Reb Beach, Whitesnake’s guitarist, has shared insights about the uncertain future of the band and its iconic frontman, David Coverdale. Speaking with Pedro Alonso from Spain’s Metal Journal, Beach revealed that there are no concrete updates from Coverdale. “I have no news. David hasn’t told me anything,” he said. “The last I heard from David about it was he asked me to keep some equipment at his house in case we do something.”
Beach went on to express his own thoughts on Coverdale’s future plans. “I know he has always talked about doing some shows in Vegas, just as a farewell in Vegas,” he said. “But just personally, I don’t see David traveling anymore, doing a world tour again, and going to different countries.” Despite not having direct confirmation from Coverdale, Beach speculated, “I just don’t think he wants to do that anymore. That’s my opinion. He hasn’t said that. He’s 72 years old. He sold all of his publishing. He got a lot of money. And I don’t think he needs to do that, to tour anymore.”
The band’s 2022 tour with the Scorpions and Thundermother was marred by health problems for both Coverdale and Beach. These setbacks disrupted their plans and sparked uncertainty about what lies ahead for Whitesnake.
During an interview with Chaoszine, bassist Tanya O’Callaghan spoke about Coverdale’s health and the group’s hopes of completing their farewell tour. “We’re hoping… We’re hoping to finish the cycle at least, but I can’t really speak fully for David because he’s, as he says himself, never say never,” O’Callaghan said. “But he’s still recovering a little bit because that was a pretty intense tour run.”
O’Callaghan emphasized that Coverdale is still enthusiastic about projects such as a farewell DVD and a book. “He’s really excited about doing the farewell DVD and the book, and all that will be hopefully next year, which is fantastic,” she explained. “And, as he says, never say never.”
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that Whitesnake may have more music and events in store. “Maybe we’ll go out around that, but he wants to write and record some stuff,” O’Callaghan added. “So Whitesnake is not finished… It’s not over by any means. But I don’t know what iteration it will be that is next. Maybe, hopefully, I hope we finish the tour cycle. I really, really hope we do ’cause it’s a great group of people to work with.”
Guitarist Joel Hoekstra also reflected on Coverdale’s situation in an earlier interview. He mentioned that health concerns made it seem unlikely that Coverdale would return to the stage for a grand send-off, as initially envisioned. There had been hopes of involving past Whitesnake members for a special celebration of Coverdale’s career, but the band’s plans have had to adapt to changing circumstances.
