David Coverdale announces retirement: “Time for me to call it a day”
Whitesnake singer David Coverdale has announced his retirement from music.
Coverdale has been part of the rock landscape for more than 50 years since responding to a call to replace Ian Gillan in Deep Purple, which placed him on the map.
Following his work with Deep Purple, Coverdale launched a successful solo career that eventually developed into Whitesnake, which established themselves as one of the biggest rock acts of the 1980s.
Additionally, he teamed up with Jimmy Page in 1993 for the collaborative album, Coverdale – Page following the demise of Whitesnake in 1990.
The group eventually reunited in 2003 with their final album, Flesh and Blood, arriving in 2019. Whitesnake have not played live since 2022.
Now, in a video message to fans, Coverdale has called quits on his music career. He told fans, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, a special announcement for you. 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 ‘n’ roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans.”
He jokingly continued, “And as you can see, we’ve taken care of the lion’s wig,” before sincerely adding, “But it’s time for me to call it a day.”
In a heartfelt message to those who have been with him along the way, Coverdale said: “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.
He concluded, “Once again, I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well.” The video message then played the Whitesnake song, ‘Fare Thee Well’.
Watch his announcement below.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.