Deep Purple, Kansas, and Jefferson Starship Announce 2026 US Tour Dates

A group of classic rock bands has announced tour dates for 2026. Deep Purple, along with Kansas and Jefferson Starship, will embark on a tour in the US. The tour kicks off in Raleigh, North Carolina, on August 4 and ends on September 12 in Sparks, Nevada. Ahead of the US tour, Deep Purple has planned dates in Japan, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, and Spain. On November 25, Deep Purple will play at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a legendary concert venue.

The tour announcement coincided with hints at new music from Deep Purple. Lead singer Ian Gillan confirmed in January that the group is working on a new album but has been careful with how much information he can leak. In an interview with Songwriting for Songwriters, Gillan stated, “Let’s just say there’s a general theme. It’s a fairly loose conceptual idea of the end of humanity, but not as grim as it sounds. In fact, it’s very optimistic. It’s about the metamorphosis of humanity into a metaphysical state, our next incarnation.”

Legendary Producer Bob Ezrin Returns for New Album

Bob Ezrin, known for his work with artists such as Alice Cooper, KISS, and Pink Floyd, returns to produce Deep Purple’s next album. Ezrin has produced the last five albums for the group, all released since Now What?! in 2013. Deep Purple has been active in continuing the group’s legacy, despite lineup changes throughout the years. The band first became fixtures in hard rock, dating back to their debut album Shades of Deep Purple in 1968. Machine Head, released in 1971, is often considered the group’s most iconic release. The album spawned the massive hit, “Smoke On The Water”, which became their signature song.

Deep Purple continues to tour with iconic lead singer Ian Gillan and original drummer Ian Paice who has been the only consistent member since the band’s beginning. Bassist Roger Glover also continues with the group, having been with the band during the height of their fame in the early 1970s. Glover returned in 1984 and has been with the band since. Keyboardist Don Airey and guitarist Simon McBride have been with the band since 2022.

Kansas will join the US tour with Deep Purple and Jefferson Starship. Original guitarist Rich Williams continues to tour with the group. Their original drummer, Phil Ehart, is still recovering from a heart attack in 2024. He continues as the band’s manager, with Eric Holmquist filling in. Kansas is best known for their 1976 hit “Carry On My Wayward Son.”

There are no original members in Jefferson Starship, though the group continues to tour with the blessing of legendary singer Grace Slick. Lead singer David Freiberg was a member from 1974 to 1984, having co-written one of the group’s biggest hits, “Jane.” He returned to Jefferson Starship in 2005 and has been leading the group since. Jefferson Starship continues to put on a fantastic show, with the new lineup helping continue the legacy of the iconic band.