David Coverdale: I’m not retiring in 2017

David Coverdale
Re-energised: Coverdale (Image credit: Getty)

David Coverdale has stated that he’s not planning to retire next year, despite his previous comments.

The Whitesnake mainman had reported that he was aiming to wind up his career after touring in support of The Purple Album, his 2015 tribute record to the band that made his name.

He said in April: “This will be my farewell. I’m looking at retiring next year, on the 30th anniversary of the 1987 album.”

Now Coverdale, 65, tells Vorterix Radio (via Blabbermouth): “I made the mistake of saying to a friend of mine, a journalist, ‘This could be an interesting last project for me to finish as I started.’

“It was kind of a foolish thing for me to say. My co-producer looked at me like I was fucking crazy. Then we went on an incredibly successful tour, which we’re finishing up editing for spring next year.”

The veteran vocalist recently told Metropolis Radio “When I was mixing The Purple Album I’m going, ‘Man, how long do I have to do this?’

“But in essence it’s re-energised me. I was totally honest – I thought, ‘This is probably it.’ But I had an incredibly good time on tour with my musicians

“It just makes it more inspiring to look at the future for new stuff with these guys. I have no desire to hang up my rock’n’roll sneakers just yet.”

Whitesnake play three dates in Japan later this month.

Whitesnake remaining 2016 tour dates

Oct 09: Saitama City Loud Park, Japan
Oct 10: Shizuoka City Cultural Hall, Japan
Oct 13: Osaka Grand Cube, Japan

Every David Coverdale album, ranked from worst to best

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Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.