Ian Gillan Explains the Logic Behind 'Talking Gib'rish' Tour

Deep Purple frontman Ian Gillan has revealed the inspiration behind the title of his upcoming 2027 spoken-word tour, "Talking Gib'rish". Speaking on The Strange Brew podcast, the veteran vocalist explained that the term stems from his specific songwriting process. Gillan noted that because he often works with music composed before the lyrics are written, he would frequently use "gibberish" as a placeholder to establish phrasing, meter, and timing before finalizing the words.

Gillan also linked the title to his live performances, recalling a moment at the Lyceum where a broken string from Ritchie Blackmore forced him to fill the silence. "I'd never had to do that before, so I started talking gibberish on that occasion, too, and I still do today between songs. It's kind of a trademark."

I started writing gibberish. And then, on stage... I started talking gibberish on that occasion, too, and I still do today.

The tour is set to run across the UK in April and May 2027, offering fans a rare opportunity to hear personal anecdotes from his six-decade career. From his early days in Hounslow to the global rise of Deep Purple and his role in "Jesus Christ Superstar", Gillan intends to share the stories that shaped his journey. The tour will hit major venues including the Bournemouth Pavilion, London Union Chapel, and the Manchester Rncm Theatre.