David Coverdale to undergo surgery - Whitesnake cancel 2020 touring plans

David Coverdale
David Coverdale (Image credit: Jim Spellman/WireImage - Getty)

Whitesnake’s David Coverdale reports he’s to have bilateral inguinal hernia surgery – meaning all the band’s 2020 touring plans have been cancelled.

The group were recently forced to postpone their shows in Japan due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they had still been scheduled to hit the road later this year with Foreigner, Europe and Sammy Hagar & The Circle. But those dates will no longer include Whitesnake.

Coverdale explains: “Once again it breaks my heart to be the bearer of even more sad new affecting Whitesnake’s touring schedule for this increasingly challenging year.

“All tours, Europe, UK and US, are being cancelled owing to health issues, related specifically to a bilateral inguinal hernia requiring me to have surgery.

“At this time, I can only offer you and my amazing musicians in Whitesnake and our crew, my love and sincere apologies and also my regrets to my friends in Foreigner, Europe and Sammy Hagar for this unforeseen personal health issue, which I will have addressed at the first possible opportunity.

“Until then, I send my love to you and yours and hopefully we will meet again along the road.”

Whitesnake were due to kick off their 2020 touring plans in Poland on April 29 and wrap up on September 20 in Chula Vista, California.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.