Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale retires from music
14 November 2025, 12:42
David Coverdale was the lead singer and ever present in Whitesnake.
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David Coverdale, the lead singer of Whitesnake, has announced his retirement from music.
The legendary frontman shared a video message with fans expressing his thanks and confirming the end of his career.
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"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the 'snake, a special announcement for you," he 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 'n' roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans.
He added: "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 released his debut solo album White Snake in 1977, and a year later named his band after the record, joining forces with guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, drummer Dave Dowle and keyboardist Brian Johnston.
The group released 13 studio albums, the last of which was 2019's Flesh & Blood. They had embarked on what was billed as a farewell tour in 2022, but Coverdale's health issues resulted in the cancellation of several shows.
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Before going solo, Coverdale was the lead singer of Deep Purple, replacing Ian Gillan in the lineup from 1973 till the band's first split 1976.
When that group reformed in 1984, it was with their previous lineup, with Gillan back on vocal duties.
As well as his work with Deep Purple and Whitesnake, Coverdale released the album Coverdale–Page with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page in 1993.
