Tighter”, as well as some of those older songs that helped define the genre. With this band, I can assure you of a concert that’ll blow your mind."

Joining Hughes for the shows are Jeff Kollman (guitar), Lachy Doley (keyboards), and Pontus Engborg (drums).

With one of the heaviest repertoires known to rock, and sound and lighting production values befitting the legend, Glenn Hughes' Classic Deep Purple shows are destined to write a new page in rock history.

Remaining dates:

September
26 - Horncastle Arena - Christchurch, New Zealand
27 - Michael Fowler Centre - Wellington, New Zealand
29 - Hamer Hall - Melbourne, Australia

October
1 - Qpac Concert Hall - Brisbane, Australia
3 - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre - Auckland, New Zealand

For more info and tickets, visit classicdeeppurplelive.com/.