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If you thought David Coverdale and his band Whitesnake are '80s 'hair metal' leftovers cast aside into the barren wastelands of unwanted rock bands, then think again. Coverdale may still have his floppy hair but Whitesnake (with Reb Beach, Tommy Aldridge, Timothy Dury, Doug Aldrich and Marco Mendoza) are, and for the most part always have been, a blues based rock band.
It's those cheesy videos and the massive power ballad Is This Love? that defined the band's very kitsch '80s image. Some still complain that Whitesnake are not as bluesy as they were at the beginning of their career, but this DVD proves otherwise.
Although it's not the original line-up the band sound heavier, which shows that Whitesnake in the 21st century are a different proposition. Coverdale can still sing, yet in parts you can here the strain that some songs have on his vocal chords, but the band sound much younger.
Recorded at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo in October 2004 this DVD is expertly shot by Hamish Hamilton and is extremely professional. The show begins with Burn, the Deep Purple classic (Coverdale being the best singer Deep Purple had and Burn being one of their better albums.)
Songs like Love Ain't No Stranger and Give Me All Your Love Tonight are classic melodic rock arena anthems. Watching the audience smile with glee during Fool For Your Loving is a delight and hearing the packed Apollo sing along to Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City is absolutely joyful.
I'm not sure if I have ever watched a rock DVD that is as entertaining as this one. It is fantastically good fun. With 5.1 surround sound, and every inch on the stage and crowd being covered by 12 cameras it feels like you are actually there. The bonus CD contains 10 songs that showcase the highlights of the set, and is only part of a limited edition package.
Coverdale looks like the most well manicured rock star alive (hell, he looks just as pretty as Gwen Stefani) but his voice still retains some unmistakable melodic rock tones and like any good rock star, he likes to show off. There is a good documentary and a photo gallery but nothing else as far as extras are concerned. Lake of extras aside, what a return to form!
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