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Band Timeline
1976
David Coverdale leaves Deep Purple and begins solo work
In March 1976, David Coverdale departed from the prominent English hard rock band Deep Purple after three years and several successful albums. This marked a pivotal transition for Coverdale as he sought to establish a distinct musical identity separate from his previous hard rock legacy. He began working on solo material that incorporated elements of blues, soul, and funk, aiming for a fresh sound that offered a different vibe from his Deep Purple days.
1977
Release of solo album 'White Snake' by David Coverdale
In February 1977, David Coverdale released his first solo album titled 'White Snake.' The album showcased a mix of blues and soulful rock, venturing away from hard rock. This album laid the foundation for what would become the band Whitesnake, as it featured guitarist Micky Moody, who would soon join Coverdale's new backing band. The solo project helped Coverdale to explore new musical directions and establish early momentum in his changed career path.
1978
Formation of Whitesnake, release of 'Snakebite' EP and debut album 'Trouble'
By early 1978, David Coverdale assembled a backing band to promote his second solo album 'Northwinds,' but the band quickly evolved into an independent group called Whitesnake. This lineup included notable guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, drummer Dave Dowle, and keyboardist Brian Johnston. Whitesnake released the 'Snakebite' EP in 1978, marking their first official release, shortly followed by their debut studio album 'Trouble.' These releases began to establish their blues-rock identity and built their early fanbase primarily across the UK, Europe, and Japan.
1979
Release of second album 'Lovehunter' solidifying band's sound
In 1979, Whitesnake released their second studio album, 'Lovehunter.' This album further defined their sound by blending blues rock with hard rock elements, including signature live staples such as 'Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City' and 'Walking in the Shadow of the Blues.' The album was critical in expanding the band's popularity beyond their initial following while maintaining their bluesy roots and lyrical focus on themes like love and passion.
1980
Breakthrough UK success with 'Ready an' Willing' and live album
The year 1980 marked significant growth for Whitesnake as they released 'Ready an' Willing,' which, along with the live album 'Live... in the Heart of the City,' achieved top ten status on the UK Albums Chart. These releases promoted the band's energetic live presence and showcased their evolving sound within hard rock and blues rock. The live album captured the band's dynamic performances and helped increase their stature across Europe and Japan, setting the stage for further commercial success.
1981
Release of fourth studio album 'Come an' Get It'
Continuing their momentum, Whitesnake released the album 'Come an' Get It' in 1981. The record was well-received in the UK, sustaining their presence in the rock scene and reinforcing their reputation for powerful rock anthems and solid musicianship. This period saw Whitesnake refining their songwriting and production while cultivating a more polished, radio-friendly hard rock style that would later help with their breakthrough in North America.
1982
Top ten UK chart success with 'Saints & Sinners'
In 1982, Whitesnake maintained their chart success with the release of 'Saints & Sinners,' which also reached the top ten on the UK Albums Chart. The album continued the band's engagement with blues-infused hard rock and featured songs that highlighted vocal intensity and catchy rock hooks. Their steady output during this period built a loyal fanbase and showed the band's consistency in delivering quality rock music that appealed to a broad audience.
1984
American breakthrough with 'Slide It In'
With an eye on the lucrative American market, Whitesnake released 'Slide It In' in 1984 under the American label Geffen Records. This album marked a shift toward a heavier and more commercially accessible hard rock sound. It included popular singles such as 'Love Ain't No Stranger' and 'Slow an' Easy' that gained considerable airplay on the emerging MTV channel. This exposure significantly increased Whitesnake's profile in North America, paving the way for their blockbuster success later in the decade.
1987
Massive international success with 'Whitesnake (1987)' album
In 1987, Whitesnake released their eponymous album, known as '1987' in the UK, which became their biggest commercial success. The album sold over eight million copies in the United States alone and featured hit singles such as 'Here I Go Again,' 'Is This Love,' and 'Still of the Night.' This era saw the band adopt a glam metal image aligned with the Los Angeles music scene, broadening their appeal globally. The album's success cemented Whitesnake as a leading hard rock act of the 1980s and significantly raised David Coverdale's international profile.
1989
Release of 'Slip of the Tongue' and subsequent hiatus
Following their massive success, Whitesnake released 'Slip of the Tongue' in 1989. Despite featuring skilled musicianship and production, the album did not match the commercial heights of the 1987 release. After this period, David Coverdale decided to take a break from the music industry. Whitesnake entered a mostly inactive phase with only occasional short-lived reunions during the following years, signaling a period of reflection and transition for the band.
1994
Greatest Hits release and intermittent reunions
In 1994, Whitesnake released a compilation album titled 'Greatest Hits,' which brought together their most beloved songs from previous decades. Around this time, the band experienced brief reunions that rejuvenated interest in their music among fans and the rock community. Although active output was limited, these reunions served as important moments to celebrate Whitesnake's legacy and maintain their relevance in the evolving rock landscape.
1997
Release of 'Restless Heart' album
Whitesnake returned with new material in 1997, releasing the album 'Restless Heart.' This album was part of the sporadic activity during the band's hiatus and represented an attempt to reconnect with their fanbase. While not achieving major commercial success, 'Restless Heart' reflected the band's ongoing commitment to producing quality rock music and the enduring creativity of David Coverdale as the band's core member.
2003
Band reunion to celebrate 25th anniversary
In 2003, David Coverdale reassembled Whitesnake with a new lineup to mark the band's 25th anniversary. This reunion sparked renewed touring and recording activity. It represented a significant comeback after years of limited activity, reinvigorating the band's presence in the global rock scene. This period laid the groundwork for subsequent studio releases and extensive world tours, revitalizing the Whitesnake brand for a new generation of fans.
2008
Release of 'Good to Be Bad' heralds successful comeback
Whitesnake released 'Good to Be Bad' in 2008, their first studio album of new material in over a decade. The album was well received by fans and critics, successfully blending the band's classic blues rock roots with contemporary hard rock elements. This release marked a significant milestone in Whitesnake's comeback, leading to extensive touring and reaffirming their status as a major act in the modern rock world.
2011
Release of 'Forevermore' continues band's resurgence
Continuing their creative momentum, Whitesnake released the album 'Forevermore' in 2011. The album built on the successful formula of blending melodic hard rock with soulful blues influences, demonstrating the band's staying power and versatility. 'Forevermore' was supported by world tours, keeping the band actively engaged with their fanbase and further establishing their legacy in the 21st century rock landscape.
2015
Release of 'The Purple Album' pays homage to Deep Purple era
'The Purple Album,' released in 2015, was a unique project wherein Whitesnake reinterpreted songs from David Coverdale's tenure with Deep Purple, infusing them with the band's contemporary sound. This album connected the band’s past with its present, honoring Coverdale's roots while showcasing Whitesnake's evolution. The project was well received and highlighted the lasting impact of Coverdale's contributions to hard rock history.
2019
Release of 'Flesh & Blood' and continued global touring
In 2019, Whitesnake released 'Flesh & Blood,' their most recent studio album as of the time. The album combined the band's signature bluesy hard rock with modern production, demonstrating their ability to innovate while staying true to their musical identity. Accompanied by extensive world tours, 'Flesh & Blood' reaffirmed Whitesnake's enduring appeal and relevance in the global rock music scene, underscoring over four decades of influential music making.
Albums
Trouble
10 tracks
1978
Lovehunter
10 tracks
1979
Ready an’ Willing
10 tracks
1980
Come an’ Get It
10 tracks
1981
Saints & Sinners
10 tracks
1982
Slide It In
10 tracks
1984
Whitesnake
9 tracks
1987
Slip of the Tongue
10 tracks
1989
Restless Heart
11 tracks
1997
Good to Be Bad
11 tracks
2008
Forevermore
14 tracks
2011
The Purple Album
16 tracks
2015
Flesh & Blood
13 tracks
2019
📷
No Image
Into the Light: The Solo Albums
14 tracks
2024
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Joel Hoekstra
2014
Electric guitar
Tanya O’Callaghan
2021
Bass guitar
Dino Jelusick
2021
Background vocals
Dino Jelusick
2021
Keyboard
Tommy Aldridge
2013
Drums (drum set)
David Coverdale
2002
Lead vocals
Michele Luppi
2015
Keyboard
Reb Beach
2002
Electric guitar
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Chris Frazier
2007
2010
Drums (drum set)
Peter Solley
1978
1978
Aynsley Dunbar
1987
1987
Drums (drum set)
Cozy Powell
1983
1985
Drums (drum set)
Neil Murray
1978
1984
Bass guitar
Ian Paice
1979
1982
Drums (drum set)
Vivian Campbell
1987
1988
Electric guitar
Tommy Aldridge
2002
2007
Drums (drum set)
Rudy Sarzo
1987
1991
Bass guitar
Adrian Vandenberg
1987
1991
Electric guitar
Timothy Drury
2002
2010
Keyboard
Tony Franklin
1997
1997
Bass guitar
Steve Vai
1989
1991
Electric guitar
David Coverdale
1997
1997
Lead vocals
Doug Aldrich
2002
2014
Electric guitar
Paul Mirkovich
1994
1994
Keyboard
Micky Moody
1978
1984
Electric guitar
Brian Tichy
2011
2013
Drums (drum set)
Tommy Aldridge
1987
1991
Drums (drum set)
Dave Dowle
1978
1979
Drums (drum set)
Bernie Marsden
1978
1982
Electric guitar
Uriah Duffy
2005
2010
Bass guitar
David Coverdale
1994
1994
Lead vocals
Warren DeMartini
1994
1994
Electric guitar
Michael Devin
2010
2021
Bass
Mel Galley
1982
1984
Electric guitar
John Sykes
1984
1987
Electric guitar
Jon Lord
1978
1984
Keyboard
Adrian Vandenberg
1997
1997
Electric guitar
David Coverdale
1978
1991
Lead vocals
Marco Mendoza
2002
2005
Bass guitar
Adrian Vandenberg
1994
1994
Electric guitar
Rudy Sarzo
1994
1994
Bass guitar
Story of Whitesnake
From the ashes of Deep Purple, in 1978 London, rose Whitesnake. Initially formed as David Coverdales backing band, it quickly transcended its origins, becoming a formidable force in its own right. Coverdale remains the sole constant member throughout the bands storied history.
The bands early years saw the release of the *Snakebite* EP and albums *Trouble* and *Lovehunter*, which yielded live favorites like "Aint No Love in the Heart of the City" and "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues." Whitesnake swiftly conquered the UK, European, and Japanese markets, with albums like Ready an Willing*, *Live... in the Heart of the City*, *Come an Get It, and Saints & Sinners all hitting the UK top ten.
By the mid-80s, Coverdale set his sights on America, where Whitesnake remained relatively unknown. A deal with Geffen Records changed everything. Slide It In (1984), featuring the MTV-fueled hits "Love Aint No Stranger" and "Slow an Easy," significantly broadened their appeal. But their seismic breakthrough came with the self-titled 1987 album, a multi-platinum behemoth selling over eight million copies in the US alone, propelled by hits like "Here I Go Again," "Is This Love," and "Still of the Night." This era also saw the band embrace a more contemporary, Los Angeles glam metal aesthetic.
Following 1989`s Slip of the Tongue, Coverdale took a hiatus from the music industry, leaving a legacy of hard rock anthems and a place in rock history cemented by their massive global success.
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