A Deep Purple member returns an autograph to Dmitry Medvedev for his remarks on Ukraine

Don Airey, keyboardist of the British hard rock band Deep Purple, has returned an autograph to Dmitri Medvedev, vice president of the Russian Security Council, for his remarks, according to a release published this Saturday on the website of the musical group.

“I have just written to Medvedev returning the autograph he gave me during dinner with Deep Purple at the Gorky Palace in March 2011 in protest of his various recent statements,” reads the text, referring to the current situation in Ukraine. Medvedev, who was President of Russia at the time, is a declared fan of Deep Purple and other rock groups like Led Zeppelin.

Bassist Roger Glover apologized to his Russian and Ukrainian fans for canceling his concerts, and said they look forward to holding them in the future. “Music must be apolitical and cross all borders as a universal language,” said guitarist Steve Morse.