Whitesnake – Washington State Wipeout: Spokane and Glasgow Broadcasts 1984 – Bootleg Review
Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating find during my continued exploration of vintage vinyl shops. Among the treasures, I discovered a couple of Whitesnake bootlegs. Surprisingly, they were not relics of the past but fresh releases from 2023 originating in Europe. The collection, titled Washington State Wipeout, features performances from two distinct shows and comes packaged as a striking 2 LP set in a gatefold cover adorned with an eye-catching image of the band.
What immediately grabs attention is the aesthetic of the vinyl itself. Crafted in a beautiful, clear color, these records are a visual treat, and as soon as I got my hands on them, I couldn’t resist giving them a spin. The first record captures the Spokane, Washington concert from July 24, 1984, following the band’s release of the 1984 album Slide It In earlier that year. This performance at the Spokane Coliseum showcased an impressive lineup, including David Coverdale and John Sykes, sustained by Richard Bailey, Neil Murray, and Cozy Powell. Although one might miss the legendary Jon Lord, the overall ensemble was stellar. Notably, the band opened for Dio, which meant fans received a relatively short setlist, all accurately preserved on LP 1. This live recording was sourced from an FM radio broadcast, ensuring high-quality audio.
Turning to LP 2, we encounter the Glasgow show, recorded on March 1, 1984. Also captured through an FM radio broadcast, this performance took place at the Apollo Theater, where Whitesnake headlined the event with Great White as the opener. Although this disc only includes five tracks from the full set of sixteen songs, it still showcases a terrific array of live music. If listeners desire the entire concert experience, the Slide It In Super Deluxe Edition released by Whitesnake offers a complete official show.
The Spokane performance kicks off with “The Gambler” from Slide It In, presenting an exhilarating start to the evening. Impressively, four of the seven songs include tracks from the newly released album, a smart move considering the American audience’s familiarity at the time. The FM broadcast quality is superb; Coverdale’s vocals stand out, crystal clear, hitting every note effortlessly. Instrumentally, while the sound mix favors Coverdale’s voice over the instruments, the musicality remains discernible. We hear a brief, enjoyable keyboard solo, albeit underscoring the absence of Jon Lord, whose presence many fans fondly recall. The drums thump energetically, and the bass provides a solid undercurrent, making for a lively opening.
Amidst his signature banter, Coverdale frequently remarks, “Here’s a song for ya!” before diving into “Guilty of Love.” This track exudes high energy, featuring Sykes’ blistering guitar solo as a standout moment. Moving through their repertoire, the band performs the sultry “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” with atmospheric keyboards and powerful vocals that elevate the performance. Next, they travel back to Lovehunter with “Walking In The Shadow of the Blues.” This rendition, however, presents a faster pace and less bluesy feel, diverging from earlier performances.
As LP 1 progresses, we encounter “Crying in the Rain,” here from Saints & Sinners, highlighting Sykes’ intricate guitar work and a seamless blend with the band’s backing. Moreover, the incorporation of Deep Purple’s “Soldier of Fortune” adds a memorable touch to this track. Perhaps the brightest moment on this LP is “Slow And Easy,” the standout power of the guitar and Coverdale’s swagger combining to create a classic Whitesnake vibe. Closing this section, the title track “Ready and Willing” not only highlights the band’s prowess but also points to the significance of retaining a classic song in their setlist.
Flipping to LP 2, audiences are welcomed into the Glasgow show, which begins with the repetition of “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” reflecting a conscious choice by the band. Remarkably different from the Spokane show, the Glasgow performance breathes life thanks to Jon Lord’s keyboards. The mix feels intricately raw, lending an edge to the sound. The audience in Glasgow wholeheartedly embraces the music, singing along with “Here I Go Again,” providing an electrifying atmosphere.
The variety continues with a familiar return to “Crying in the Rain,” showcasing a rich blend of atmospheric guitar tones and keyboard work, which culminates in a guitar showcase by Mr. Sykes. Notably, the Glasgow show closes with “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City,” a slow bluesy classic that encourages crowd interaction in a memorable way.
As the final track “Fool For Your Loving” kicks off, listeners are met with a noticeable dip in audio clarity, which is puzzling given the overall excellent sound quality of the concert. Despite this blemish, the performance remains engaging, with David’s iconic line “Here’s a song for you!” serving as a fitting reminder of the band’s commitment to connecting with their fans.
Overall, this collection presents a fantastic experience—a mix of two performances that capture Whitesnake in their prime. Despite some repetition in the tracklist, both shows offer high-quality sound, underscored by strong performances and Coverdale’s impressive vocals. This modern-day bootleg is a worthy addition to any rock aficionado’s collection, boasting a solid score of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. The packaging and unique colored vinyl only add to its appeal, making it an excellent representation of classic Whitesnake live shows.
