WhiteSnake David Coverdale

Whitesnake kicked of their Purple Tour in Spokane, WA. their first stop of many on the world tour. I am proud that they started their tour in our fine city. Coverdale even mentioned during the show that a major part of the band's Live in 1984 album came from a Spokane show. The Purple album's release date is May 15, 2015, you can pick up a copy now. The Purple album reflects on the time when David Coverdale sang lead for Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976, then went on to his solo career. It wasn’t until ’77 that he cut his first solo LP, White Snake. In 1993 Coverdale teamed up with Jimmy Page and went on to release Collaboration album that was a great success. The band consists of members, longtime drummer Tommy Aldridge (Pat Travers Band, Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent) and quicksilver guitarists Reb Beach (Winger) and Joel Hoekstra (Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Night Ranger), bassist Michael Devin, and keyboardist Michele Luppi.

Whitesnake hit the stage with a Deep Purple cover, "Burn" with Coverdale leading the way. Then continued with Lay Down, Stay Down (Deep Purple cover) (Live Premiere)Love Ain't No Stranger, The Gypsy (Deep Purple cover) (Live Premiere),Give Me All Your Love, You Keep On Moving (Deep Purple cover) (Live Premiere), Forevermore. Then electrifying guitar solo's from Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra. Continued with, Mistreated (Deep Purple cover), Soldier of Fortune (Deep Purple cover), You Fool No One (Deep Purple cover) (Live Premiere). Drum Solo from Tommy Aldridge, pummeled his set with an energy drummers half his age couldn't gather, he still can pound the skins with the best of them. Continued with, Is This Love, Lady Double Dealer (Deep Purple cover), Stormbringer (Deep Purple cover), and ended the set with, Here I Go Again which left the crowd wanting more. They returned to the stage after the crowd cheered them on and played, Still of the Night for the encore.

The boys in Whitesnake 2015 sound like they’re having the time of their lives. The arrangements here are long (most exceed five minutes), adventurous, with Coverdale belting over the Beach’s and Hoekstra’s wicked-fast stunt guitars and Aldridge’s and Devin’s primal rhythms—and yet none of it feels forced. They played a lengthy set of almost 2 hours.

After the show I felt I needed to do more and try to meet the band? The story wasn't finished yet? I had been talking with 2 gals that had back stage passes and I was hoping that somehow I could meet the band if I hung with them? Unfortunately that did not happen, so I had to do some quick thinking. What's a girl to do when she is trying to get a story to report? I really need my own investigating reporting passes so I can get the full story? But since I did not have one I needed a partner in crime, but where would I find one?

I headed back to my car feeling defeated and unsatisfied, I was contemplating what my next move would be as I drove the 5 flights out of the parking garage? Once I exited the garage I saw out of the corner of my eye, a little to my right, sitting there were Whitesnake's tour buses? A light went off. I drove past the buses a couple of times wondering what my next move would be? Then I saw it? One lone fan standing off to the side with a plan of his own.

I spotted an empty parking spot, so I pulled my car into it and got out, I proceeded to my destination. I had found my partner in crime, Derek was determined to meet his idols. I struck up a conversation with Derek as we stood there waiting for the members of Whitesnake to come out of the Casino to the tour bus. We really didn't have a plan we were just winging it. Then suddenly my new friend Derek took off across the parking lot like a bullet. I figured it had to be something good as fast as he was walking? So I followed close behind, and low and behold there was legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge, walking towards the bus. We intercepted him before he could board, but he was gracious enough to sign a couple autographs for us before security told us to leave. We left alright but we soon returned hoping to catch the other members of the band? Security wasn't having any of that? I thought we might end up in jail? The security personnel were relentless and followed our every move. My fun was spoiled again.

By this time I had ditched my partner in crime. I saw the tour bus pulling out of the parking lot so I hopped in my car and continued to follow them. I followed their bus until they tuned off the highway towards Seattle to their next show, I went by honking a waving as I drove in the other direction. I contemplated following them a little further but I didn't want to look like a stalker? But you got to do, what you got to do, to get the story, right? The night wasn't a total loss, however, I did get to meet the legendary drummer Tommy Aldridge and get an autograph. I would have snapped a quick picture of the meet but by this time my camera was dead and security was rushing us along.

I had never got to see Whitesnake live, so it was a must see concert and one to mark off my bucket list. If you did not go to this show you missed one incredible concert. The tickets were a little pricey but it was well worth the money. Click on the links below to view photos and all the video action.