WHITESNAKE Frontman: 'I Am Now Safely Home And Doing Well'

WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale — who was forced to cancel the remainder of the band's U.S. tour with JUDAS PRIEST after it was discovered that he was suffering from severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion — has released the following update:

"I genuinely appreciate your care and concern, but may I assure you all that I am now safely home and doing well. All I need to do is to rest my vocal cords for a couple of weeks. The REALLY difficult thing is for me to shut the F up.

"I am not on any medication... other than room-temperature waters to stay hydrated. I have a list of do's and don't's... and don't even think about it, mate!

"I'll be back to see the exceptionally good specialists in a couple of weeks. Until then, I would appreciate everyone not worrying. Everything will be fine. I'm at my beautiful home, surrounded by all my books... all my big-boy toys that will help keep me busy and distracted while I rest up... Mmm... my steam room... where I'll be spending lots of reflective time... an incredible [Lake] Tahoe summer that I will enjoy to the max, and, of course, my favorite family in the whole wide world.

"Of course, I sincerely regret being unable to complete the Red Rocks show [on August 11 in Denver, Colorado]. That was tough... on such a gorgeous evening and after a being given a heartwarming, inspiring reception. A hard decision to stop and then to be unable to finish the U.S. tour with [JUDAS] PRIEST, but, obviously, it was not to be.

"With hand on heart, I thank JUDAS PRIEST and their fine crew for extraordinary hospitality and camaraderie... and, of course, my fantastic band and crew for their amazing support. Without a doubt, that includes the wonderful responses we received all over the U.S. from you, golden people. Treasured memories.

"Thank you, a thousand times. Now, with respect, let's get on with our lives, my friends."

Fan-filmed video footage of WHITESNAKE's abbreviated, four-song performance Tuesday night (August 11) at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado can be viewed below (courtesy of "lauraearley").

Prior to exiting the stage, Coverdale told the crowd (see top clip below),"Listen, I sincerely, sincerely apologize. I have no fucking voice left. I have laryngitis. I tried. I can't do it. I'm so sorry. It hurts for me to do this. Honest to god, I wish I could continue, but I'm not able to. I can only express my apologies. Thanks you so much."

WHITESNAKE and JUDAS PRIEST previously toured together in South America during 2005 to great critical and commercial success and maintain a great friendship.