Europe singer Joey Tempest discussed Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale’s decision to retire from music, telling Louder Sound.
Tempest was asked about Coverdale’s retirement and how he felt about it, given that he has managed to keep singing the band’s big songs while many of his peers have lost their voices.
Question: “Unlike many of your peers, whose voices have deserted them, you’ve been able to continue singing these big songs. As someone who grew up with Whitesnake, how did you feel when David Coverdale called time last year?”
“I’ve been in contact with him over the years a little bit, because we toured with them,” Tempest said. “And I thought it was… I mean, we were wondering, you know, how long can they keep going?”
“It was a bit sad. I miss touring and playing with them. I miss him.”
Tempest made these remarks during a conversation about Coverdale’s recent retirement from the music industry.
Tempest’s connection to Coverdale and Whitesnake runs deep. Europe and Whitesnake toured together as co-headliners on UK arena dates in 2020, with Europe as special guests, and reunited for another UK and Ireland tour in 2022. The bands worked closely enough that Europe’s members listened to Whitesnake’s album “Slide It In” while on their tour bus during that time.
Coverdale stepped back from music after more than 50 years in the industry. Whitesnake’s last show took place in June 2022 at France’s Hellfest, where health issues forced the band to cut their tour short. Coverdale said the past few years made it clear that it was time for him to retire.
Tempest, meanwhile, continues to perform at full strength. Europe announced a 2026 tour to mark the 40th anniversary of “The Final Countdown,” with the band playing that album in full each night. They released their 12th studio album, “Come This Madness,” on September 25, 2026, and started their anniversary tour in Glasgow on September 30.
