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On Thursday (November 13), David Coverdale released a statement and one final musical greeting: a six-minute-plus video on the Whitesnake TV YouTube channel, including a remixed version of his song “Fare Thee Well,” originally released on the 2011 album Forevermore.
In his video message, the now 74-year-old speaks directly to his global fan base:
“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, I have a special announcement for you. After more than 50 years of an incredible journey with you – with Deep Purple, with Whitesnake, with Jimmy Page – I have realized in recent years that it is time to hang up my rock ‘n’ roll platforms and my skin-tight jeans.”
Coverdale thanks the musicians, crew, fans and family and emphasizes how difficult the decision is for him. “It’s really time for me to enjoy my retirement. I hope you can understand that.”
The video ends with a simple “I love you with all my heart. Farewell,” before the new version of “Fare Thee Well” begins.
From Deep Purple to Whitesnake
Coverdale’s musical career began in the late ’60s and early ’70s in local bands such as Vintage 67, The Government and Fabulosa Brothers. The breakthrough came when he sent Deep Purple a tape and replaced Ian Gillan as lead singer in 1973.
He shaped the albums “Burn” and “Stormbringer” (both 1974) as well as “Come Taste the Band” (1975) before the band’s line-up broke up and Coverdale ventured into a solo career. His solo debut “White Snake” from 1977 later became the namesake of his own band. “Northwinds” followed in 1978, before Whitesnake was founded that same year.
Successful years with Whitesnake
With Whitesnake, Coverdale released a total of 13 studio albums, including the self-titled hit album from 1987. It contained classics such as “Here I Go Again”, “Still of the Night” and “Is This Love?”. Other band milestones: “Fool for Your Loving,” “Don’t Break My Heart Again” and “Give Me All Your Love.”
In the early ’90s, Coverdale worked with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page for three years under the name Coverdale/Page. The joint record was released in 1993.
Over the course of his career he has also been involved as a guest musician in projects by Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Cozy Powell, Steve Vai, Bernie Marsden, Adrian Vandenberg and Phil Collen’s band Delta Deep.