David Coverdale, the iconic lead singer and founder of Whitesnake, has announced his retirement from music after five decades of an incredible journey. The 75-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee revealed his decision in a heartfelt video message posted on Instagram.
Coverdale expressed gratitude to his fans, family, crew, and musicians who have supported him throughout his career. He acknowledged that it's time for him to "hang up my rock 'n' roll platform shoes" and enjoy his retirement. The singer also joked about the iconic lion's mane he had styled in a previous era, now taken care of.
This news marks the end of an era for Whitesnake, which reached its commercial peak in 1987 with hits like "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love." Coverdale joined Deep Purple in 1974 and played alongside bassist Glenn Hughes before forming Whitesnake. The band struggled to regain momentum after the alt-rock revolution of the early Nineties but continued to tour and record throughout the 2000s and 2010s, culminating in their last show at Hellfest in France on June 23, 2022.
Coverdale's decision was precipitated by health issues, including a debilitating sinus infection that left him severely compromised. The singer has spoken publicly about his struggles with illness in recent years.
With Coverdale retired, fans will have to rely on the Whitesnake Experience shows featuring former band members to get their fix of the legendary rock group.
Coverdale expressed gratitude to his fans, family, crew, and musicians who have supported him throughout his career. He acknowledged that it's time for him to "hang up my rock 'n' roll platform shoes" and enjoy his retirement. The singer also joked about the iconic lion's mane he had styled in a previous era, now taken care of.
This news marks the end of an era for Whitesnake, which reached its commercial peak in 1987 with hits like "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love." Coverdale joined Deep Purple in 1974 and played alongside bassist Glenn Hughes before forming Whitesnake. The band struggled to regain momentum after the alt-rock revolution of the early Nineties but continued to tour and record throughout the 2000s and 2010s, culminating in their last show at Hellfest in France on June 23, 2022.
Coverdale's decision was precipitated by health issues, including a debilitating sinus infection that left him severely compromised. The singer has spoken publicly about his struggles with illness in recent years.
With Coverdale retired, fans will have to rely on the Whitesnake Experience shows featuring former band members to get their fix of the legendary rock group.
Man, this is the end of an era... David Coverdale's been killin' it for like, what feels like forever, ya know? I mean, 5 decades is a crazy amount of time in music - I was still listenin' to his Deep Purple days while your parents were young lol. He's had some amazing moments with Whitesnake too... who can forget "Here I Go Again"? 
It's gotta be tough for the fans now though, but on the bright side, we get to enjoy some awesome Whitesnake Experience shows with the old crew still bringin' it! 
David Coverdale has been a huge part of my life since I was a kid, all those classic songs still give me chills 
But at the same time, I'm really happy for him to be able to hang up his boots and enjoy some well-deserved rest 
5 decades is an incredible run, he's earned it 
Can't wait to see what the future holds for the Whitesnake Experience shows, gonna have to check those out 
hope he gets to live a happy and healthy life even if he isn't making music anymore
David Coverdale's been rocking our world for decades and now its time for him to take a bow 
coverdale's been thru so much with health issues and all, i guess 75 isn't getting any younger 
still gonna miss his raw energy on stage tho 
sad to hear this... coverdale's been a legend for so long, it feels like just yesterday he was rocking out with deep purple and forming whitesnake 
. anyway, good luck to coverdale in his retirement 
. it's crazy to think about all the iconic songs he's given us and how much he's contributed to the world of rock music 
. now, i know some fans might be bummed out that Whitesnake won't be touring anymore, but they can still get their fix through those awesome experience shows 
. what a legend 
. He's been an integral part of some of the most iconic songs in rock history, and to see him hang up his guitar (and those signature platform shoes) feels like a nostalgic nod to a bygone era 
.
...
David Coverdale's retirement is like the end of an era for Whitesnake! five decades of rockin' 
. Coverdale's been through some tough times with health issues, but I guess it's time for him to take a well-deserved break 
#RIPWhitesnake #RockOn #DavidCoverdale
. I feel for the fans who'll have to wait for a replacement lead singer or just accept that Whitesnake as we know it is over 
David Coverdale's retirement is like the end of an era for rock music! I'm gonna miss his powerful vocals and iconic style 
. His decision to prioritize health over touring is so inspiring, and I hope he enjoys every moment of his retirement 
. still, it's awesome that he gets to enjoy some well-deserved rest 
he's been a huge part of rock music for decades and it's crazy to think that he's hanging up his mic after 50+ years of rocking out 
. I remember listening to "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love" all the time when I was younger 
I don't know, man... I'm both happy for him and sad at the same time 
Can't believe I'm gonna miss out on more of David Coverdale's over-the-top vocals and those iconic rock hairdos 
. Seriously though, it's crazy to think Whitesnake has been around for like 50+ years - that's some serious dedication (and possibly a few midlife crises 
. Guess I'll just have to rock out to their greatest hits on repeat now 