Whitesnake has released a fascinating bootleg titled “Washington State Wipeout,” featuring broadcasts from live performances in Spokane, Washington, and Glasgow, Scotland in 1984. This collection, part of The David Coverdale Series, showcases the band during a pivotal point in their career as they were promoting their album “Slide It In,” which had been released earlier that same year.
The album is a two-LP set, presented in a striking gatefold cover that includes images of the band. The clear vinyl records are eye-catching, adding to the overall appeal of this vintage find. Both shows included in the bootleg were captured through FM radio broadcasts, which gives them an impressive sound quality that enhances the live experience.
LP 1 features the Spokane concert from July 24, 1984. This show has a lineup that includes the powerhouse vocalist David Coverdale, guitarist John Sykes, drummer Cozy Powell, and bassist Neil Murray, with Richard Bailey on keyboards. Although Jon Lord was absent from this arrangement, the performance is still celebrated for its energetic vibe. Whitesnake opened for Dio that night, resulting in a shorter setlist, yet it captures some of the essence of the era. The set kicks off with “The Gambler,” a song from the current album, establishing a high-energy atmosphere right from the start.
The Spokane performance thrives on its rawness, with Coverdale’s vocals shining through beautifully and the instrumentation blending well, albeit slightly lower in the mix. There is a palpable excitement, especially evident in the fan-favorite tracks such as “Guilty of Love” and “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” which feature blistering solos by Sykes.
On the flip side, LP 2 takes us to the Apollo Theater in Glasgow on March 1, 1984. Here, the band headlined with support from Great White, and this set leans towards the classic songbook of Whitesnake. Surprisingly, several tracks from the Spokane show appear again, but the Glasgow show boasts a distinctly different sound—thanks in part to Jon Lord’s keyboard contributions—adding a richness that was somewhat missing in Spokane.
Glasgow fans were treated to additional favorites like “Here I Go Again,” albeit in its earlier form, and a stirring rendition of “Crying in the Rain.” The evening culminates with “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City,” an iconic blues ballad that showcases the band’s roots, stirring nostalgia and crowd participation alike.
This bootleg, while offering some repeats between the two sets, serves as a valuable glimpse into the live performance dynamics of Whitesnake during the mid-’80s, just before they exploded into superstardom. With a score of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars, “Washington State Wipeout” is more than just a collection of live tracks; it is a celebration of a significant moment in rock history, beautifully etched onto clear vinyl with thoughtful packaging, making it a must-have for both collectors and Whitesnake fans alike.
