A legendary singer is calling it quits. David Coverdale, the frontman of iconic rock band Whitesnake, has announced that he’s hanging up his “platform shoes and skin-tight jeans” after more than 50 years in the service of music.

In a video message on Whitesnake’s YouTube channel, David Coverdale, 74, the frontman of the rock’n’ roll band, is saying goodbye to the fans. After more than 50 years as an artist, Coverdale, born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, UK, is retiring.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, a special announcement for you,” the icon said in a video message.

“The last few years has been very evident to me that it’s time really for me to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skin-tight jeans. And as you can see, we’ve taken care of the lion’s wig. But it’s time for me to call it a day.”

Coverdale, who had numerous big hits, including Here I Go Again, expressed his gratitude to fans and his family. Before founding Whitesnake in 1978, he was the lead singer of Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976.

Coverdale founded Whitesnake with guitar duo Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody. They went on to release 13 albums, including Good to Be Bad, which won Album of the Year from Classic Rock magazine in 2008.

Whitesnake singer David Coverdale announces retirement from music

Covedal also released two solo albums and collaborated with Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page on the 1993 album Coverdale/Page, which sold platinum. In 2016, David Coverdale was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple.

In 2019, the legendary rock icon released his last album with White Snake. They played their last concerts in France in 2022.

Sadly, Coverdale has also faced some health challenges. Whitesnake was supposed to play several more concerts in 2022 before calling it quits, but had to cancel due to health issues affecting him and other band members.

“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—ing relatives of mine,” Coverdale told Ultimate Classic Rock in 2023. “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.”

In the video posted on Whitesnake’s YouTube channel, David Coverdale raised a glass and told fans, “Fare thee well,” a reference to the band’s 2011 song.

Praised by fans

“I love you dearly. I thank everyone who’s assisted and supported me on this incredible journey. All the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family. It’s amazing,” he said.

“Without a doubt, this is the classiest farewell I have ever seen or heard from an artist. Words cannot express what your music has meant to me. Thank you for everything, and fare thee well, indeed,” one user wrote.

A second added, “From the first time I ever heard your voice, I have been hooked on you. In 1988, I was fighting for my life with ovarian cancer, and here I am today still rocking to your music. I will be a Whitesnake fan till my last breath. I love you David Coverdale.”

“David, sir, thank you for being part of the soundtrack of my life for the last four plus decades… you will be missed. We love you, too…” a third commented.

Thank you for the music, David Coverdale. Let’s honor this great rock icon by sharing this article on Facebook. Give us your best music memories in the comment section!