According to a report in the Denver Festival Examiner, Whitesnake cut their set short in Denver last night after only four songs due to singer David Coverdale’s laryngitis. “I’m sorry, I tried, I just can’t do it,” he apparently told fans before walking off stage.

While there’s no official confirmation, the article cites “inside sources” stating that they’ve pulled off of the tour. The August 7 date in Phoenix had been canceled due to Coverdale’s laryngitis. Apparently, opener Pop Evil (who?) and Priest will perform extended sets to make up for Whitesnake’s absence. It’s been a tough year for Whitesnake. First, it takes them 18 years to release a US follow up to 1990′s Slip of the Tongue, then their label goes belly-up in the states, and now this. I guess going from 18 years off to performing almost nightly on a summer tour isn’t great for someone that’s pushing 60, but then Rob Halford’s still holding up well. The tour was to run through August 23.

UPDATE: There’s an official statement confirming that they’re dropping off:

“Unfortunately, last night [August 11] at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Whitesnake had to cut their performance short due to Mr. Coverdale experiencing considerable pain in his vocal cords. He 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.”