Doug Aldrich, WHITESNAKE's guitarist of the past 11 years, is leaving the band "to pursue a solo career," according to the group's founding singer and mainman, David Coverdale.

Aldrich has since issued the following statement regarding his departure from WHITESNAKE:

"Thanks to my big bro David for such a killer run together!! So many songs, tours, projects, always inspiring and pushing each other! Mostly I want to thank the loyal WHITESNAKE choir and fans around the world. You have been so amazing to me and it's been an honor to play for you with WHITESNAKE. I love you, guys, and I'll see you all again. Thank you so very much for your unending support.

"Also, not sure how or where the info started about a solo career, but this is not true or correct information. I have no plans at this time to go solo. I'm just not in the WHITESNAKE/David Coverdale band anymore.

"I'll let you guys know what I'm doing [as soon as possible] but for now please know I very much appreciate your support and will hopefully do a statement with my brutal brother [David Coverdale] shortly."