During an August 18 appearance on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, longtime WHITESNAKE guitarist Reb Beach opened up about the band’s uncertain future when it comes to live performances. While the musicians are eager to return to the stage, Beach explained that the decision ultimately rests in the hands of WHITESNAKE leader David Coverdale.
Waiting on David Coverdale’s Call
Beach revealed that he and his bandmates remain prepared should Coverdale decide to organize a handful of shows.
Transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET, he recalled a conversation from three years ago:
“Uh, no. Three years ago, [WHITESNAKE leader David Coverdale] said [adopts British accent], ‘Reb, keep some equipment at the house, just in case we do a residency in Vegas,’ something like that. So, I did, and that was three years ago. It’s still there. And I keep waiting for that call. And the whole band is ready to do it. We’re just hoping he does just a few shows to say goodbye.”
For Beach, the hope is not for another extensive world tour but for a brief run of farewell concerts. Fans, too, have long awaited a proper sendoff after the group’s last attempt was cut short.
Coverdale Focused on WHITESNAKE Reissues
While Coverdale hasn’t committed to new live performances, he has remained busy revisiting the WHITESNAKE catalog. Beach praised the work his bandleader has done with recent archival releases.
He explained:
“Yeah, he keeps repackaging the stuff. He’s doing [2011’s] ‘Forevermore’ now, and he does it really well. I mean, those box sets are great. He knows what he’s doing. But I sure would love to play just a few more shows with him again. And my equipment’s there ready to go, so we’ll see what happens.”
These expanded reissues — featuring remasters, unreleased tracks, and live recordings — have been popular among fans who want to relive the band’s glory days. But for Beach, nothing compares to the energy of playing live alongside Coverdale.
What Happened to the 2022 Farewell Tour?
Reb Beach previously addressed the band’s touring future in a March interview with The Rockpit. At that time, he gave more details about why WHITESNAKE’s 2022 farewell tour came to an unexpected halt.
“Look, it’s all up to David. I’ll tell you what I know. David — was it three years ago now? — he called me two weeks before the SCORPIONS tour and he said, ‘I’m just exhausted, darling. That’s it. I’m exhausted and I just can’t do it. I’m so sorry.’ And he canceled the tour two weeks before. And then he sold his publishing for 50 million dollars around the same time.”
Beach said Coverdale had still encouraged him to remain prepared for potential performances:
“[David] told me to keep my equipment at his house, in case we do something else, if something could come up. ‘But just leave enough so that you can tour, if something comes up.’ And I’m, like, ‘Great.’ Well, it’s been three years.”
The Possibility of a Las Vegas Residency
If WHITESNAKE does return, Beach believes it would most likely be for a limited residency rather than an exhausting global trek.
“I’ve always been under the impression that if [David] does do something, it’s gonna be five nights in Vegas,” Beach explained. “That he can do. But he does hate the traveling; it does exhaust him. So I don’t see him going on another European farewell tour and ending that the way we should have, because it really was a shame how that whole thing ended. We all got COVID, and that was it.”
The COVID outbreak that struck during the 2022 farewell run forced WHITESNAKE to cancel shows abruptly, leaving fans disappointed and the band without a proper closing chapter.
WHITESNAKE’s Legacy and the Demand for Closure
Founded in 1978 by David Coverdale following his time with Deep Purple, WHITESNAKE became one of the defining hard rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s. With iconic hits such as “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night,” the band built a reputation for soaring vocals, heavy riffs, and powerful stage shows.
For many fans, a proper farewell show would be the ultimate way to honor the band’s decades-long career. Reb Beach, who has been part of WHITESNAKE since 2002, shares that sentiment. His desire to see Coverdale give fans closure reflects the loyalty of the musicians who have shared the stage with him for years.
Will Fans Get One Last WHITESNAKE Performance?
At present, nothing is officially planned. David Coverdale has not confirmed whether he intends to return to the stage, even for a short run. Still, Reb Beach’s comments make it clear that the rest of the band is ready and willing — all they need is the call.
Until then, fans can continue enjoying WHITESNAKE’s reissued box sets and hope that Coverdale chooses to deliver a final goodbye in the form of a limited residency or a series of special shows. For Reb Beach and countless rock fans, the dream of seeing WHITESNAKE live one last time is still alive.
