To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
After a whopping 60 years fronting Whitesnake and Deep Purple, singer David Coverdale has announced he is going to retire.
The 74-year-old icon posted an ‘important announcement’ video on the band’s YouTube channel, saying ‘fare thee well’.
‘The last few years, it has become very evident to me that it’s time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skin-tight jeans,’ he said.
‘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.’
Whitesnake first formed in the late 70s, with David acting as the only constant band member in their long, successful run.
They slowly gained traction in the glam metal scene before bursting through to the mainstream with hits like Here I Go Again and Still of the Night.
”It is time for me to enjoy my retirement and I hope you can appreciate that. Once again, I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well,’ David added.
The video then broke into a remix of their 2011 song, Forevermore, set to footage of Whitesnake performing over the years.
David founded Whitesnake after leaving Deep Purple, originally intending it to be a backing band for his solo breakout.
He fronted the Smoke on the Water group after Ian Gillan’s exit in 1973 in a lineup known as ‘Mark III’ until their split in 1976.
While some band members reformed Deep Purple in 1984, David was already seeing success with Whitesnake, so he did not return.
Whitesnake’s music grew in popularity in the UK, Europe and Asia throughout the 70s, with David attempting to break America in the mid-80s.
In 1987, they began to get traction through MTV with their eponymous album (known as 1987 in the UK), spawning hit tracks like Is This Love.
David continued to perform with Whitesnake over the years, releasing 13 studio albums, the last of which was Flesh & Blood in 2019.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016 alongside the other members of Deep Purple.
Sadly, David hasn’t toured with the band in the past three years after suffering ‘the worst sinus infection I’ve ever had in my life’.
‘This was one of the ugliest illnesses I think I’ve had,’ he told Ultimate Classic Rock in 2023 of the infection.
He added: ‘For seven months, I was taking ever-increasingly strong antibiotics and horrifying Prednisone steroids.’
David’s wife Cindy, who he met 35 yeras ago, praised him for his decision to step back and said she was ‘so proud’.
She shared: ‘You gave so much of yourself, so freely, and with so much love and care. Now you get to do whatever you want to!’
The couple’s son, Jasper, posted a celebratory retirement message with a picture of them having dinner together.
‘I know no greater man, nor any better father, for the family I was born into is one of international renown thanks to his empathy, talent and ability to connect with so many people the world over,’ the 29-year-old said.
‘And now, the next step… whatever you bloody well desire, Sir! Here’s to you, David Coverdale — father, husband, storyteller, warrior, artist… hero.
‘Bravo, Dada, for a thousand thousand jobs well done. Let the histories honor you forevermore.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.