Deep Purple have announced that guitarist Steve Morse has stepped away from the band, as he continues to care for his wife Janine Morse, who has an aggressive form of cancer.
Steve, 67, had been with the band for almost three decades, having become a member in 1994 and working on eight studio albums with his bandmates in the years since then.
Fans had heard a few months ago that his wife Janine had been diagnosed with cancer, with him temporarily replaced by Simon McBride, 43, on a recent tour by Deep Purple.
It's however now been announced that Steve won't return to the group in light of his wife's condition, with the news shared by him and the band on social media over the weekend.
Steve said in a statement released a few days ago: "Last autumn, I suddenly left the Purple writing session in Germany because my wife was having a real medical crisis.
"Almost a year later, we are learning to accept stage 4 aggressive cancer and chemo treatment for the rest of her life. We both miss being at shows, but I simply couldn't commit to long, or far away tours, since things can change quickly at home."
He said that he had suggested lining up a substitute guitarist in the hope of returning to the band if a "miraculous cancer cure" was found, though unfortunately that hasn't happened.
The guitarist said he has already played his final show with the band on the Rock Legends Cruise in Florida, with him going on to thank fans for their support over the years.
He said: "I wish to thank the listeners who so strongly supported live music and turned every show from a dress rehearsal to a thundering, exciting experience."
Steve further commented: "I'll miss everybody in the band and crew but being Janine's helper and advocate has made a real different at many key points."
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Steve - who was previously a member of Dixie Dregs - teased that he may return to the stage for some gigs closer to home, but suggested they wouldn't be with Deep Purple.
"As Janine adjusts to her limitations, she is able to do many things on her own, so we will try to play some shorter nearby concert tours with friends to, hopefully, get both of us out of the house," he commented.
He said that Simon "has the gig nailed already" but added that he is now "handing over the keys to the vault" as he leaves the rock band for good after 28 years as a member.
His statement was released as part of the announcement by his bandmates Ian Gillan, 76, Roger Glover, 76, Ian Paice, 74, and Don Airey, 74 - who commented on the news.
They said in the post: "Steve will be greatly missed by band, crew, management, record label and all those that had the pleasure of working with him over the years."
His bandmates each issued comments, with Ian Gillan describing Steve as a "musical genuis" as well as a "very kind man, full of ideas and the patience to see them developed."
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