JUDAS PRIEST: 'We Loved Having WHITESNAKE Out With Us'

British heavy metal legends JUDAS PRIEST have issued the following update:

"It is with deep regret that we have to announce that WHITESNAKE will unfortunately not be able to continue on the remainder of our tour in the U.S. David Coverdale [WHITESNAKE frontman] is suffering from very severe throat problems and is under strict doctor's orders to stop singing immediately or could do serious damage to his vocal cords. We are very sorry — we loved having WHITESNAKE out with us and we wish David a very speedy recovery."

WHITESNAKE played only four songs at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado Tuesday night (August 11) due to Coverdale "experiencing considerable pain in his vocal cords," according to a statement released by the band. The statement continued, "[Coverdale] 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."

Prior to exiting the stage, Coverdale told the crowd , "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.