Europe frontman Joey Tempest has expressed sadness about David Coverdale’s decision to retire from Whitesnake, saying he misses touring and playing with the band, in an interview with Louder Sound.
Tempest was asked about Coverdale’s retirement last year and how he felt about it, given that he has maintained his vocal abilities unlike some of his peers from the same era.
Question: “Unlike many of your peers, whose voices have deserted them, you’ve been able to continue singing these big songs. As someone who grew up with Whitesnake, how did you feel when David Coverdale called time last year?”
“I’ve been in contact with him over the years a little bit, because we toured with them,” Tempest said. “And I thought it was… I mean, we were wondering, you know, how long can they keep going?”
“It was a bit sad. I miss touring and playing with them. I miss him.”
Tempest’s comments were made during a discussion of his career longevity and his history with Whitesnake on the road. The two frontmen had toured together on multiple occasions over the years.
Coverdale announced his retirement in November 2025 after more than 50 years in music with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and collaborations including Jimmy Page. In his announcement, the Whitesnake leader said he would step back from live touring but plans to work on studio projects for three to five more years.
Europe and Whitesnake shared the road during the band’s 2022 Farewell Tour, with Europe appearing as special guests on UK and Ireland dates. The European run began on May 27, 2022, as part of dates across the European Union. Whitesnake’s last performance took place at France’s Hellfest on June 23, 2022, on the European leg of that farewell tour.
The 2022 Farewell Tour was cut short due to health issues. Coverdale suffered from a persistent upper respiratory infection that forced Whitesnake to cancel a planned North American tour with Scorpions. The band’s decision to step back from live performances came after years of touring and performing at the highest level of the rock and metal world.
