UPDATED 9.12am: A dramatic end to a Classic Deep Purple concert in Christchurch.

The performance was cut short at Horncastle Arena after singer Glen Hughes fell ill while performing.

Graeme Pillidge was in the audience and said the English bassist and vocalist was about an hour and a half into his set when he crouched down.

"He couldn't stand up - he called his road manager and the road manager had to help him off stage, then a minute later all the ambos came through."

Graeme Pillidge said Glen Hughes was taken off stage by paramedics

He said the singer had complained about having a cold throughout the performance.

Publicist Sandra Roberts says he was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

She says he will be seen by a doctor this morning and a decision on the rest of the tour will be made after that.