Whitesnake announce new bassist Tanya O'Callaghan
The first ever female member of Whitesnake
Last updated 23rd Nov 2021
David Coverdale has announced Whitesnake’s new bassist and their first ever female band member, Tanya O'Callaghan.
The Irish musician replaces Michael Devin who parted ways with Whitesnake after 11 years on Sunday (21st November).
Brought up in the Irish town of Mullingar, Tanya O'Callaghan has previously performed with an array of musicians including Steven Adler, Dee Snider, Maynard James Keenan, Nuno Bettencourt, Michael Angelo Batio and Orianthi.
Outside the world of rock, Tanya O'Callaghan has played with Westlife and The Corrs, plus on shows including The Riverdance and The Voice.
Enthusing about his new recruit, who he has already dubbed ‘The Irish Tornado’, David Coverdale says: “For whatever reason Whitesnake has never featured a female musician in the band before…Bad Boys!!!
“But when we saw Tanya performing with our friend Stephen Adler’s Band at the M3 festival in 2019 & we were all blown away…An electrifying performer…”
“When Whitesnake & Michael Devin decided to go their separate ways, Tanya was the first person we reached out to & thankfully she accepted our invitation to become a Snake…”
“We Are thrilled and delighted to welcome Tanya O’ Callaghan to Whitesnake!!!”
Writing on Instagram, Tanya O’Callaghan said: “I guess the snakes out of the bag 🥰🤘🐍
"What an absolute honour to be joining @whitesnake for their worldwide farewell tour 2022/23.
“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! And the best part, to step into the snake shoes of my Whitesnake bass brothers @sarzo.rudy @fretlessmonster #NeilMurray and @michaeledevin ... are you kidding me...what a f#*king honor beyond belief!!! My heart is exploding 🥰🤘
“To my bass brother @michaeledevin who is moving on to other endeavours 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.
“Hold onto your hats 🐍🍀💚🤘🏽”
Whitesnake have described Tanya O'Callaghan as a “whirling dervish of a performer” who they believe will bring “a fresh, new, exciting musicality and welcome energy” to the band.
Tanya O'Callaghan replacing Michael Devin is Whitesnake’s second line-up change of 2021. Back in July, the band announced that Dino Jelusick had joined their ranks as a backing vocalist.
Shortly before Jelusick’s addition to the line-up, David Coverdale defended Whitesnake’s “ever-revolving door” of band members in an interview Planet Rock.
Tanya O'Callaghan will perform with Whitesnake on their Farewell Tour, which calls in at seven UK arenas in May 2022 with co-headliners Foreigner and special guests Europe.
Tickets are on sale from Planet Rock Tickets now.
Planet Rock's The Rocks winners 2021, including David Coverdale:
Best British Band
Thunder – WINNER
Massive Wagons – 2nd place
Those Damn Crows – 3rd place
Best British Album
Massive Wagons: 'House of Noise' – WINNER
Thunder: 'All The Right Noises' – 2nd place
Ozzy Osbourne: 'Ordinary Man' – 3rd place
Best British Single
Ozzy Osbourne: 'Ordinary Man' – WINNER
Massive Wagons: 'In It Together' – 2nd place
Those Damn Crows – 'Sick of Me' – 3rd place
Best International Album
AC/DC: 'Power Up' – WINNER
Foo Fighters: 'Medicine at Midnight' – 2nd place
The Dead Daisies: 'Holy Ground' – 3rd place
Best International Band
AC/DC – WINNER
Foo Fighters – 2nd place
Within Temptation – 3rd place
Best Worldwide Solo Artist
Myles Kennedy – WINNER
Ozzy Osbourne – 2nd place
Bruce Springsteen – 3rd place
Best New Band
When Rivers Meet – WINNER
Mason Hill – 2nd place
Scarlet Rebels – 3rd place
Greatest Live Band of All Time
Iron Maiden – WINNER
Queen – 2nd place
AC/DC – 3rd place
The Rocks Honours Award
David Coverdale - WINNER