We know it as well as anyone:  family must come first.

Deep Purple’s Steve Morse is taking a break from touring to care for his wife who is suffering from cancer.  In a statement Morse said, “At this point, there are so many possible complications and unknowns, that whatever time we have left in our lives, I simply must be there with her.”

Replacing Morse on tour is Simon McBride who has previously worked with Ian Gillan and Don Airey.  Morse notes that if his wife Janine gets a clean bill of health, he will re-join the tour.

It is heartbreaking how cancer can derail plans so suddenly.  After two years of not touring, Morse is forced off the road again.  We wish the Morse family all the best and Janine a swift recovery.  We also wish Simon McBride all the best in what will surely be the biggest tour of his life to date.

Get well soon Janine Morse!