Former Whitesnake guitarist Joel Hoekstra recently discussed David Coverdale’s decision to retire and his subsequent disappearance from the music scene during an appearance on 101 WRIF.
When asked if he had spoken to Coverdale recently, Hoekstra addressed the frontman’s retirement.
“I mean, David formally retired,” Hoekstra said. “I mean, which we all kind of saw coming, and you know, he had put an end to the farewell tour kind of in the middle of it, more or less.”
He explained that those close to Coverdale were waiting for him to decide what he wanted to do.
“And that’s something I think we all more or less saw coming, but just were waiting on David to, you know, take his time and think things through and see what he really wanted to do,” Hoekstra continued. “And he made a formal announcement regarding his retirement.”
Hoekstra went on to express his full support for Coverdale’s choice while highlighting the singer’s legendary career.
“And, you know, he’s got my full support. I mean, I had a great time in the band. I love David, but he certainly earned it, man. What a career with not only what he did with Whitesnake, but with Deep Purple and with Coverdale-Page, working with Jimmy Page. I mean, great career. He’s a legend, man. So, as far as I’m concerned, he can do whatever he wants. He deserves it.”
Coverdale later made his retirement official after more than five decades in music. He announced the decision in a video message posted through Whitesnake’s official channels in November 2025.
In the announcement, Coverdale said it was “time for me to call it a day.” He referred to his career with Deep Purple, Whitesnake, and Jimmy Page, bringing his extensive run as a performer to an end.
Coverdale’s decision followed the interruption of Whitesnake’s 2022 farewell tour. The tour was cut short because of health issues affecting Coverdale.
The final performance took place at Hellfest in France on June 23, 2022, while the remaining North American dates were subsequently canceled. The decision effectively ended Whitesnake’s live activity before Coverdale’s formal retirement announcement.
Hoekstra joined Whitesnake in 2014, becoming one of the band’s guitarists alongside Reb Beach. He contributed to The Purple Album, which featured reimagined versions of songs from Coverdale’s time with Deep Purple, and continued touring with the band through its final live performances.
