IN THE world of tight-trousered, big- haired rock there are few, if any, bigger names than David Coverdale. The former Deep Purple frontman has been the undisputed leader of Whitesnake for just over 25 years, a band responsible for hits such as Fool for Your Loving, Don't Break My Heart Again and Still of the Night.

His career was essentially reborn in the late 80s with the enormously successful 1987 album.

This was a watershed record, on the back of which David enjoyed huge exposure through MTV and toured with a younger, leaner, hungrier band and found Whitesnake moving from traditionally bluesy roots to a firmer hard rock base.

Despite a short period in retirement a few years ago, David (who also enjoyed a brief yet successful period working with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page in the early 90s) regrouped Whitesnake and is currently out on the road again.

"It's been a very successful tour," says David.

"It's quite surprising when you think I toured as recently as last year and, given the fact that there has been no new record released, very pleasing.

"It's always nice spending an evening in the company of friends, but I've also noticed that there are very young people coming to the shows...very young! It doesn't seem to be simple curiosity either. They are singing all the words to the songs and they are very welcome.

"There is a large and growing youth market from what I can see from the stage," he continues.

"Whether or not that can be sustained, I don't know, but right now it feels very encouraging.

"This 'new generation' could change the dynamic in many ways. I must say that I am curious to see if the record companies get their blinkers off and see this phenomenon. I'm not holding my breath though."

On the subject of his short-lived retirement from live performance, David is rather candid.

"To be honest, my wife knew I needed to work more than I did!" he jokes.

"I felt quite happy in retirement, watching my son grow, enjoying the fruits of my considerable labours, and I felt really happy to be out of the music 'business'.

"But, for some reason, it is entirely natural for me to stand there and sing for my supper.

"If it wasn't for all the necessary travelling, I would probably work more. It's the travelling that tires me, not the shows."

Whitesnake's continued love of playing the provinces proves that the old 'City Hall' circuit is by no means redundant. Does David think promoters are just ignoring these markets for the lure of the big arena bucks?

"I think things have gotten out of balance," he says.

"Now that people aren't selling as many records, they are looking for ways to cover that considerable hole in their income. We try to keep our costs down, so we can charge what we feel is a reasonable ticket price. Audiences are tired of paying high prices to see their favourite bands. Let's face it, you have to be a multi-millionaire to see everyone you like! You can still make money by being sensible - good money. It's when greed kicks in it becomes daft."

DAVE REYNOLDS