Complete List Of Whitesnake Songs From A to Z

Feature Photo: Steve Sykes / Shutterstock.com

Formed in 1978 by former Deep Purple frontman David Coverdale, Whitesnake emerged as a force in the British rock scene, blending hard rock, blues, and heavy metal into a signature sound that would eventually dominate airwaves and stadiums worldwide. Following the disbandment of Deep Purple in 1976, Coverdale initially embarked on a solo career, releasing White Snake in 1977 and Northwinds in 1978. The success of these albums led to the formation of Whitesnake, originally envisioned as a backing band for Coverdale but quickly evolving into a full-fledged band.

Whitesnake released their debut EP Snakebite in 1978, followed by their first full-length album Trouble later that year, featuring guitarist Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, keyboardist Jon Lord, and drummer Dave Dowle. Their second album, Lovehunter (1979), drew attention with its provocative cover art and blues-heavy sound. By 1980, Whitesnake gained momentum with Ready an’ Willing, which included the hit single “Fool for Your Loving,” a track that would later be re-recorded in the late 1980s.

The band’s lineup solidified in the early ’80s with the addition of drummer Ian Paice and guitarist Micky Moody. Their next two albums, Come an’ Get It (1981) and Saints & Sinners (1982), both cracked the UK Top 10, with “Here I Go Again” from Saints & Sinners becoming a defining song that would later be re-recorded as a power ballad in 1987.

In 1984, Whitesnake released Slide It In, a transitional album that marked a shift toward a more polished, commercial sound. Produced by Martin Birch, the album included tracks like “Slow an’ Easy” and the title track, both of which became hard rock anthems. The album’s success set the stage for the band’s breakthrough in the United States.

That breakthrough came in 1987 with the self-titled Whitesnake album, a multi-platinum juggernaut that catapulted the band to international stardom. Featuring the re-recorded “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love,” the album peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified eight times platinum in the U.S. The accompanying music videos, starring actress Tawny Kitaen, became iconic on MTV, solidifying Whitesnake’s place in the glam metal era.

Following the success of Whitesnake, the band’s lineup underwent significant changes, with guitarist John Sykes departing and being replaced by Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell. In 1989, they released Slip of the Tongue, another platinum-certified album that featured Steve Vai on guitar and produced hits like “The Deeper the Love” and “Now You’re Gone.”

Despite their commercial peak in the late 1980s, Whitesnake disbanded in 1991. Coverdale briefly collaborated with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page for the 1993 album Coverdale/Page, a project that was commercially successful but short-lived. By 1994, Whitesnake had regrouped to release Greatest Hits and a new studio album, Restless Heart, in 1997.

The 2000s saw multiple reunions and lineup changes, with Coverdale as the sole constant member. In 2008, the band released Good to Be Bad, their first album of new material in over a decade, followed by Forevermore in 2011. Whitesnake continued to tour extensively and released Flesh & Blood in 2019, showcasing a more blues-driven sound that harkened back to their early days.

Over the years, Whitesnake has been celebrated for their hard rock anthems and emotive ballads, earning numerous accolades and maintaining a dedicated fan base. Coverdale, known for his powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, has been recognized as one of rock’s enduring frontmen.

Outside of music, Coverdale has leveraged his platform to support charitable causes, including a 2023 auction of his Yamaha FG 160 acoustic guitar to benefit Heavy Metal Truants, a charity that aids organizations such as Nordoff Robbins, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Save the Children. He has also participated in initiatives with the Rockit Live Foundation, using his influence to support young musicians and foster music education.