Only Heavy Metal

MAY 16 2014

As there is still some question regarding my situation with Whitesnake I want to officially clear the air.

I can confirm that on May 7th 2014. I made the insanely difficult decision to leave the Whitesnake band.

At that time, although not contractually bound, I moved forward with David starting pre-production for an upcoming WS project. Coinciding with my with the start of that project, I also had several recording and live commitments, so I needed a more flexible schedule to conclude these before going full force as normal.
Unfortunately my schedule was not workable.

As usual, the results between myself and David were extremely positive and fun, so that made the decision even harder.

I treasured my 11 plus years in the band. 2 Studio records, 2 DVDs, 3 Live records and roughly 30 Coverdale/Aldrich songs!! Killer...

The privilege of being an ambassador for WS is a responsibility I took very seriously. David started the band 35 years ago with high integrity. It was an honor to maintain that standard while I was in. And now, like lots of great things, it has come to an end.

I want to thank the great WS band. Reb, Michael, Tommy, Big Foot Tichy ,Ruedy, Marco, Uriah, Timothy and the Fraz for the good times, great shows and records always kicking major ass over these years. The opportunity travel the world together with such amazing musicians in so many countries was just unreal.

For me this is a new beginning and area of my musical future. I’ll definitely be moving forward working on new music, recording and touring and will have a bit more time to pursue some offers that I never had time to fit in before. A fresh start, new ideas, and another chance to push myself as a musician.

Thank you brother DC, for the great times and for allowing me space to put my heart and soul into the history of your great band.

Forevermore DA

Fredrik Polback of classic rock program "Radio Fireball" (Twitter) in Jönköping, Sweden recently conducted an interview with Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg (WHITESNAKE, VANDENBERG'S MOONKINGS, VANDENBERG). A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

On the possibility of rejoining WHITESNAKE (which guitarist Doug Aldrich recently decided to leave):

Adrian: "Never say never. David [Coverdale, WHITESNAKE mainman] and I will always do something in the future, whether it's with the two of us acoustically or whether it's a blues album or a rock album or a tour. We are too good friends not to do it and we have too much fun working together. But it has to be next to MOONKINGS, not instead of."

David Coverdale 2014-06-22 12:37:34
Happy Summer to You & Yours, Boys & Girls…I hope ALL is well...Just a quick FYI...We have had a new super guitarist in play for a while now, as I hinted some time ago, so, you can relax. Unfortunately, because of contractual commitments on his side, we cannot reveal his name, rank & serial number just yet. Of course, YOU will be the first to know when we can draw back the Snakey curtains to show him in all his musical finery. He is not a former member of Whitesnake. Tis a new one with as many bells & whistles as we could could possibly need...:)…So, with thy permission, it's back to Sunday's entertainment & once again I thank you for your patience & understanding…it truly is appreciated…Oh, by the way…the new album is going exceptionally well…I couldn't be happier…All the best to You & Yours…Love & LIGHT…DC

"Ladies & Gentlemen...Boys & Girls...Your Attention, Please...

One of the first, if not the first, guitarists to put his name forward after hearing that Doug Aldrich had left the band, was an exceptionally talented musician whom we had met briefly last year when his band opened for Whitesnake in Arizona.

Everyone was very impressed by him, not only for his ability to play amazing guitar, but, also, his very agreeable personality & he was definitely foremost in our minds when we began to search for Doug’s replacement in Whitesnake.

We jammed together & were mutually impressed enough to ask him to join Whitesnake on the spot. This was May 30th. 2014.

Joel is currently fulfilling his remaining tour dates with Night Ranger.

We sincerely thank you all for your patience & understanding...& so, without further ado, we ask you to welcome, as we have done, our exceptionally gifted new Snake Brother...

JOEL HOEKSTRA...Guitarist Extraordinaire" ~David Coverdale

Talk about GOOD NEWS/BAD NEWS! Very happy for Joel Hoekstra and the announcement he has joined Whitesnake/David Coverdale, but sad to see him leave Night Ranger! At least we get to continue working with Joel as part of the Frontiers' family. He is not only a truly gifted guitar player, but genuinely great guy!

Statement from Night Ranger on Joel's departure:

Joel Hoekstra has just announced he will be departing the band to pursue other creative opportunities. We couldn't be happier for Joel. The last 8+ years have been a blast and we wish him nothing but the best.

Night Ranger will be announcing Joel's replacement shortly. We are looking forward to the next chapter of Night Ranger, and traveling to Japan, Hawaii and venues across the United States, Europe and the UK in support of our new album HIGH ROAD.