Whitesnake guitarist Joel Hoekstra recently addressed his future plans following David Coverdale’s announced retirement from music. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Different Stages Radio with J.J.
Hoekstra’s comments came in response to a direct question about his intentions moving forward. When asked if he was actively pursuing opportunities to join another established band, the guitarist provided insight into his current approach and considerations.
“That’s like one of those things where I’m open to it, but I’m I don’t feel like I’ve been I I haven’t been as much like texting people and bugging people about it,” Hoekstra said. “But I mean there’s been a couple things I’ve looked after and a couple things where it came close to being like a situation that was going to happen. But the right situation hasn’t unfolded really for me to be out doing that. And it can get tricky.”
The guitarist also highlighted his existing commitments and the complexity of his situation.
“I mean, I have Trans-Siberian Orchestra two months out of the year and there’s been a lot of longevity there,” he continued. “I have a lot of loyalty to them for 16 years of being able to play with them. So tough situation, but we’ll see.”
Hoekstra expressed openness to temporary arrangements. He referenced his previous experience with another band.
“I mean, I’d also be open to doing what I did with Accept, where it’s like pre-agreed, like you’re going to go in and fill in,” he said. “That for me was a lot of fun because we both knew what it was. I was going to go in and fill in while their guitarist Phil was busy and it was awesome. I next thing I know, I’m playing metal shows with those guys in South America and these just jam-packed, sweaty, real rock and roll. I mean, real probably the most metal thing I’ve been able to do.”
Hoekstra’s uncertainty about his future comes at a significant moment in rock history. Coverdale’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of hard rock’s most enduring acts.
Classic Rock Artists reported that David Coverdale officially announced his retirement in November 2025 after 50 years in music. The Whitesnake frontman and former Deep Purple singer made this decision following decades of performing at the highest level of rock music.
The retirement announcement came more than three years after Whitesnake’s planned farewell tour faced significant challenges. Ultimate Classic Rock noted that the farewell tour got derailed by a series of illnesses affecting Coverdale and his bandmates. These included sinus infections and rotator cuff tears that impacted the band’s ability to perform.
Whitesnake’s final performance took place on June 23, 2022, at Hellfest in France. The band delivered a memorable show that included a special guest appearance by former guitarist Steve Vai on “Still of the Night.” This performance would ultimately serve as the band’s swan song, though it wasn’t initially planned as their final show.
At 74 years old at the time of his retirement, Coverdale reflected on his extensive career spanning both Deep Purple and Whitesnake. The veteran rocker cited his five decades in the music industry as the primary reason for stepping away. He stated it was time to “hang up my rock ‘n’ roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans.”
