Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice has suffered from a stroke this week which has caused the group to cancel shows. Paice made the announcement on the band’s website which explains the ordeal.

“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 rumors,” Paice claims.

“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.

“So sorry for not being able to play for you.”

“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 re commence 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 DP since its formation in 1968.

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

On Friday, June 17th, Paice thanked all of his fans for their love.

“A big thank you to all the people who have been in touch with me expressing their concern about my health. I think you will appreciate that there have been too many to answer every one personally. So if I don’t reply to you please accept my apologies, but there are only so many hours in a day!” he writes.

“Also my one typing finger is having its own ‘event’ and is starting to get very sore. I knew I had a lot of friends around the world but never realized quite how many.

“Again thanks to you all and I will endeavor to keep you up to date with my progress which so far is great.”

The band is set to resume its tour on July 5th in Antalya, Turkey. No word if any future dates will be affected by Paice’s health or on if the canceled dates will be rescheduled.