Whitesnake were in the news last month when Coverdale updated fans on the status of the band's search for a new guitarist, following the departure of longtime axeman Doug Aldrich in May.

"I see there's all kinds of interesting posts and some 'demands' about whom I should work with," posted Coverdale on the group's website. "As always, I sincerely thank you all for your generosity, but, with all due respect, I'll be making the decision who the band and I are going to work with."

"It's a very simple process," he continued. "I guarantee it will be a very gifted guitarist who plays great and sings great, works well in a team, someone who appreciates Whitesnake music and a player whom we feel will help us take Whitesnake to the next level in as many ways as possible... without unnecessary distractions. I hope you can appreciate this fact."

"We've had an amazing array of exceptionally gifted musicians who have applied for the gig," added the singer. "Once again, we are in such awe that so many talented people want to play Whitesnake music with us. We're very close to making our decision and we'll let you all know when the time is right and hopefully, whomever it is, you will give them the same chance, the same support as you've given our new musicians before."