Whitesnake is a London-based rock band formed in 1978 by David Coverdale after he left the famous Deep Purple. Whitesnake began as a supporting ensemble for Coverdale. Over time, Whitesnake became their own entity, although Coverdale stayed as the only constant member throughout the band’s long story. Through the years, they took on different styles, from blues-rock, hard rock, and then into glam-metal superstardom. They gained commercial success in the UK, Europe, Japan, and then North America.
The Formation of the band stemmed from Coverdale’s two solo albums, “White Snake” (1977), and “Northwinds” (1978) which integrated blues, soul, and funk elements. Whitesnake was fully formed in 1978 with the release of the EP “Snakebite” followed by the debut album “Trouble” later that year. This included a lineup with Bernie Marsden (guitar), Neil Murray (bass), Jon Lord (keyboards), and dave dowle(Drummer). The band achieved early success with their hard bluesy rock tracks “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City” and “Walking in the Shadow of the Blues”.
As the band started gaining popularity, so did their goals. With albums like “Ready an’ Willing” (1980), “Come an’ Get It” (1981), and Saints & Sinners (1982) solidified Whitesnake’s reputation throughout Europe. But Coverdale soon shifted focus to breaking into the american market It was the 1984 album “Slide It In” which marked this change. The album featured tracks such as “Slow an’ Easy” and “Love Ain’t No Stranger”, blending melodic hard rock with glam rot serving as the first step towards Whitesnake’s reinvention. This shift was aided by A&R executive John Kalodner and skillful guitarist John Sykes.
The band made their breakthrough around the world with the 1987 self-titled album, released as Whitesnake in the US and 1987 in the UK. It became a multi-platinum success, driven by MTV videos featuring Coverdale’s then partner Tawny Kitaen. They’ve also released singles that have become staples such as “Here I Go Again,” “Is This Love,” and “Still of the Night.” These songs brought the band acclaim and turned them into arena rock giants. Sonically and visually, their transformation into a full-blown glam metal act was completed.
In 1989, Slip of the Tongue was released featuring Vai on guitar after Vandenberg sustained an injury. The album was commercially successful but received mixed critical reception. This marked the end of Whitesnake’s initial run, resulting in Coverdale disbanding the group by 1990. Following this, he returned briefly for the 1994 Greatest Hits tour and then in 1997 for Restless Heart, an album released which could be said to stylistically resemble a solo effort.
Coverdale brought back Whitesnake in 2003 for the band’s 25th anniversary, and it had been 6 years since they had last performed. With Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach on guitars, there was yet another successful tour followed by studio time. Coverdale’s dedication to blending ancient rock with modern production was clear through albums Good to Be Bad (2008), Flesh & Blood (2019), and Forevermore (2011).
Whitesnake’s most notable albums containing the timeless ballad ‘Is This Love’ comes from these as well, proving them a classic since decades ago. The bands latest installments include The Purple Album (2015), that pays homage to Coverdale’s years in Deep Purple, and their ongoing farewell tour which kicked off in 2022. Coverdale’s surgeries including vocal cord treatment, as well as collective hernia issues put portions of the tour on pause, the band pushes forward to make their final appearances.
Contents
Top Songs
- Here I Go Again – Their signature hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987.
- Is This Love – A powerful ballad that reached No. 2 on the U.S. charts.
- Still of the Night – A fan-favorite hard rock epic with Zeppelin-esque riffs.
- Crying in the Rain – Re-recorded for 1987, showcasing their heavier side.
- Fool for Your Loving – Originally released in 1980, then re-recorded in 1989.
- Love Ain’t No Stranger – A melodic anthem blending emotion with hard rock.
- Slow an’ Easy – A blues-infused track that gained MTV popularity.
- Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City – A soulful Bobby Bland cover that became a live staple.
- Walking in the Shadow of the Blues – A signature early-era blues-rock cut.
- The Deeper the Love – A polished power ballad from Slip of the Tongue.
Discography (Studio Albums)
| Year | Album Title |
|---|---|
| 1978 | Trouble |
| 1979 | Lovehunter |
| 1980 | Ready an’ Willing |
| 1981 | Come an’ Get It |
| 1982 | Saints & Sinners |
| 1984 | Slide It In |
| 1987 | Whitesnake (1987) |
| 1989 | Slip of the Tongue |
| 1997 | Restless Heart |
| 2008 | Good to Be Bad |
| 2011 | Forevermore |
| 2015 | The Purple Album |
| 2019 | Flesh & Blood |
Top Albums
- Whitesnake (1987) – Over 8 million U.S. sales; includes their biggest hits.
- Slide It In (1984) – Breakthrough album in North America.
- Slip of the Tongue (1989) – Platinum status with Steve Vai on guitar.
- Ready an’ Willing (1980) – Their first UK Top 10 album.
- Come an’ Get It (1981) – Peaked at No. 2 in the UK; solidified their European stardom.
- Forevermore (2011) – Critically praised for blending modern and classic Whitesnake.
Awards & Accolades
- 1988 Brit Awards – Nominated for Best British Group.
- American Music Awards (1988) – Whitesnake (1987) nominated for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
- Classic Rock Awards (2006) – Live… In the Still of the Night won DVD of the Year.
- Classic Rock Awards (2008) – Good to Be Bad won Album of the Year.
- VH1 Rankings – “Here I Go Again” featured on multiple “Best Rock Songs” lists.
- Multi-Platinum Certifications – Whitesnake (1987) certified 8× Platinum (U.S.).
- Platinum/Gold Albums – Multiple certifications in the UK, US, and Japan across their catalog.
Whitesnake singles
| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City | Snakebite EP |
| 1978 | Come On | Snakebite EP |
| 1978 | Lie Down (A Modern Love Song) | Trouble |
| 1979 | Long Way from Home | Lovehunter |
| 1980 | Fool for Your Loving | Ready an’ Willing |
| 1980 | Ready an’ Willing (Sweet Satisfaction) | Ready an’ Willing |
| 1980 | Ain’t Gonna Cry No More | Ready an’ Willing |
| 1981 | Don’t Break My Heart Again | Come an’ Get It |
| 1981 | Would I Lie to You | Come an’ Get It |
| 1981 | Wine, Women An’ Song | Come an’ Get It |
| 1982 | Here I Go Again | Saints & Sinners |
| 1982 | Crying in the Rain | Saints & Sinners |
| 1983 | Guilty of Love | Slide It In |
| 1984 | Give Me More Time | Slide It In |
| 1984 | Standing in the Shadow | Slide It In |
| 1984 | Love Ain’t No Stranger | Slide It In |
| 1984 | Slow an’ Easy | Slide It In |
| 1987 | Still of the Night | Whitesnake (1987) |
| 1987 | Here I Go Again (’87 version) | Whitesnake (1987) |
| 1987 | Is This Love | Whitesnake (1987) |
| 1987 | Give Me All Your Love | Whitesnake (1987) |
| 1988 | Don’t Turn Away | Non-album B-side |
| 1989 | Fool for Your Loving (re-recorded) | Slip of the Tongue |
| 1990 | The Deeper the Love | Slip of the Tongue |
| 1990 | Now You’re Gone | Slip of the Tongue |
| 1990 | Judgement Day | Slip of the Tongue |
| 1997 | Too Many Tears | Restless Heart |
| 1997 | Don’t Fade Away | Restless Heart |
| 2008 | Lay Down Your Love | Good to Be Bad |
| 2008 | All I Want All I Need | Good to Be Bad |
| 2011 | Love Will Set You Free | Forevermore |
| 2011 | Forevermore | Forevermore |
| 2015 | Burn | The Purple Album |
| 2015 | Stormbringer | The Purple Album |
| 2019 | Shut Up & Kiss Me | Flesh & Blood |
| 2019 | Hey You (You Make Me Rock) | Flesh & Blood |
| 2019 | Trouble Is Your Middle Name | Flesh & Blood |