WHITESNAKE has released the following statement:

"Unfortunately, last night [August 11] at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver, WHITESNAKE had to cut their performance short due to Mr. [David] Coverdale experiencing considerable pain in his vocal cords. He was immediately taken to a specialist for examination. The specialist discovered that David was suffering from severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion. He was instructed to cancel all performances for the next two weeks and then undergo a further examination. The doctors told us we were fortunate this was caught at a stage where no apparent permanent damage has been caused. We therefore regretfully have to announce that WHITESNAKE will not be appearing on the remainder of the U.S. tour with JUDAS PRIEST. WHITESNAKE sincerely regrets any disappointment this may cause."

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

WHITESNAKE's appearance at U.K.'s Download festival in June coincided with action-packed re-releases of the multi-platinum albums "Slip Of The Tongue", marking its 20th anniversary, and "Slide It In", which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

WHITESNAKE's June 14 show at Download marked the fourth time the band has performed at Donington Park (previous appearances took place in 1981, 1983 and 1990).

Fan-filmed video footage of WHITESNAKE's June 7, 2009 concert at Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium can be viewed below.