Joel Hoekstra, guitarist for Whitesnake, has clarified that an upcoming performance by current and former members of the band in Serbia will be “an isolated show and nothing more.” The event, billed as “WHITESNAKE EXPERIENCE BY THE MEMBERS OF WHITESNAKE,” is scheduled for August 28-30 as part of the 58th Guitar Festival in Zaječar, Serbia.
The special lineup for this exclusive concert includes Hoekstra, vocalist Dino Jelusić (also known as Dino Jelusick), bassist Marco Mendoza, drummer Tommy Aldridge, and keyboardist Michele Luppi. This ensemble features prominent musicians who have been integral to Whitesnake‘s recent history.
Hoekstra addressed the situation on social media earlier today (Wednesday, June 4), responding to a Blabbermouth headline announcing the Zaječar Guitar Festival performance. He emphasized that this is not a new band or project. “Just so everyone understands clearly what is happening. This is not a band. This is not a project. This is an isolated show and nothing more,” Hoekstra wrote.
He explained that a similar “All-Star Band” performance took place on July 21, 2023, at Guitare-en Scene in France, where Tommy Aldridge and Reb Beach were unavailable. Hoekstra suggested that Aldridge‘s involvement in the upcoming Serbian show, coupled with the decision by organizers to bill it as “WHITESNAKE EXPERIENCE,” may have caused confusion.
Hoekstra confirmed that he sought permission from Whitesnake leader David Coverdale for both appearances. “I had reached out to David Coverdale regarding Guitare-En Scene (when I was asked to participate) to make sure that the appearance was ok with him. That call was placed out of respect and quite simply, to do the right thing. David essentially replied ‘sure, have fun!’,” Hoekstra detailed. He followed the same protocol for the Serbian show, receiving a similar blessing from Coverdale.
“David has not endorsed this as a project or band. He simply gave me permission to participate. Any misleading info making this seem like it’s more than one show is inappropriate and sensationalistic in nature,” Hoekstra added. He also noted that Reb Beach‘s absence is due to his unavailability for the show. “I know this all seems a bit much, but I don’t think it’s fair to anyone involved to have this appear as if we are doing anything more than a ‘show’. So, thank you DC for giving your blessing to us to go have some fun and play together!”
At last week’s press conference in Belgrade, Marco Mendoza highlighted the group’s decision to hold this unique global concert in Zaječar, citing the warm reception they’ve always received in Serbia and their history of sold-out shows in Belgrade. “Tradition and quality are very important to us, and the Guitar Festival, with its 58-year history, is something you must respect and cherish. Your audience is one of the best in the world, and I believe they will enjoy this performance with us,” Mendoza stated.
Dino Jelusić expressed his personal excitement, adding: “We’re preparing a special setlist of Whitesnake‘s greatest hits. Singing the songs of my childhood idol David Coverdale is a special honor and pleasure for me. Although I’ve performed with big names in the rock world in the meantime, Whitesnake‘s songs suit me best, and playing with such a fantastic group of musicians is pure hedonism for me.”
