Irish native’s “wild ride” continues to pick up steam
By Jon Liebman
November 24, 2021
In an unprecedented move by Whitesnake founder David Coverdale, the band will feature its first-ever female bass player, Tanya O’Callaghan, for its 2022-23 tour. Tanya will be replacing longtime Whitesnake bassist Michael Devin, who left the band last weekend.
In a statement published on Whitesnake’s website, Coverdale’s announcement reads:
Well, Well, Well…Ladies & Gentlemen…Boys & Girls…We Are Very Proud To Announce & To Introduce You All To Our Newest Snake…Or Should I Say…SNAKETTE!!!
Please Give A LOUD WHITESNAKE CHOIR Welcome To THE IRISH TORNADO!!!
A Whirling Dervish Of A Performer Whom We Feel Will Bring A Fresh, New, Exciting Musicality & Welcome Energy To The Band, Both In The Studio & Onstage…Here She Is…Irish Born & Bred…The One & Only… Tanya O’Callaghan!!!
Tanya is over the moon excited about joining the band, calling the latest move in her stellar career “an absolute honor.”
Sharing the news on her own Facebook page, Tanya says:
This small town gal still pinches herself over the amount of legends I’ve had the joy to work, tour, jam and record with over the past few years since I made the terrifying solo leap across the Pacific with no clue how everything would unfold. It’s been a wild ride with some amazing artists I now call friends and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, who calls, only feckin’ WHITESNAKE!
Tanya says the best part is following in the footsteps of her “Whitesnake bass brothers” Rudy Sarzo, Tony Franklin, Neil Murray, and Michael Devin. “Are you kidding me…what a f#*king honor beyond belief!!! My heart is exploding.”
In a special shout-out to Devin, Callaghan says, “I wish you all the love and light on your next moves, I adore everything about your spirit and your playing and holy guacamole have i some big bass shoes to fill.”
Whitesnake’s tour kicks off in May 2022 in, of all places, Dublin, Ireland.
“Hold on to your hats,” says Tanya.
