Whitesnake share update on Tommy Aldridge's health after gig cancellation

Whitesnake have updated their fans on Tommy Aldridge’s health after they cancelled a festival appearance in Spain yesterday (25th June).

A few hours before Whitesnake were due to take the stage at Rock Imperium Festival in Cartagena, Spain, the event issued a now-deleted statement saying the band were axing their show due to 71-year-old Aldridge’s health.

The statement read: “(Whitesnake’s) booking agent informed us of the sad news that Tommy Aldridge is having severe health problems today, so we regret to announce the cancellation of their show at Rock Imperium Festival.”

Shortly afterwards a Twitter account seemingly used by Tommy Aldridge, @tadrums, refuted the claims, saying: “This is patently untrue. I don’t know how (the statement) ever saw the light of day.”

Whitesnake issued their own official statement last night, which didn’t directly allude to Aldridge’s condition but apologised to their fans.

“Please know we are doing everything in our power to bring you the best high energy and exciting shows we possibly can. We always strive to deliver 100%, as Whitesnake fans always deserve that much, and never anything less,” Whitesnake wrote.

“Our desire is to complete our European tour with the same passion in which we started it!

“We knew embarking on this tour could present many new obstacles and potential issues, which had been unknown to us on previous tours. Please know we are doing everything in our power to work through these unprecedented challenges. We are a close-knit band, we love each other, and we love you. We appreciate you, and as always we thank you for your support!

“We sincerely apologize to our Spanish fans for unavoidably having to cancel tonight’s show.”

Whitesnake and band leader David Coverdale have since issued a second statement today, reading: “Now Hear This!!! Tommy was under the weather, as we all can get, but is getting better: he never had, what was inaccurately described as “severe health problems” and can’t wait to get back out there to perform for the fans! The Spanish promoter released a misleading statement.”

Replying to a fan’s comments, David Coverdale said: “The tactless, insensitive statement put out by the promoter worried Tommy’s family, friends & fans…Entirely unacceptable…”

Guitarist Reb Beach has missed the last five Whitesnake concerts due to an unspecified illness. Joel Hoekstra confirmed on 14th June that Beach was “feeling under the weather.”

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