David Coverdale last show by Lord and Ian Paice (the last remaining original members), who had not told anyone else. The break-up was finally made public in July 1976. Said Coverdale in an interview: "I was frightened to leave the band. Purple was my life, Purple gave me my break, but all the same I wanted out." After the demise of Deep Purple, Coverdale embarked on a solo career. He released his first album in February 1977, titled "White Snake". All songs were written by Coverdale and guitarist Micky Moody. As his first solo effort, Coverdale later admitted: "It's very difficult to
David Coverdale live DVD, shot during the 2004 tour at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo was released in February 2006. In June 2006, Coverdale signed a new record deal with Steamhammer Records. The first release under the new contract was the double live album "" (released 27 November 2006); the album also contained 4 brand new studio tracks written by Coverdale and Aldrich. In 2008 the band (with new bassist and drummer) released its first new studio album in over 10 years titled "Good to Be Bad". The band toured the album extensively. Also in 2008, Whitesnake embarked on a European Tour as