David Coverdale, the legendary frontman of Whitesnake and onetime singer of Deep Purple, has retired from music. He made the announcement via a video message to his fans.
The 74-year-old rock icon shared the following message via a video posted to Whitesnake’s official YouTube channel:
“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. 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. 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.”
Coverdale is best known as the frontman of Whitesnake, having formed the hard-rock band in London in 1978. The band went on to massive success in the ’80s on the strength of such classics as “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Fool for Your Loving.” Whitesnake have sold millions of albums throughout their career, with their 1987 self-titled effort having been certified 8-times platinum itself.
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Prior to forming Whitesnake, Coverdale was the singer of Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976, replacing Ian Gillan, and appearing on three albums. In 2016, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple.
He also famously collaborated with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page on the 1993 album Coverdale–Page, which was certified platinum for 1 million units moved in the United States.
Coverdale has had a few health setbacks in recent years, including a persistent upper respiratory infection that led Whitesnake to back out of a North American tour with Scorpions. He also had a fall in 2023, resulting in two torn rotator cuffs.
Whitesnake’s last show took place June 23rd, 2022, at Hellfest in France, essentially wrapping up the band’s farewell tour.
Congrats to David Coverdale on a legendary career. Watch his retirement announcement, and revisit Whitesnake’s monster hit “Here I Go Again” below.