Although David Coverdale had been contemplating his potential retirement since 2020, the Whitesnake vocalist made it official with a statement and a final musical performance piece to seal the deal on Thursday (Nov. 13).

The vocalist posted a video over six minutes long through the Whitesnake TV YouTube channel in which he shared a few closing words while presenting a newly remixed version of his song “Fare Thee Well,” which initially appeared on Whitesnake’s 2011 album, Forevermore.

What Did David Coverdale Say in His Retirement Speech?

The now silver-haired Coverdale spoke directly to fans in the video, stating, “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, special announcement for you. After over 50 years of an incredible journey with you — with Deep Purple, with Whitesnake, with Jimmy Page — the last few years it’s been really evident to me that it’s time to hang up my rock and roll platform shoes and my skintight 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.”

He continued, “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, but it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement. And I hope you can appreciate that.”

The singer concluded his message with, “Once again, I love you with all my heart. Fare thee well,” before the video transitioned into a video for the newly remixed song “Fare Thee Well.” Watch it play out below.

David Coverdale of Whitesnake Makes Retirement Statement

What Is David Coverdale’s Career Background?

The now 74-year-old David Coverdale began his career performing with local bands Vintage 67, The Government, and Fabulosa Brothers in the late ’60s and early ’70s before landing his big break with Deep Purple. After opening for Deep Purple with The Government, he decided to send in an audition tape and eventually secured the role as Ian Gillan’s successor.

He contributed to 1974’s Burn and Stormbringer albums, as well as 1975’s Come Taste the Band, during his tenure with the group from 1973-1976. Following the dissolution of his Deep Purple lineup, Coverdale ventured out as a solo artist. Coincidentally, his 1977 solo debut album was titled White Snake, which would later become the name of his band. A second solo album titled Northwinds followed in 1978 before Coverdale decided to form a full band under the Whitesnake name that same year.

Under the Whitesnake name, Coverdale released 13 studio albums including 1987’s self-titled smash that produced hit songs like “Here I Go Again,” “Still of the Night,” and “Is This Love?” Other notable Whitesnake hits included “Fool for Your Loving,” “Don’t Break My Heart Again,” and “Give Me All Your Love.”

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As mentioned by the singer, he also had a three-year collaboration alongside Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page under the self-titled Coverdale-Page moniker. The duo began working together in 1990 and released a self-titled album in 1993.

In addition to his three main bands throughout his storied career, Coverdale also made guest appearances on songs and albums from Roger Glover, Jon Lord, Cozy Powell, Steve Vai, Bernie Marsden, Adrian Vandenberg, and Phil Collen’s Delta Deep among others.