Whitesnake fans were looking forward to the band’s farewell tour, but recent health issues have prompted lead singer David Coverdale to encourage his bandmates to pursue other opportunities in 2023. In a recent interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Coverdale revealed that he suffered from a severe sinus infection last year, which took a toll on his health and singing abilities. Although he is now in better shape, he still advised his fellow band members to make other plans for 2023 due to the uncertainty of his condition.
Whitesnake kicked off their farewell tour on May 10, 2022, at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. The 14-song performance, part of a European tour, was the band’s first show with their newest members, Dino Jelusick and Tanya O’Callaghan. However, the band’s farewell tour was plagued with health problems from the start.
In 2022, they had to cancel three shows and eventually the entire European tour due to Coverdale’s ongoing health challenges. Guitarist Reb Beach and drummer Tommy Aldridge also faced health issues during this time, causing them to miss several performances.
In the interview, Coverdale expressed that the sinus infection he experienced was the worst he’d ever had, leaving him to rely on antibiotics and steroids for seven months. By January, doctors declared him healthier, but he still decided to take some time away from the stage. In his absence, Coverdale will be focusing on various projects, including the upcoming ‘Still Good to Be Bad’ box set and writing new music.
Additionally, David plans to use the time off to address a torn rotator cuff, an injury sustained from his energetic stage antics. He believes that this extended rehab time will be beneficial and allow him to deliver unforgettable farewell shows when the time comes. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Whitesnake’s live future, the singer has remained passionate and driven, praising the current lineup and their dedication to the band. He acknowledged that they’re all still a part of Whitesnake, even as they explored other projects.
The frontman’s words on Whitesnake’s upcoming plans:
“Last year, I was so incredibly compromised by, without any doubt, the worst sinus infection I’ve ever had in my life. And as a singer, I know them like f*cking relatives of mine. This was one of the ugliest illnesses I think I’ve [ever] had. For seven months, I was taking ever-increasingly strong antibiotics and horrifying Prednisone steroids.
[Doctors said] remnants of this ridiculous infection should be OK, with me continuing with nose sprays. [I told my bandmates] ‘I don’t know what kind of condition I’m going to be in for 2023.’ I kind of knew it was going to be an issue from throwing the mic stand around and stuff like that. When you announce something like a farewell tour, certainly, I want it to be the best shows I’ve ever done. I want them to be unforgettable for me and the crowd.
It [the current Whitesnake lineup] was a super, super band to work with. They are still Snakes, although they’re busy doing other stuff. I really don’t know [when we’ll be back onstage]. I’ll be 72 this year. But, you know, my passion is that of a much younger man, particularly with the new creative team that I have, working on these legacy projects and also new things at the same time. It’s like bluebirds flying out of every orifice.”
The rumors about whether Whitesnake will keep touring without Coverdale have been circling around since 2021. In an appearance on the Jeremy White Show, the frontman had stated that he would continue recording with the band but stop performing after the 2022 tour, although he hadn’t talked to the remaining band members about his intentions at the time.
So, although the live future of Whitesnake remains uncertain, David Coverdale is embracing this opportunity to focus on his health and pursue creative endeavors. While fans may be disappointed, they can look forward to new music and future performances that are sure to be unforgettable.
