Whitesnake - Show why they are still at the top of their game!

****1/2

The Snake takes over London and better than ever!

I’d actually bought a ticket for tonight’s show the day they went on sale, and to be fair, it was mainly to see Mr David Covedale and Co. perform for the first time in what seemed like years and years! I’ve always been a huge Whitesnake fan, but like many people there, I wasn’t sure what to expect given yet another new line up for the band?

I needn’t have worried, oh yes, David was definitely on form. Set opener 'Give me all your Love', immediately prompted the audience into rapturous applause, and there followed a continuous mind blowing plethora of Whitesnake classics. The band is made up of some of the greatest musicians out there at the moment, including two extremely talented guitarists, Reb Beach (originally of Winger) and Doug Aldrich. Bassist Michael Devin was more than just competent too, and despite being goaded on several occasions by David Coverdale about his “Seeing a famous American Actress?”, he enjoyed the banter and smiled his way through his solo beautifully.

Duelling guitarists Reb and Doug proved just how good they really are when they had their few minutes of spotlight revelling, and it was a pure pleasure to witness. Now another confession, I don’t generally appreciate drum solo’s but... Drummer, and returning band member Tommy Aldridge, did the best impersonation of Animal from the Muppets, that I have ever witnessed! His performance was an absolute classic, not content with just conventional drumming like a nut case throughout the whole gig, his solo comprised of a spectacular hands only performance, which left the whole audience aghast! It would be hard to pick out one particular highlight from the whole set.

It was all so brilliant, but I have to say David seriously has not lost any of his charisma over the years! His rapport with the crowd was as strong as it ever was, and he has never lost any of the humorous banter he was always known for. Commanding the stage as if he was thirty again, and grabbing his crotch at every opportunity, and playing with the mike stand as though he was still in those infamous “Cock Rock” days. This was the stuff Whitesnake were made of back in the 80’s, and I’m sure it took us long standing fans back to the days of classic Hair Rock!!! Finishing this awesome set with 'Still of the Night' there was no doubt everyone was hungry for more, and would’ve been content with listening to these guys all night long. Long Live Whitesnake.

Review by Helen Westby

Check Out! the Video for 'Gimme all your Love' (Live) Below...