Deep Purple: the new album out in 2026. The Italian live dates

Deep Purple are preparing a new chapter in their long career: the legendary British hard-rock outfit is working on their twenty-fourth studio album, expected in 2026, while the ever-present “Smoke On The Water” is once again making headlines in rankings dedicated to classic rock history.

According to Ian Gillan, the band has begun recording the new album with producer Bob Ezrin, who was also involved in their most recent work, including 2024's “=1”. The project is expected to explore themes tied to humanity's future, maintaining the tension between tradition and renewal that has marked the band's most recent phase.

Meanwhile, live activity continues: Deep Purple will also return to perform in Italy. In summer, the legendary band will play on 16 July 2026 in Pisa, at Piazza dei Cavalieri, as part of Pisa Summer Knights, and on 17 July 2026 at the Castello Carrarese in Este. In autumn, the Italian date on the calendar is Saturday 17 October 2026 at the Unipol Forum in Assago (Milan).

On the critical front, “Smoke On The Water” – originally released on “Machine Head” (1972) – has recently been included by Collider among the essential tracks of classic rock. The famous riff, inspired by the fire at the Montreux casino, remains one of the archetypes of hard rock's language, alongside work by Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.

Led by the unmistakable voice of Ian Gillan, Deep Purple are once again ready to set audiences alight and reaffirm that hard rock still bears their stamp. True pioneers of heavy metal and among the most influential bands of all time, with over five decades of career and timeless hits like “Smoke On The Water” and “Highway Star”, Deep Purple have been active for more than fifty years: their debut dates back to 1968 with “Shades Of Deep Purple”, propelled by the success of the single “Hush”. After guitarist Steve Morse's departure in 2022, the band welcomed virtuoso Simon McBride, bringing fresh creative energy alongside the legendary Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, Ian Paice and Don Airey.

Despite the weight of a 50-year career and an illness that, as recently revealed, has reduced his eyesight by 30%, Ian Gillan has recently reassured fans: “Deep Purple have no intention whatsoever of retiring from the scene”. In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, the singer explained that as long as they have the strength, the hard-rock pioneers will carry on, while remaining well aware of the passing of time: “As soon as you start to feel you can't deliver at a certain level anymore, you obviously adapt and do your best. But when the energy level drops, it's time to stop before it gets embarrassing, and nobody wants that. But so far, for us, everything's going great”. 

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