Whitesnake


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array(1) { [0]=> array(4) { ["title"]=> string(10) "Whitesnake" ["timestamp"]=> string(20) "2010-09-09T04:33:00Z" ["text"]=> string(25951) "{{Other uses}} {{Infobox musical artist| | Name = Whitesnake | Img = Whitesnake live.jpg | Img_capt = Whitesnake live in [[Thessaloniki]], Greece. | Img_size = 250 | Landscape = Yes | Background = group_or_band | Origin = [[Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire]], England | Genre = [[Hard rock]], [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[blues-rock]] | Years_active = 1977–1991, 1994, 1997–1998, 2002–present | Label = [[United Artists Records|United Artists]], [[EMI Records|EMI]], [[Geffen Records|Geffen]], [[SPV GmbH|SPV]], Mirage, [[Frontiers Records|Frontiers]] | Associated_acts = [[Deep Purple]], [[Coverdale and Page]], [[Blue Murder (band)|Blue Murder]], [[Manic Eden]], [[Paice, Ashton & Lord]], [[Thin Lizzy]], [[The Snakes]], [[The Company of Snakes]] | URL = [http://www.whitesnake.com Official website] | Current_members = [[David Coverdale]]
[[Doug Aldrich]]
[[Reb Beach]]
[[Timothy Drury]]
[[Brian Tichy]]
[[Michael Devin]] | Past_members = See: [[#Band members|Whitesnake band members]] }} '''Whitesnake''' are an English [[Rock music|rock]] band, founded in 1977 by [[David Coverdale]] (formerly of [[Deep Purple]]). The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple but by the mid 1980s Whitesnake had moved away from the early [[blues]] influenced hard rock to a more commercial [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] style. Whitesnake were named the 85th greatest hard rock band of all time by [[VH1]].[http://www.vh1.com/shows/the_greatest/episode.jhtml?episodeID=62184 The Greatest - "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock"] [[VH1]] ==History== ===Formation (1977)=== David Coverdale founded Whitesnake in 1977[http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:wifqxqr5ldfe~T1 Whitesnake] at[[Allmusic]] in [[North Yorkshire]], England. The core line-up had been working as his backing band '''The White Snake Band''' on the ''[[White Snake (album)|White Snake]]'' album tour and they retained the title before officially being known as Whitesnake. They toured with Coverdale as his support band and for both of the solo albums he released, ''[[White Snake (David Coverdale album)|White Snake]]'' and ''[[Northwinds]]'', between exiting Deep Purple and founding Whitesnake. During the band's early years their music was primarily [[blues rock]] (although Coverdale described Whitesnake's early style as "progressive [[R&B]]").[http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4415 KNAC David Coverdale] Interview at KNAC At this time, the band was made up of [[David Coverdale]], [[Bernie Marsden]], [[Micky Moody]], [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] and drummer [[Dave Dowle|David "Duck" Dowle]] with keyboardist Brian Johnston. Johnston would soon be replaced by [[Procol harum|Procol Harum]] organ player and keyboardist [[Pete Solley]]. Because of Solley's [[Record producer|producing]] commitments he was replaced by the former [[Deep Purple]] keyboard player [[Jon Lord]], during sessions for the first LP. ===Early releases and commercial success (1978–1983)=== [[File:Whitesnake Hammersmith Odeon 1981.jpg|thumb|left|Whitesnake in Hammersmith Odeon. 1981]] Whitesnake recorded the EP ''[[Snakebite (album)|Snakebite]]'' which was released in 1978 and included a cover of a [[Bobby Bland|Bobby "Blue" Bland]] song "[[Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City]]", which became the first hit from the band. The EP had some success in the UK and subsequent reissues of this EP included four bonus tracks from Coverdale's second solo album ''[[Northwinds]]'' produced by [[Roger Glover]]. A blues rock/R&B debut album ''[[Trouble (Whitesnake album)|Trouble]]'', was released in the autumn of 1978 and peaked at #50 in the [[UK Albums Chart|UK album charts]]. Whitesnake toured Europe to promote the album and their first live album ''[[Live at Hammersmith (Whitesnake album)|Live at Hammersmith]]'' was recorded on this tour and released in Japan in 1979. Whitesnake released ''[[Lovehunter]]'' in 1979, which courted controversy due to its risqué album cover by artist [[Chris Achilleos]], which featured an illustration of a naked woman straddling a coiled snake. The album made the UK Top 30 and contained the minor hit "Long Way From Home" which reached #55 in the single charts. Tracks from the EP Snakebite were included in a reissue of the album Trouble in 2006. Shortly after that [[Ian Paice]] replaced David Dowle giving Whitesnake three ex-Deep Purple members. The new line-up recorded the 1980 release ''[[Ready an' Willing]]'', which was a breakthrough hit for the band reaching the UK Top 10 and becoming their first entry into the U.S. Top 100. The single "[[Fool For Your Loving]]", which the band originally wrote for [[B.B. King]], made #13 in the UK single charts and #53 in the US, and the title track also hit #43 in the UK charts. The Ready an' Willing tour included a headline appearance at the 1980 [[Reading Festival]], highlights of which were broadcast by [[BBC]] Radio One in UK. While still mostly unknown in the US, the modest success of ''Ready an' Willing'' helped Whitesnake increase awareness there as an opening act for established bands such as [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]] and [[AC/DC]].[http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003036/David-Coverdale.html David Coverdale bio at musicianguide.com] The band also released ''[[Live...In The Heart Of The City]]'', which contained recordings made in 1978 and 1980 and achieved a #5 ranking in the UK album charts. In 1981 the band recorded the album ''[[Come an' Get It]]'' which climbed to #2 in the UK album charts and produced the Top 20 hit "[[Don't Break My Heart Again]]" and the Top 40 hit "Would I Lie To You". The album flopped in the US. During 1982 Coverdale took time off to look after his sick daughter and decided to put Whitesnake on hold. When David Coverdale returned to music he reformed the band and after the recording of the album ''[[Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album)|Saints & Sinners]]'' replaced Bernie Marsden, Ian Paice and bass player Neil Murray with [[Mel Galley]] from [[Trapeze (band)|Trapeze]], bassist [[Colin Hodgkinson]], and [[Cozy Powell]] as the new drummer. ''Saints & Sinners'' was another Top 10 UK album and contained the hit "[[Here I Go Again]]". The new lineup toured in 1982–83, headlined the [[Monsters of Rock]] Festival at [[Castle Donington]] UK in August 1983 and the single "Victim Of Love" reached #31 in the UK singles chart. ===Shift from blues-rock to hard rock (1983–1986)=== In late 1983, the band recorded ''[[Slide It In]]'', which was released in Europe in early 1984. At this same time, the band secured a major US record deal with the [[Geffen Records|Geffen]] label. The ''Slide It In'' album had drawn mixed reviews, the negatives particularly focusing on its "flat" mix.{{citation|date=1984|title=Deep Purple Appreciation Society - Whitesnake History'|publisher=The Deep Purple Appreciation Society|url=http://www.deep-purple.net/tree/whitesnake/whitesnake-2.htm}} While a personnel change saw the touring band replace Moody with former [[Thin Lizzy]] guitarist [[John Sykes]], plus the return of bassist Neil Murray in place of Hodgkinson{{citation|date=July 1984|title=Deep Purple Appreciation Society Magazine, Issue 29'|publisher=The Deep Purple Appreciation Society|url=http://www.deep-purple.net/DPASmags/dtb29.htm#sykes}}, producer [[David Geffen]] insisted that the album be remixed for the US release. In addition to the remix, Sykes and Murray re-recorded the lead guitar and bass parts. This revised version of the album had its US release in April 1984. Despite Coverdale's misgivings regarding the lack of edge in these new tracks, ''Slide It In'' just barely missed the US Top 40, and went [[platinum album|double platinum]] there three years later after the release of the band's eighth album. The ''Slide It In'' album led to the [[album-oriented rock]] hits in the US: "Slow an' Easy" and "[[Love Ain't No Stranger]]", as well as the album's title track. It was at this point that Geffen suggested to Coverdale that he "start taking America seriously."[http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608003036/David-Coverdale.html David Coverdale bio at musicianguide.com, paragraph 9] In Europe, the band had success with other songs, "[[Guilty of Love (Whitesnake song)|Guilty of Love]]" and "Give Me More Time". While touring in spring 1984, Mel Galley suffered a broken arm in an accident, leaving John Sykes as the sole guitarist for the remaining dates. A few weeks later, Jon Lord left to reform Deep Purple Mk.II, and keyboard player [[Richard Bailey (musician)|Richard Bailey]] was brought in. The band was booked in the US to open for acts such as [[Ronnie James Dio|Dio]] and [[Quiet Riot]]. The tour ended with a performance in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people, at the [[Rock in Rio]] festival held in [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]]. Galley remained a member — "he's still getting paid," said Coverdale — until Galley rashly discussed plans to reform Trapeze in an interview, and Coverdale then fired him. ===The self-titled album and success in the US (1986–1988)=== Starting in 1985, Coverdale and Sykes began writing the material for a follow-up studio album. Sykes would play the rhythm and lead guitars for almost the entire album. Cozy Powell had left to join [[Emerson, Lake & Powell]]. Drummer [[Aynsley Dunbar]], formerly of [[Journey (band)|Journey]], and keyboardist [[Don Airey]] from the [[Ozzy Osbourne]] band and [[Rainbow (band)|Rainbow]], were brought in for the recording of the album. The album was put on hold for much of 1986 when Coverdale contracted a serious sinus infection that put his singing career in jeopardy. He eventually recovered, and the ''[[Whitesnake (album)|Whitesnake]]'' album was finished in 1987. But shortly before the album's release, Coverdale had dismissed Sykes.[http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/coverdale_david/bio.jhtml David Coverdale bio at VH1.com] Adrian Vandenburg and Vivian Campbell played guitars on the videos and for the subsequent live shows. The album was entitled ''1987'' in Europe and ''Serpens Albus'' in Japan and marked the band's first mainstream success in the US. With the guidance of [[A&R]] guru [[John Kalodner]], it has sold 8x platinum in the US. The success of ''Whitesnake'' also pushed sales of ''Slide It In'' from its [[RIAA certification|RIAA certified]] gold status to platinum status, and made the band a bona fide arena headliner for the first time in North America. The album continued to sell throughout 1987 and 1988 and peaked at #2 in the US album charts. The album's biggest hits were the #2 [[power ballad]] "[[Is This Love (Whitesnake song)|Is This Love]]" and the #1 hit single "[[Here I Go Again]]", a re-recording of a song originally on ''[[Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album)|Saints & Sinners]]'' released in 1982. Other hit singles from the album were "[[Still of the Night (song)|Still of the Night]]" (#79) and "[[Give Me All Your Love]]" (#48 in 1988). The album's exposure was boosted by heavy airplay of its videos on [[MTV]], which featured actress [[Tawny Kitaen]], whom Coverdale later married. None of the band members who played on the album appeared in these videos with the exception of [[Adrian Vandenberg]], who had been hired to complete the album after the others had been fired by Coverdale. Vandenberg's only work on the album was the solo on "[[Here I Go Again]]" though he became a full time member of the band shortly afterwards. The resulting music videos from ''Whitesnake'' also featured new band members [[Rudy Sarzo]], [[Tommy Aldridge]] and [[Vivian Campbell]] (who also re-recorded the solo for the "Give Me All Your Love" remix). ===''Slip of the Tongue'' and more success (1988–1990)=== [[Image:Whitesnake89.jpg|thumb|right|270px|Whitesnake from 1989 to 1990.]] [[Vivian Campbell]] left Whitesnake in late 1988 due to creative differences, and so the band's line-up changed yet again for the 1989 album ''[[Slip of the Tongue]]''. While preparing for the recording of the album, guitarist [[Adrian Vandenberg]] sustained a serious wrist injury, making it impossible for him to play without experiencing great discomfort. Coverdale had no choice but to find a new guitar player. He eventually found former [[Frank Zappa]] and [[David Lee Roth]] guitar player [[Steve Vai]], whom Coverdale had seen in the 1986 film ''[[Crossroads (1986 film)|Crossroads]]''. After it's release, ''Slip of the Tongue'' sold four million copies and hit #10 in US and UK album charts. The album also spawned three successful singles: a re-working of the bands 1980 classic "[[Fool for Your Loving#Re-recorded_version|Fool for Your Loving]]" (#37 US and #43 UK), the melodic "[[The Deeper the Love]]" (#28 US and #35 UK) and "[[Now You're Gone (Whitesnake song)|Now You're Gone]]" (#96 US and #31 UK). Steve Vai became an official member of the band and appeared in all of the band's new music videos. With Vai as a full-time member, the band hit the road to support the album. Consumers' response was warm, and during the tour for ''Slip of the Tongue'', the band co-headlined the 1990 Monsters of Rock festival (their third time appearing and second headlining). Coverdale decided to fold the band after the ''Slip of the Tongue''-tour. Coverdale announced that he would be taking a break from the music bussiness, but the next year Coverdale started to work with former-[[Led Zeppelin]] guitaris, [[Jimmy Page]], which resulted in the album ''[[Coverdale and Page (album)|Coverdale and Page]]''. ===''Greatest Hits'', ''Restless Heart'' and ''Starkers in Tokyo'' (1994–1998)=== A new line-up of the band was assembled for 1994's ''[[Whitesnake's Greatest Hits]]'' album. They embarked on a short tour in Europe, with former [[Ratt]] guitarist [[Warren DeMartini]] playing lead guitar, drummer [[Denny Carmassi]], bassist [[Rudy Sarzo]] guitarist [[Adrian Vandenberg]] and keyboard player [[Paul Mirkovich]] before their recording contract with Geffen expired. Following this Whitesnake was in hiatus for three years and spent time in Bolivia. In 1997 Coverdale and Vandenberg re-grouped to work together on a new Whitesnake album ''[[Restless Heart (Whitesnake album)|Restless Heart]]''. This was originally to be a solo album for Coverdale, but the record company pressures released it under the Whitesnake name. However, despite a release in both Japan and Europe, it was never available officially in the US. The album marked a return to the band's earlier R&B music. The album reached the UK Top 40 album chart and produced the [[blues]] ballad "Too Many Tears" which reached #46 UK singles chart. The album featured Coverdale, Carmassi, Vandenberg, [[Pink Floyd]] touring bassist [[Guy Pratt]] with keyboardist Brett Tuggle who had played with [[Coverdale and Page]]. The touring lineup featured Coverdale, Vandenberg, Carmassi, [[Mr Mister]] guitarist Steve Farris, keyboardist Derek Hilland and [[The Firm (British band)|The Firm]] bassist Tony Franklin. During the tour, Coverdale and Vandenberg recorded [[acoustic music|unplugged]] show in Japan entitled ''[[Starkers in Tokyo]]'' (released in 1998). The two also played another unplugged show, this time for [[VH1]]. In the end of '97, Coverdale folded the band at the end of the tour, and took another break from the music business. ===25th anniversary reformation (2002–2007)=== In December 2002 Coverdale reformed Whitesnake for Whitesnake's 25 year [[anniversary]]. Joining Coverdale for the 2003 tour were guitarists [[Doug Aldrich]] of [[Dio (band)|Dio]] and [[Reb Beach]] of [[Winger (band)|Winger]], bass player [[Marco Mendoza]], drummer Tommy Aldridge and keyboard player [[Timothy Drury]]. During 2003 they headlined the [[Rock Never Stops Tour]] with other popular rock bands. The anniversary tour line up remained stable until early 2005, when Mendoza left to pursue the [[Soul SirkUS]] project and was replaced by [[Uriah Duffy]]. In February 2006, Whitesnake released a live DVD titled, ''Live... In The Still of the Night'' and announced a Spring and Summer tour of Japan and Europe. In June 2006 it was announced Coverdale had signed Whitesnake to a new record deal with Steamhammer/SPV Records who released a double live album entitled, ''[[Live: In The Shadow Of The Blues]]'' during November 2006 in UK, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The album had tracks recorded since 2003, and also included four new studio tracks: "Ready to Rock", "If You Want Me", "All I Want Is You" and "Dog." These songs have been described by Coverdale as "three balls-to-the-walls rockers and a ballad".[http://www.spv.de/eng/whitesnake SPV website] In June 2007 the band released a dual CD/DVD titled ''1987 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition'' to mark the 20th anniversary of the mega-selling album ''1987''. This was the re-mastered album along with a host of bonus material of four live tracks from the ''Shadow Of The Blues Live'' set. It also includes the four promo videos for the album on the DVD.[http://www.deep-purple.net/related-news/david-coverdale.htm DeepPurple.net news] - 26.03.07 In December 2007 the band drummer Chris Frazier joined the band, replacing Tommy Aldridge.[http://whitesnake.com/new/cfinterview/cfindex.html Chris Frazier interview] New drummer at Whitesnake.com ===''Good to Be Bad'' and back on the road (2008–present)=== In March 2008 Whitesnake played at the [[Rock2Wgtn]] two day festival, which also featured [[Ozzy Osbourne]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Poison (band)|Poison]], [[Alice Cooper]] and [[Lordi]], with special effects by the Academy Award winning [[Weta Workshop|WETA Workshop]]. In April 2008 the band released their tenth studio album, ''[[Good to Be Bad]]'', which reached #5 in the [[UK album chart]].[http://www.deep-purple.net/related-news/david-coverdale.htm Deep Purple] Appreciation Society. Will Coverdale Top The Charts? During the summer of 2008 Whitesnake headlined a UK tour along with Def Leppard,[http://www.thepublicityconnection.com/clients/WS-P.html Whitesnake] Publicity, 10th April 2008 at The Publicity Connection with [[Black Stone Cherry]] opening the UK arena shows in June and [[Thunder (band)|Thunder]] opening the July shows. In early November 2008, Whitesnake received the Classic Rock ''Best Album'' award for ''Good To Be Bad''. On February 11, 2009, Whitesnake announced they would be playing a festival slot at [[Download Festival]], UK on June 14 via their official website. They also announced [[Def Leppard]] would be playing on the same day. It was also announced that Whitesnake, Def Leppard and [[Journey (band)|Journey]] would play [[The O2, Dublin|The O2]] in [[Dublin]] on June 12, 2009. On March 17, 2009, it was announced that Whitesnake will be supporting [[Judas Priest]] on the 2009 North American Summer tour. On August 11, 2009 Whitesnake was playing a show at Red Rocks in [[Morrison, Colorado]] when front man David Coverdale suffered a vocal injury. After seeing a specialist, it was announced on August 12, 2009 that Coverdale is suffering from severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion. The remainder of their tour with Judas Priest was cancelled. In early February 2010, David Coverdale has announced his voice seems to have fully recovered from the trauma that sidelined him and the band on the Priest tour. He states he's been recording new demos, aiming for a new Whitesnake album, and on tape his voice is sounding full and strong. In June 2010 Whitesnake announced they will be releasing their own wine, a 2008 Zinfandel, described by David Coverdale as "filled to the brim with the spicy essence of sexy, slippery Snakeyness ... I recommend it to complement any & all grown up friskiness & hot tub jollies ..." [http://dlmwine.com/Whitesnake/whitesnake_08Zin.html Whitesnake Wine on DLM Wines] Retrieved 19 June 2010 On June 18, 2010 it was announced that Whitesnake had parted ways with bassist Uriah Duffy and drummer Chris Frazier and that their new drummer is former [[Billy Idol]]-drummer [[Brian Tichy]].http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=141791 On August 20, 2010 Whitesnake announced that their new bassist is [[Michael Devin]].http://www.whitesnake.com ==Discography== {{Main|Whitesnake discography}} '''Studio albums''': *''[[Snakebite (album)|Snakebite]]'' (1978) *''[[Trouble (Whitesnake album)|Trouble]]'' (1978) *''[[Lovehunter]]'' (1979) *''[[Ready an' Willing]]'' (1980) *''[[Come an' Get It]]'' (1981) *''[[Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album)|Saints & Sinners]]'' (1982) *''[[Slide It In]]'' (1984) *''[[Whitesnake (album)|Whitesnake]]'' (1987) *''[[Slip of the Tongue]]'' (1989) *''[[Restless Heart (Whitesnake album)|Restless Heart]]'' (1997) *''[[Good to Be Bad]]'' (2008) ==Band members== {{Main|List of Whitesnake Band Members}} ;Current members *[[David Coverdale]] – [[Lead vocalist|lead vocals]] (1976–1991, 1994, 1997–1998, 2002–present) *[[Doug Aldrich]] – [[guitar]]s (2002–present) *[[Reb Beach]] – guitars, [[backing vocals]] (2002–present) *[[Timothy Drury]] – [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], backing vocals (2002–present) *[[Brian Tichy]] – [[Drum kit|drums]], [[Percussion instrument|percussion]] (2010–present) *[[Michael Devin]] – [[Bass guitar|bass]], backing vocals (2010–present) ==In other media== {{Unreferenced section|date=June 2010}} ===In films=== *''[[JoJo's Bizarre Adventure]]'' *''[[Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby]]'' *''[[Old School (film)|Old School]]'' *''[[Just My Luck (2006 film)|Just My Luck]]'' *''[[The Rocker (film)|The Rocker]]'' ===On TV=== *''[[CSI: NY|CSI New York]]''- in the episode "[[Blacklist (CSI: NY episode)|Blacklist]]" (season 6, episode 2), [[Lindsay Monroe]] comes into work wearing a Whitesnake t-shirt because it was the only clean shirt she had (thanks to her newborn baby spitting up all the time) and her coworker [[Sheldon Hawkes]] commented on it. *''[[The Venture Bros.]]'' "[[Fallen Arches]]" episode includes the "Here I Go Again" video *''[[The Simpsons]]'' in the "[[Treehouse of Horror X]]" episode *''In [[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'', Lois Lane's favorite band is Whitesnake. *''[[Joey (TV series)|Joey]]'' - Season One episode 11 "[[Joey and the Road Trip]]" & 16 "[[Joey and the Tonight Show]]" Season Two episode 1&2 "[[Joey and the Big Break, Part 2]]" *''[[Will & Grace]]'' - In the fifth season finale, [[Karen Walker (Will & Grace)|Karen Walker]] remarks that Danny Mordy ([[Nicollette Sheridan]]) was hot enough to be in a Whitesnake video. *''[[Frasier]]'' - Roz tells Frasier her boyfriend thinks she was in a Whitesnake video. *"[[And the Wiener Is...]]" episode of ''[[Family Guy]]'' - [[Lois Griffin|Lois]] tells [[Meg Griffin|Meg]] about the music "mommies and daddies listen to." ===In musical theater=== The Whitesnake song "[[Here I Go Again]]" appears in both the Off-Broadway production [[Power Balladz]] and the award-winning Broadway hit [[Rock of Ages (musical)|Rock of Ages]]. ===In songs=== *The band [[Bowling For Soup]] in the song "[[1985 (song)|1985]]" ==="Here I Go Again" (as soundtrack)=== *On the computer game ''[[World in Conflict]]'' *[[BBC Three]] TV series ''[[Nighty Night]]'' *In the ''[[American Dad]]'' episode "[[Dungeons and Wagons]]" *In the 2003 [[comedy]] film ''[[Old School (film)|Old School]]''http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302886/soundtrack *During the credits of the 2009 film ''[[Fired Up (film)|Fired Up]]'' after [[Nicholas D'Agosto]] sang the chorus as a joke *On the ''[[Axe Men]]'' TV show advert on Channel 5 *In the episode of ''[[It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia]]'' titled "Mac's banging the Waitress" *In the ''[[Life]]'' season 2 episode 14 "Mirror Ball" ==Notes== {{Reflist}} ==References and further reading== *''Whitesnake''. Simon Robinson. Omnibus Press (1989) ISBN 0-7119-1550-4 *Record Collector magazine No 56. Peter Doggett. Diamond Publishing Group (1984) ASIN: B0018KXRB0 *''Purple Rainbows'': A Definitive Rock History Featuring the Best of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake. Graham Bonnett. Stave House (1994) ISBN 1-85909-148-2 *''Whitesnake''. Tom Hibbert. Omnibus Press (1981) ISBN 0-86001-964-0 *''The Best of Whitesnake''.Aaron Stang. Warner Bros Publications Inc (1989) ISBN 0-7692-1352-9 ==External links== *[http://www.whitesnake.com Official website] *[http://www.whitesnake-blog.com Unofficial Whitesnake Spanish blog] {{Whitesnake}} [[Category:English hard rock musical groups]] [[Category:English heavy metal musical groups]] [[Category:Blues-rock groups]] [[Category:Glam metal musical groups]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1977]] [[Category:1970s music groups]] [[Category:1980s music groups]] [[Category:1990s music groups]] [[Category:2000s music groups]] [[Category:Musical sextets]] [[bg:УайтÑ�нейк]] [[ca:Whitesnake]] [[cs:Whitesnake]] [[da:Whitesnake]] [[de:Whitesnake]] [[et:Whitesnake]] [[es:Whitesnake]] [[eo:Whitesnake]] [[fr:Whitesnake]] [[hr:Whitesnake]] [[id:Whitesnake]] [[it:Whitesnake]] [[he:וייטסנייק]] [[ka:უáƒ�ითსნეიკი]] [[hu:Whitesnake]] [[mk:Whitesnake]] [[nl:Whitesnake]] [[ja:ホワイトスãƒ�イク]] [[no:Whitesnake]] [[pl:Whitesnake]] [[pt:Whitesnake]] [[ro:Whitesnake]] [[ru:Whitesnake]] [[sq:Whitesnake]] [[simple:Whitesnake]] [[sk:Whitesnake]] [[sr:Whitesnake]] [[sh:Whitesnake]] [[fi:Whitesnake]] [[sv:Whitesnake]] [[tr:Whitesnake]]" ["html"]=> string(24233) "

{{Infobox musical artist| | Name = Whitesnake| Img = Whitesnake live.jpg| Img_capt = Whitesnake live in Thessaloniki, Greece.| Img_size = 250| Landscape = Yes| Background = group_or_band| Origin = Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England| Genre = Hard rock, heavy metal, blues-rock| Years_active = 1977–1991, 1994, 1997–1998, 2002–present| Label = United Artists, EMI, Geffen, SPV, Mirage, Frontiers| Associated_acts = Deep Purple, Coverdale and Page, Blue Murder, Manic Eden, Paice, Ashton & Lord, Thin Lizzy, The Snakes, The Company of Snakes| URL = Official website| Current_members = David Coverdale
Doug Aldrich
Reb Beach
Timothy Drury
Brian Tichy
Michael Devin| Past_members = See: Whitesnake band members}}

Whitesnake are an English rock band, founded in 1977 by David Coverdale (formerly of Deep Purple). The band's early material has been compared by critics to Deep Purple but by the mid 1980s Whitesnake had moved away from the early blues influenced hard rock to a more commercial heavy metal style.

Whitesnake were named the 85th greatest hard rock band of all time by VH1. The Greatest - "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock" VH1

History

Formation (1977)

David Coverdale founded Whitesnake in 1977 Whitesnake atAllmusic in North Yorkshire, England. The core line-up had been working as his backing band The White Snake Band on the White Snake album tour and they retained the title before officially being known as Whitesnake. They toured with Coverdale as his support band and for both of the solo albums he released, White Snake and Northwinds, between exiting Deep Purple and founding Whitesnake. During the band's early years their music was primarily blues rock (although Coverdale described Whitesnake's early style as "progressive R&B"). KNAC David Coverdale Interview at KNAC At this time, the band was made up of David Coverdale, Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody, Neil Murray and drummer David "Duck" Dowle with keyboardist Brian Johnston. Johnston would soon be replaced by Procol Harum organ player and keyboardist Pete Solley. Because of Solley's producing commitments he was replaced by the former Deep Purple keyboard player Jon Lord, during sessions for the first LP.

Early releases and commercial success (1978–1983)

thumb|left|Whitesnake in Hammersmith Odeon. 1981Whitesnake recorded the EP Snakebite which was released in 1978 and included a cover of a Bobby "Blue" Bland song "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City", which became the first hit from the band. The EP had some success in the UK and subsequent reissues of this EP included four bonus tracks from Coverdale's second solo album Northwinds produced by Roger Glover. A blues rock/R&B debut album Trouble, was released in the autumn of 1978 and peaked at #50 in the UK album charts. Whitesnake toured Europe to promote the album and their first live album Live at Hammersmith was recorded on this tour and released in Japan in 1979. Whitesnake released Lovehunter in 1979, which courted controversy due to its risqué album cover by artist Chris Achilleos, which featured an illustration of a naked woman straddling a coiled snake. The album made the UK Top 30 and contained the minor hit "Long Way From Home" which reached #55 in the single charts. Tracks from the EP Snakebite were included in a reissue of the album Trouble in 2006. Shortly after that Ian Paice replaced David Dowle giving Whitesnake three ex-Deep Purple members. The new line-up recorded the 1980 release Ready an' Willing, which was a breakthrough hit for the band reaching the UK Top 10 and becoming their first entry into the U.S. Top 100. The single "Fool For Your Loving", which the band originally wrote for B.B. King, made #13 in the UK single charts and #53 in the US, and the title track also hit #43 in the UK charts. The Ready an' Willing tour included a headline appearance at the 1980 Reading Festival, highlights of which were broadcast by BBC Radio One in UK. While still mostly unknown in the US, the modest success of Ready an' Willing helped Whitesnake increase awareness there as an opening act for established bands such as Jethro Tull and AC/DC. David Coverdale bio at musicianguide.com The band also released Live...In The Heart Of The City, which contained recordings made in 1978 and 1980 and achieved a #5 ranking in the UK album charts.

In 1981 the band recorded the album Come an' Get It which climbed to #2 in the UK album charts and produced the Top 20 hit "Don't Break My Heart Again" and the Top 40 hit "Would I Lie To You". The album flopped in the US. During 1982 Coverdale took time off to look after his sick daughter and decided to put Whitesnake on hold. When David Coverdale returned to music he reformed the band and after the recording of the album Saints & Sinners replaced Bernie Marsden, Ian Paice and bass player Neil Murray with Mel Galley from Trapeze, bassist Colin Hodgkinson, and Cozy Powell as the new drummer. Saints & Sinners was another Top 10 UK album and contained the hit "Here I Go Again". The new lineup toured in 1982–83, headlined the Monsters of Rock Festival at Castle Donington UK in August 1983 and the single "Victim Of Love" reached #31 in the UK singles chart.

Shift from blues-rock to hard rock (1983–1986)

In late 1983, the band recorded Slide It In, which was released in Europe in early 1984. At this same time, the band secured a major US record deal with the Geffen label. The Slide It In album had drawn mixed reviews, the negatives particularly focusing on its "flat" mix. While a personnel change saw the touring band replace Moody with former Thin Lizzy guitarist John Sykes, plus the return of bassist Neil Murray in place of Hodgkinson, producer David Geffen insisted that the album be remixed for the US release. In addition to the remix, Sykes and Murray re-recorded the lead guitar and bass parts. This revised version of the album had its US release in April 1984. Despite Coverdale's misgivings regarding the lack of edge in these new tracks, Slide It In just barely missed the US Top 40, and went double platinum there three years later after the release of the band's eighth album. The Slide It In album led to the album-oriented rock hits in the US: "Slow an' Easy" and "Love Ain't No Stranger", as well as the album's title track. It was at this point that Geffen suggested to Coverdale that he "start taking America seriously." David Coverdale bio at musicianguide.com, paragraph 9

In Europe, the band had success with other songs, "Guilty of Love" and "Give Me More Time". While touring in spring 1984, Mel Galley suffered a broken arm in an accident, leaving John Sykes as the sole guitarist for the remaining dates. A few weeks later, Jon Lord left to reform Deep Purple Mk.II, and keyboard player Richard Bailey was brought in. The band was booked in the US to open for acts such as Dio and Quiet Riot. The tour ended with a performance in front of a crowd of over 100,000 people, at the Rock in Rio festival held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Galley remained a member — "he's still getting paid," said Coverdale — until Galley rashly discussed plans to reform Trapeze in an interview, and Coverdale then fired him.

The self-titled album and success in the US (1986–1988)

Starting in 1985, Coverdale and Sykes began writing the material for a follow-up studio album. Sykes would play the rhythm and lead guitars for almost the entire album. Cozy Powell had left to join Emerson, Lake & Powell. Drummer Aynsley Dunbar, formerly of Journey, and keyboardist Don Airey from the Ozzy Osbourne band and Rainbow, were brought in for the recording of the album. The album was put on hold for much of 1986 when Coverdale contracted a serious sinus infection that put his singing career in jeopardy. He eventually recovered, and the Whitesnake album was finished in 1987. But shortly before the album's release, Coverdale had dismissed Sykes. David Coverdale bio at VH1.com Adrian Vandenburg and Vivian Campbell played guitars on the videos and for the subsequent live shows.

The album was entitled 1987 in Europe and Serpens Albus in Japan and marked the band's first mainstream success in the US. With the guidance of A&R guru John Kalodner, it has sold 8x platinum in the US. The success of Whitesnake also pushed sales of Slide It In from its RIAA certified gold status to platinum status, and made the band a bona fide arena headliner for the first time in North America. The album continued to sell throughout 1987 and 1988 and peaked at #2 in the US album charts. The album's biggest hits were the #2 power ballad "Is This Love" and the #1 hit single "Here I Go Again", a re-recording of a song originally on Saints & Sinners released in 1982. Other hit singles from the album were "Still of the Night" (#79) and "Give Me All Your Love" (#48 in 1988). The album's exposure was boosted by heavy airplay of its videos on MTV, which featured actress Tawny Kitaen, whom Coverdale later married. None of the band members who played on the album appeared in these videos with the exception of Adrian Vandenberg, who had been hired to complete the album after the others had been fired by Coverdale. Vandenberg's only work on the album was the solo on "Here I Go Again" though he became a full time member of the band shortly afterwards. The resulting music videos from Whitesnake also featured new band members Rudy Sarzo, Tommy Aldridge and Vivian Campbell (who also re-recorded the solo for the "Give Me All Your Love" remix).

Slip of the Tongue and more success (1988–1990)

Vivian Campbell left Whitesnake in late 1988 due to creative differences, and so the band's line-up changed yet again for the 1989 album Slip of the Tongue. While preparing for the recording of the album, guitarist Adrian Vandenberg sustained a serious wrist injury, making it impossible for him to play without experiencing great discomfort. Coverdale had no choice but to find a new guitar player. He eventually found former Frank Zappa and David Lee Roth guitar player Steve Vai, whom Coverdale had seen in the 1986 film Crossroads. After it's release, Slip of the Tongue sold four million copies and hit #10 in US and UK album charts. The album also spawned three successful singles: a re-working of the bands 1980 classic "Fool for Your Loving" (#37 US and #43 UK), the melodic "The Deeper the Love" (#28 US and #35 UK) and "Now You're Gone" (#96 US and #31 UK). Steve Vai became an official member of the band and appeared in all of the band's new music videos.

With Vai as a full-time member, the band hit the road to support the album. Consumers' response was warm, and during the tour for Slip of the Tongue, the band co-headlined the 1990 Monsters of Rock festival (their third time appearing and second headlining). Coverdale decided to fold the band after the Slip of the Tongue-tour. Coverdale announced that he would be taking a break from the music bussiness, but the next year Coverdale started to work with former-Led Zeppelin guitaris, Jimmy Page, which resulted in the album Coverdale and Page.

Greatest Hits, Restless Heart and Starkers in Tokyo (1994–1998)

A new line-up of the band was assembled for 1994's Whitesnake's Greatest Hits album. They embarked on a short tour in Europe, with former Ratt guitarist Warren DeMartini playing lead guitar, drummer Denny Carmassi, bassist Rudy Sarzo guitarist Adrian Vandenberg and keyboard player Paul Mirkovich before their recording contract with Geffen expired. Following this Whitesnake was in hiatus for three years and spent time in Bolivia.

In 1997 Coverdale and Vandenberg re-grouped to work together on a new Whitesnake album Restless Heart. This was originally to be a solo album for Coverdale, but the record company pressures released it under the Whitesnake name. However, despite a release in both Japan and Europe, it was never available officially in the US. The album marked a return to the band's earlier R&B music. The album reached the UK Top 40 album chart and produced the blues ballad "Too Many Tears" which reached #46 UK singles chart. The album featured Coverdale, Carmassi, Vandenberg, Pink Floyd touring bassist Guy Pratt with keyboardist Brett Tuggle who had played with Coverdale and Page. The touring lineup featured Coverdale, Vandenberg, Carmassi, Mr Mister guitarist Steve Farris, keyboardist Derek Hilland and The Firm bassist Tony Franklin. During the tour, Coverdale and Vandenberg recorded unplugged show in Japan entitled Starkers in Tokyo (released in 1998). The two also played another unplugged show, this time for VH1. In the end of '97, Coverdale folded the band at the end of the tour, and took another break from the music business.

25th anniversary reformation (2002–2007)

In December 2002 Coverdale reformed Whitesnake for Whitesnake's 25 year anniversary. Joining Coverdale for the 2003 tour were guitarists Doug Aldrich of Dio and Reb Beach of Winger, bass player Marco Mendoza, drummer Tommy Aldridge and keyboard player Timothy Drury. During 2003 they headlined the Rock Never Stops Tour with other popular rock bands.

The anniversary tour line up remained stable until early 2005, when Mendoza left to pursue the Soul SirkUS project and was replaced by Uriah Duffy. In February 2006, Whitesnake released a live DVD titled, Live... In The Still of the Night and announced a Spring and Summer tour of Japan and Europe. In June 2006 it was announced Coverdale had signed Whitesnake to a new record deal with Steamhammer/SPV Records who released a double live album entitled, In The Shadow Of The Blues during November 2006 in UK, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. The album had tracks recorded since 2003, and also included four new studio tracks: "Ready to Rock", "If You Want Me", "All I Want Is You" and "Dog." These songs have been described by Coverdale as "three balls-to-the-walls rockers and a ballad". SPV website In June 2007 the band released a dual CD/DVD titled 1987 20th Anniversary Collector's Edition to mark the 20th anniversary of the mega-selling album 1987. This was the re-mastered album along with a host of bonus material of four live tracks from the Shadow Of The Blues Live set. It also includes the four promo videos for the album on the DVD. DeepPurple.net news - 26.03.07 In December 2007 the band drummer Chris Frazier joined the band, replacing Tommy Aldridge. Chris Frazier interview New drummer at Whitesnake.com

Good to Be Bad and back on the road (2008–present)

In March 2008 Whitesnake played at the Rock2Wgtn two day festival, which also featured Ozzy Osbourne, Kiss, Poison, Alice Cooper and Lordi, with special effects by the Academy Award winning WETA Workshop. In April 2008 the band released their tenth studio album, Good to Be Bad, which reached #5 in the UK album chart. Deep Purple Appreciation Society. Will Coverdale Top The Charts? During the summer of 2008 Whitesnake headlined a UK tour along with Def Leppard, Whitesnake Publicity, 10th April 2008 at The Publicity Connection with Black Stone Cherry opening the UK arena shows in June and Thunder opening the July shows.

In early November 2008, Whitesnake received the Classic Rock Best Album award for Good To Be Bad.

On February 11, 2009, Whitesnake announced they would be playing a festival slot at Download Festival, UK on June 14 via their official website. They also announced Def Leppard would be playing on the same day. It was also announced that Whitesnake, Def Leppard and Journey would play The O2 in Dublin on June 12, 2009.

On March 17, 2009, it was announced that Whitesnake will be supporting Judas Priest on the 2009 North American Summer tour.

On August 11, 2009 Whitesnake was playing a show at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado when front man David Coverdale suffered a vocal injury. After seeing a specialist, it was announced on August 12, 2009 that Coverdale is suffering from severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion. The remainder of their tour with Judas Priest was cancelled.

In early February 2010, David Coverdale has announced his voice seems to have fully recovered from the trauma that sidelined him and the band on the Priest tour. He states he's been recording new demos, aiming for a new Whitesnake album, and on tape his voice is sounding full and strong.

In June 2010 Whitesnake announced they will be releasing their own wine, a 2008 Zinfandel, described by David Coverdale as "filled to the brim with the spicy essence of sexy, slippery Snakeyness ... I recommend it to complement any & all grown up friskiness & hot tub jollies ..." Whitesnake Wine on DLM Wines Retrieved 19 June 2010

On June 18, 2010 it was announced that Whitesnake had parted ways with bassist Uriah Duffy and drummer Chris Frazier and that their new drummer is former Billy Idol-drummer Brian Tichy.http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=141791

On August 20, 2010 Whitesnake announced that their new bassist is Michael Devin.http://www.whitesnake.com

Discography

Studio albums:

• Snakebite (1978)
• Trouble (1978)
• Lovehunter (1979)
• Ready an' Willing (1980)
• Come an' Get It (1981)
• Saints & Sinners (1982)
• Slide It In (1984)
• Whitesnake (1987)
• Slip of the Tongue (1989)
• Restless Heart (1997)
• Good to Be Bad (2008)

Band members

Current members

• David Coverdale – lead vocals (1976–1991, 1994, 1997–1998, 2002–present)
• Doug Aldrich – guitars (2002–present)
• Reb Beach – guitars, backing vocals (2002–present)
• Timothy Drury – keyboards, backing vocals (2002–present)
• Brian Tichy – drums, percussion (2010–present)
• Michael Devin – bass, backing vocals (2010–present)

In other media

In films

• JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
• The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
• Old School
• Just My Luck
• The Rocker

On TV

• CSI New York- in the episode "Blacklist" (season 6, episode 2), Lindsay Monroe comes into work wearing a Whitesnake t-shirt because it was the only clean shirt she had (thanks to her newborn baby spitting up all the time) and her coworker Sheldon Hawkes commented on it.
• The Venture Bros. "Fallen Arches" episode includes the "Here I Go Again" video
• The Simpsons in the "Treehouse of Horror X" episode
• In Smallville, Lois Lane's favorite band is Whitesnake.
• Joey - Season One episode 11 "Joey and the Road Trip" & 16 "Joey and the Tonight Show" Season Two episode 1&2 "Joey and the Big Break, Part 2"
• Will & Grace - In the fifth season finale, Karen Walker remarks that Danny Mordy (Nicollette Sheridan) was hot enough to be in a Whitesnake video.
• Frasier - Roz tells Frasier her boyfriend thinks she was in a Whitesnake video.
• "And the Wiener Is..." episode of Family Guy - Lois tells Meg about the music "mommies and daddies listen to."

In musical theater

The Whitesnake song "Here I Go Again" appears in both the Off-Broadway production Power Balladz and the award-winning Broadway hit Rock of Ages.

In songs

• The band Bowling For Soup in the song "1985"

"Here I Go Again" (as soundtrack)

• On the computer game World in Conflict
• BBC Three TV series Nighty Night
• In the American Dad episode "Dungeons and Wagons"
• In the 2003 comedy film Old Schoolhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0302886/soundtrack
• During the credits of the 2009 film Fired Up after Nicholas D'Agosto sang the chorus as a joke
• On the Axe Men TV show advert on Channel 5
• In the episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia titled "Mac's banging the Waitress"
• In the Life season 2 episode 14 "Mirror Ball"

Notes

References and further reading

• Whitesnake. Simon Robinson. Omnibus Press (1989) ISBN 0-7119-1550-4
• Record Collector magazine No 56. Peter Doggett. Diamond Publishing Group (1984) ASIN: B0018KXRB0
• Purple Rainbows: A Definitive Rock History Featuring the Best of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Whitesnake. Graham Bonnett. Stave House (1994) ISBN 1-85909-148-2
• Whitesnake. Tom Hibbert. Omnibus Press (1981) ISBN 0-86001-964-0
• The Best of Whitesnake.Aaron Stang. Warner Bros Publications Inc (1989) ISBN 0-7692-1352-9

External links

• Official website
• Unofficial Whitesnake Spanish blog

English hard rock musical groupsEnglish heavy metal musical groupsBlues-rock groupsGlam metal musical groupsMusical groups established in 19771970s music groups1980s music groups1990s music groups2000s music groupsMusical sextets

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