Skip to main content
DeepCutsArchive
BrowseArtistsTimelineMapDecadesSubmit

DeepCutsArchive

Preserving the footage that shaped music history. Rare clips, studio sessions, and moments lost to time.

BrowseArtistsGenresDecadesLocationsSubmit a ClipAboutContactEditorial PolicyArticles

© 2026 DeepCutsArchive. All footage remains the property of its original creators.

Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSupport

Developed with love as a personal project by Jamie McDonnell

ui-ux-design.comai-consultancy.company
David Coverdale REVEALS Why John Sykes Was FIRED From Whitesnake — DeepCutsArchive
PreviousUse arrow keysNext
0 views
Share this clip

David Coverdale REVEALS Why John Sykes Was FIRED From Whitesnake

Whitesnake
1980s1987Behind the Scenes


Know someone who'd love this clip?

Share it with friends and fellow fans.

Share this clip

Keep Exploring

1970s1990sAll ArtistsAll GenresAll Decades
youtube

David Coverdale is opening up about one of the most talked-about chapters in Whitesnake history: the departure of guitarist John Sykes. Their collaboration helped shape a defining era for the band, but behind the scenes, tensions reportedly brought the partnership to an abrupt end. In this video, we explore Coverdale’s account of why Sykes was fired from Whitesnake, the circumstances surrounding their working relationship, and the fallout connected to the band’s hugely successful 1987 era. It’s a story involving two major rock talents whose creative chemistry produced unforgettable music despite a complicated professional relationship. What ultimately pushed Coverdale to make the decision? And how did Sykes’ exit affect the Whitesnake lineup that followed? This video examines the comments, history, and differing perspectives surrounding a split that rock fans still discuss decades later. This content may include opinions, historical accounts, or disputed claims. Viewers are encouraged to verify independently. #DavidCoverdale #JohnSykes #Whitesnake #Whitesnake1987 #JohnSykesWhitesnake #DavidCoverdaleInterview #JohnSykesGuitar #WhitesnakeBand #WhitesnakeHistory #1987Album #StillOfTheNight #IsThisLove #HereIGoAgain #JohnSykesLegacy #DavidCoverdaleWhitesnake

About Whitesnake

Whitesnake were an English rock band formed in London in 1978. The group were originally put together as the backing band for singer David Coverdale, who had recently left Deep Purple. Though the band quickly developed into their own entity, Coverdale was the only constant member throughout their history.

More about Whitesnake→

Added 12 Oct 2026

Browse by Tag
More from 1980s
All behind-the-scenes

More from the 1980s

View all →
Thumbnail for Early Footage of 10,000 Maniacs - Preparing to Leave for Atlanta, 1982 by 10,000 Maniacs5:35

Early Footage of 10,000 Maniacs - Preparing to Leave for Atlanta, 1982

10,000 Maniacs

1980sInterviewTour
Thumbnail for MTV News - 10,000 Maniacs Release Blind Man's Zoo, includes interviews and rehearsal footage, 1989 by 10,000 Maniacs3:16

MTV News - 10,000 Maniacs Release Blind Man's Zoo, includes interviews and rehearsal footage, 1989

10,000 Maniacs

1980sTourRehearsal
Thumbnail for 10,000 Maniacs - Rehearsal Tape June 1986 by 10,000 Maniacs3:56

10,000 Maniacs - Rehearsal Tape June 1986

10,000 Maniacs

1980sRehearsal
Thumbnail for THE GYRLZ - Wishing You Were Here (7" Mix) by Eddy, R.E.M.5:28

THE GYRLZ - Wishing You Were Here (7" Mix)

Eddy, R.E.M.

1980sRare

More from Whitesnake

View all →
Thumbnail for Burning Man 2011 Bass Solo by Ween, NME, Whitesnake, Y&T1:05

Burning Man 2011 Bass Solo

Ween, NME, Whitesnake, Y&T

2010sSoloRare
Thumbnail for Name That Lick #46 by The Band, The Who, Whitesnake0:39

Name That Lick #46

The Band, The Who, Whitesnake

Rare
Thumbnail for EPIC FIRST LISTEN - Reacting to Whitesnake - Slow An' Easy by Whitesnake8:05

EPIC FIRST LISTEN - Reacting to Whitesnake - Slow An' Easy

Whitesnake

1970s
Thumbnail for Whitesnake - Look Back - Crying in the Rain - Greatest Hits 2022 by Whitesnake2:27

Whitesnake - Look Back - Crying in the Rain - Greatest Hits 2022

Whitesnake

2020sTour