By Kreig Marks, August 2025

 

TRR: David, let’s start at the beginning. What was the spark that led you to form Whitesnake after Deep Purple?
DAVID COVERDALE: After Deep Purple, I needed to rediscover my musical identity. I was a different man by then. Whitesnake came from a very organic place. I started writing these bluesy, soulful rock songs that didn’t quite fit with what I had done before. It was never about chasing a trend. It was about making music that felt real to me.

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TRR: Whitesnake evolved quite a bit in sound and image over the years. Was that a conscious decision or more of a natural progression?
COVERDALE: Bit of both. You can't stay static in rock and roll. The early days were more blues-driven, very British in style. When we hit the States, especially around 1987, there was this whole hard rock renaissance. Big hair, big guitars, big choruses. It was the right time to lean in and amplify things, literally and figuratively.

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TRR: The 1987 self-titled album was a monster hit. Did you know you had lightning in a bottle with that one?
COVERDALE: We knew it was good, but no one can predict that kind of success. “Here I Go Again” had already existed in another form, but the re-recorded version took on a life of its own. MTV helped. The videos, the energy, Tawny… it was a perfect storm.

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TRR: Speaking of Tawny Kitaen, your videos with her became iconic. What was that like behind the scenes?
COVERDALE: It was wild. Tawny was electric. She brought this powerful sensuality to the screen that perfectly matched the music. Off-screen, we had a fiery relationship. There was love, chaos, drama, everything you’d expect from two people caught in the whirlwind of fame and passion.

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TRR: Whitesnake has gone through many lineup changes. How did that impact the band’s chemistry?
COVERDALE: That’s part of the Whitesnake DNA. It's always been a revolving door of incredible musicians. Each lineup brought something different. I always say Whitesnake is more of a musical spirit than a rigid band. As long as the music stays honest, the chemistry takes care of itself.

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TRR: Let’s talk about the music today. What drives you to keep recording and performing after all these years?
COVERDALE: The love of music. Simple as that. It still gives me goosebumps to write a song and hear it come to life in the studio. And being on stage, there’s nothing like the energy from a crowd. It keeps me young... or at least pretending to be young!

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TRR: What’s the biggest difference between David Coverdale in 1978 and David Coverdale in 2025?
COVERDALE: [Laughs] Less hair, more wisdom. I’ve learned to pace myself, to protect my voice, my health, my soul. Back then, it was all gas, no brakes. Now I enjoy the journey more, and I’m less concerned with proving anything. I’ve made my mark.

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TRR: Sadly, the world lost Ozzy Osbourne this year. Can you share your thoughts on his passing?
COVERDALE: Ozzy was one of a kind. I’m still wrapping my head around it, honestly. We weren’t close in the everyday sense, but we crossed paths plenty of times. He had this mischievous glint in his eye that never faded.  A true rock and roll original. The world is a lot less fun without him.

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TRR: Any fun or wild stories involving Ozzy you can share?
COVERDALE: Oh, mate… There are many, but I’ll give you a safe one! One night backstage in the '80s, Ozzy offered me a shot of “his special remedy” for sore throats. I asked what was in it. He just laughed and said, “You don’t want to know.” I took a sip, it was part whiskey, part… something I still can’t identify. My throat burned for hours, but somehow I sang like a beast that night!

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TRR: When you're not touring or recording, what do you enjoy doing to relax?
COVERDALE: I love being home in Lake Tahoe. Nature is therapy. I enjoy gardening, believe it or not. I read a lot, listen to jazz and classical music, spend time with my wife and our dog. I’m not swinging from chandeliers anymore. Now I just want peace and a good bottle of wine.

 

TRR: Do you have a favorite Whitesnake song that never got the attention it deserved?
COVERDALE: “Sailing Ships” from the Slip of the Tongue album. It’s a beautiful piece of music, full of emotion. Steve Vai did a stunning job with the guitar work. It gets love from hardcore fans, but I always thought it deserved more spotlight.

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TRR: How do you keep your voice in shape after all these years?
COVERDALE: Warm-ups, hydration, rest. No alcohol before shows. I work with a vocal coach when needed. The voice is like a muscle, if you don’t take care of it, it will betray you. And trust me, mine has a few times.

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TRR: If you weren’t a rock star, what do you think you’d be doing?
COVERDALE: Probably an English teacher or a painter. I always loved language and art. Or maybe a radio DJ. I do love the sound of my voice! [Laughs]

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TRR: Are there any new artists you admire these days?
COVERDALE: I enjoy Rival Sons, Greta Van Fleet, and Dorothy has a hell of a voice. There’s still a fire burning in rock music. You just have to look past the algorithms to find it.

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TRR: Finally, what can fans expect from you next? Any new music or special releases coming?
COVERDALE: Yes, indeed! We’ve been working on some unreleased material and special anniversary editions. There’s also talk of an orchestral project which I’m very excited about. No final dates yet, but as always, stay tuned. The snake still slithers!

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TRR: David, it’s been an honor. Thank you for the stories and the music.

COVERDALE: My pleasure. Keep the faith, and keep rockin’!