This summer, Serbia becomes the epicenter of classic hard rock nostalgia. At a press conference held last week in Belgrade, it was officially announced that five former members of the legendary band WHITESNAKE will reunite under the banner WHITESNAKE EXPERIENCE BY THE MEMBERS OF WHITESNAKE for a one-time-only performance at the 58th Guitar Festival in Zaječar, scheduled for August 28–30 at the scenic Kraljevica park.
The lineup for this special event includes drummer Tommy Aldridge, guitarist Joel Hoekstra, bassist Marco Mendoza, keyboardist Michele Luppi, and powerhouse Croatian vocalist Dino Jelusić—each of whom has performed with WHITESNAKE during its more recent incarnations. The performance is being billed as the only concert of its kind in the world, featuring these key alumni from the band’s touring legacy.
During the press event, Mendoza highlighted the group’s decision to debut this exclusive project in Serbia, noting the country’s enthusiastic fan base and the warm reception they’ve always received.
“Tradition and quality are very important to us,” Mendoza said. “The Guitar Festival, with its 58-year history, is something you must respect and cherish. Your audience is one of the best in the world, and I believe they will enjoy this performance with us.”
Jelusić, known for his commanding vocals and previous work with acts like TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA and DIRTY SHIRLEY, shared his excitement about the setlist and his personal connection to the material.
“We’re preparing a special setlist of WHITESNAKE‘s greatest hits,” he said. “Singing the songs of my childhood idol David Coverdale is a special honor and pleasure for me. Although I’ve performed with big names in the rock world, WHITESNAKE‘s songs suit me best, and playing with such a fantastic group of musicians is pure hedonism for me.”
Adding to the prestige of the event, WHITESNAKE frontman David Coverdale has given his personal blessing to the project, lending an official stamp of approval that elevates the concert to a rare and special occasion. With such a unique lineup and endorsement, organizers are expecting a major turnout from fans across Serbia and the wider Balkan region.
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