In a recent chat with Sonic Perspectives, Joel Hoekstra shared his thoughts about the future of Whitesnake, focusing on David Coverdale‘s role in shaping the next steps for the band. He gave insight into his relationship with the frontman and the band’s future.
Hoekstra, who’s been with Whitesnake for nine years, talked about the current dynamics within the band and pointed out that any decisions regarding the band’s future were up to Coverdale. Even though David had to cancel several shows last year in Europe due to health problems, he recently also revealed that Whitesnake was far from saying goodbye to their touring days.
Joel Hoekstra’s words about the future of Whitesnake read:
“I’m going to go hang with David [Coverdale], actually, in a couple of weeks and spend a week or two with him. I don’t know. I mean, honestly, your guess is as good as mine. He’s been floating doing live dates and interviews. I’ve read those just like you do online, so we’re in contact pretty much daily like the band on a thread, but it’s all about humor, and at the end of the day, we all know that’s up to David, so it’s sort of out of place for any of us to prod and be like, ‘Hey so what do you think, man?'”
He added:
“If David wants to get out and play some dates, I’m there to do that; in the meantime, I’m really happy that I’ve had nine years there, and we have a good relationship, like a good friendship, and I’m still a part of the band. If David’s got something he wants me to come out and work on with him, like I’m about to go do that, we can do that and hang out and have a good time.
That’s a very important chapter in my career to have, so we’re in a good place, we have a good relationship, and I’d love to keep it that way. I mean, if he wants to do live dates, I’m obviously there, and if he chooses not to do live dates, then obviously, I’ll be a little sad, but I would never ever blame him for making that choice he’s totally entitled to make that choice.”
With all the uncertainty, Joel made it clear that the band members were ready to respect and follow any decisions made by Coverdale. In the meantime, the guitarist is counting down the days to his third solo album, ‘Crash of Life,’ on June 16.
