WHITESNAKE's New Live Album To Be Made Available In U.S. Via iTunes

WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale has commented on last week's Classic Rock Roll of Honour event, which took place on November 6 in London. WHITESNAKE was honored with the "Band of the Year" and "Best DVD" awards at the show, which was organized by Classic Rock magazine.

Commented WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale: "I must admit that I was somewhat nervous, but, I had the best support with my Missus, my daughter, and my best friend sitting with me, and of course, me ol' mate Lord Glenneth of Cannock in attendance. My U.K. promoter Andy Copping was the show's MC and was doing a fine job moving it along quickly. The first award for 'Best DVD' came pretty soon and was accompanied by serious 'whooping' at our table, as you can imagine and to be honest, I didn't have any speeches prepared. I just 'winged' it and thanked the readers of Classic Rock, you lot [the WHITESNAKE fans], the band (along with Senor Marco, of course). Short and sweet, I believe. A little later Andy invited Glenn [Hughes] up on the stage and it was then I thought, 'Aye Aye...we may be getting a twofer.' Glenn launched into some of his memories from our very first meeting and it all started to feel a little overwhelming emotionally. After all, I was sitting next to my dearest friend, Tony Z, whose office I was in when I got the call telling me my life was about to change and I was to be the new singer with DEEP PURPLE. So... Mr. Emotional took the stage and I found it difficult to articulate... I believe 'choked' is the expression... Apart from anything else, you lot who have supported me in the U.K. thro' thick and thin should know that to receive an award (never mind two) in your home country, where the press has been, to say the least 'unkind,' was beyond a treat and a memory I will treasure... It was also grand to see so many players I've known for years but lost touch with... Brian May and Roger Taylor, Alice, Chris Squire, the Maidens (I was interviewed by Bruce D. a few days later for BBC radio!). Ronnie D. (yes, we do go back a fair ways). Jeff Beck was on form, as always. The answer was there too, and Mickey the bass player had interviewed me that morning... It was nice to meet ROADSTAR who got 'Best New Band'. It was a pleasure to see Scott Gorham after so long, and, of course, Mrs. Lynott, who was sparkling. All in all a rarefied atmosphere...a cracking good night."

Check out photos from Wire Image (Press Room, Inside Arrivals),Film Magic (Press Room, Arrivals),and Getty Images.

Regarding the U.S. release date of WHITESNAKE's new live record, entitled "Live… In The Shadow Of The Blues" (due in Europe on November 27 via Steamhammer/SPV Records),Coverdale said, "We've been let down in the U.S. by a major company who led us to believe they were very keen, but after waiting for months for them to step up to the plate, their offer was negligable, to say the least... so, initially, we may have to go for a temporary iTunes exclusive, to get it out there in time... and possibly pursue an independent profile rather than get involved with a unstisfying deal (apologies, America, we will do what we can not to let you down, and I must say I am personally DELIGHTED beyond words at the recent election result... Congrats!)."

A new WHITESNAKE studio track, entitled "Ready to Rock" — one of four previously unreleased tracks that appear on "Live… In The Shadow Of The Blues" — is available for streaming at this location (Real Media).