Rock legends Whitesnake have been inactive since cutting a 2022 farewell tour short due to singer David Coverdale’s health issues. The band, which found immense mainstream success in the ‘80s on the back of iconic songs like “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” “Still of the Night,” and “Slide It In,” among several others, had hoped to eventually finish the tour cycle. However, Coverdale apparently never recovered to a point that he felt good enough about returning to the stage.
On Thursday, the 74-year-old frontman announced his retirement via video message on his YouTube channel. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the ‘Snake, a special announcement for you,” Coverdale said. “After 50 years-plus of an incredible journey with you, with Deep Purple, with Whitesnake, Jimmy Page, the last few years has been very evident to me that it’s time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans. And as you can see, we’ve taken care of the lion’s wig. But it’s time for me to call it a day.”
Coverdale continued: “I love you dearly. I thank everyone who’s assisted and supported me on this incredible journey — all the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family. It’s amazing, but it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement. And I hope you can appreciate that. Once again, I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well.”
Check out his full message below.
