Whitesnake has recently unveiled “Washington State Wipeout,” a compelling bootleg release spotlighting performances from Spokane and Glasgow in 1984. This unique 2 LP set boasts an elegant gatefold design and features striking clear vinyl that captivates the eye. After an exciting find during my vinyl hunting adventures, I couldn’t resist opening this pristine package to experience the music firsthand.
The first LP transports listeners to July 24, 1984, at the Spokane Coliseum, where Whitesnake shared the stage with Dio. The line-up included key members like David Coverdale, John Sykes, and Cozy Powell. Although Jon Lord wasn’t part of this performance, the set showcases a stellar collection of tracks, primarily from their then-recent album “Slide It In,” which had been released earlier that year. The high-energy recording, captured during an FM radio broadcast, presents David Coverdale’s vocals in exceptional form, making for a delightful listening experience despite the background instruments being a bit less pronounced.
Kicking off the Spokane set is “The Gambler,” followed by the dynamic “Guilty of Love,” which features Sykes executing a blistering guitar solo. Next, the sultry and mesmerizing “Love Ain’t No Stranger” takes center stage, perfectly complemented by intense keyboards and Coverdale’s stellar vocal delivery. The show takes us back in time with “Walking In The Shadow of the Blues,” which, while still rocking hard, is musically different from what fans might recall from earlier renditions.
Moving to Side B, “Crying in the Rain” departs from the 1987 album sound, coming from “Saints & Sinners,” enhanced by atmospheric guitar work. With Sykes’ influence, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia while incorporating elements of the Deep Purple classic “Soldier of Fortune.” My personal favorite from this era, “Slow and Easy,” delivers powerful grooves and swagger, showcasing the band’s confidence and mastery. The set wraps up with “Ready And Willing,” a classic track that, while solid, left me wishing for a more explosive ending to the performance.
Flipping over to the second LP, we find the Glasgow show recorded on March 1, 1984, where the ensemble features Jon Lord. This half of the set opens with a repeat of “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” quickly showcasing the show’s lively atmosphere with a crowd that’s well-versed in Whitesnake tunes. Immediately, the difference in sound quality becomes apparent, with more vibrant keyboard work and a raw, gritty edge adding to the listening experience.
From “Saints & Sinners,” the show includes a version of “Here I Go Again,” which may surprise fans with its original lyrics, further highlighting the evolution of the band’s musical journey. The guitar interludes thrive, showcasing Sykes’ prowess, especially on “Crying in the Rain,” which provides even more atmospheric elements than its Spokane counterpart. The recorded crowd participation shines through on the classic “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City,” providing a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans. The final track, “Fool For Your Loving,” brings a unique twist, played in a tempo that veers closer to the style that would emerge with future releases.
Overall, this bootleg offers an exciting glimpse into the performances that defined an era for Whitesnake. While there are some repeated tracks between the two shows, the energy and sound quality remain impressive, considering the source as a radio broadcast. Coverdale’s stellar vocals, combined with Sykes’ dynamic guitar work and the live atmosphere, make this a must-have for any fan of classic rock. My final verdict for this excellent addition to The David Coverdale Series? A solid 4.0 out of 5 stars. This modern-day bootleg not only captures classic moments from Whitesnake but also does so with flair and aesthetic appeal.
