DAVID COVERDALE Says PURPLE Fans Deserve Better Than 'Highly Questionable' Live Albums

December 5, 2005

In a recent fan posting on the official WHITESNAKE message board, WHITESNAKE mainman David Coverdale was asked about the circumstances behind his departure from DEEP PURPLE and his allegedly "weak" performance (according to one reviewer) on Disc Four of the "Deep Purple on the Road" four-CD collection (featuring live recordings spanning the band's existence).

"I have 'put the record straight' many times through the years, but, just for you, I shall regale you with the basic story again," Coverdale replied. "There were many reasons I left [DEEP PURPLE]. Predominantly the cause was the substance abuse that had literally taken over the band. I can't say EVERYBODY was guilty, but, if I say who was innocent, then it would obviously point at others. But, I was certainly a part of the unravelling of the extraordinary reputation of DEEP PURPLE, and that is primarily why I left. I did not wish to be a part of destroying the legacy of DEEP PURPLE, so I left before more damage ensued. Also, I valued my sanity (yes, I do believe in Sanity Clause). I was utterly exhausted in every possible way after three years of...you name it. I retired to my mother's home, where over a period of a week, in between much sleep, I wrote my letter of resignation and delivered it to the PURPLE management, who at that time was administered by Rob Cooksey and Bruce Payne.

"As far as the particular project you're describing, which sounds to me like one of the former managers of DEEP PURPLE going beyond the 'scraping the barrel' albums they are so well known for. The hardcore supporters of the band deserve better and more respect. As I have repeatedly said, the members of DEEP PURPLE, certainly those from my time with PURPLE, have absolutely no say in the matter of these highly questionable releases. If we did, 'albums' such as these would never see the light of day.

"I have no doubt that my performances are as described... very likely compromised by drink and the assorted whatevers. It was a most unhappy, unfortunate time and distractions such as these were greedily embraced. As Mr. Lennon so aptly said, 'Whatever gets you thro' the night...' It's sad to be reminded of that time..."

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