Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has dismissed speculation that he is preparing to retire, insisting he still has the energy to perform.
Speaking to The Independent's Music Editor, Roisin O'Connor, at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Gillan clarified comments that had been interpreted as suggesting he was ready to step away.
"I never said that at all," he clarified. "What I said was when I felt I didn't have the strength, then I would retire."
The singer added that the band is still "cranking", praising the energy of their live shows and describing their latest album, Splat, as among their strongest work in years.
