After decades of "going down the only road" he's ever known, David Coverdale is taking his life in a new direction: retirement.
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The Whitesnake frontman announced to fans he was stepping away from the mic in a video titled "Fare Thee Well (Important Announcement)" posted on YouTube on Nov. 13.
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, brothers and sisters of the Snake, a special announcement for you," the 74-year-old rocker said. "After 50 years plus of an incredible journey with you... The last few years, it's been really evident to me that it's time to hang up my rock 'n' roll platform shoes and my skintight jeans."
David Coverdale Says It's Time To "Call It a Day"
Holding a glass of what appears to be scotch, Coverdale continued with his goodbye.
"It's time for me to call it a day. I love you dearly," he shared. "I thank everyone who's assisted and supported me on this incredible journey - all the musicians, the crew, the fans, the family - it's amazing. But it really is time for me to just enjoy my retirement."
Coverdale concluded his speech with, "I love you with all my heart, fare thee well."
It's Been A Long Road For Coverdale
Coverdale got his start with Deep Purple on its 1974 album Burn. Sharing vocal duties with bassist Glenn Hughes, he took the hard-rocking band in a funkier direction while building his reputation as a versatile singer.
After solo releases in the late 1970s, Coverdale formed Whitesnake, the band he became most famous for.
For much of the 1980s, the band's hard-rocking sound was big in Europe. But in 1987, the group broke through with the songs "Here I Go Again" and "Is This Love".
These hits truly defined the rock sound of the era. However, it was the video for "Here I Go Again" that most people associate with the track. Not only does it feature Coverdale's big blond hair, but it also includes model Tawny Kitaen dancing on the hood of a Jaguar.
Coverdale also collaborated with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page for the acclaimed album Coverdale-Page.
May Coverdale fare as well in retirement as he did during his career.
