Whitesnake has put out an intriguing bootleg titled “Washington State Wipeout,” featuring memorable performances from Spokane and Glasgow in 1984. Recently released in 2023 out of Europe, this two LP set comes in a visually appealing gatefold packaging that showcases the band. The translucent vinyl is quite a sight, adding to the nostalgia of this collector’s item. As someone constantly searching for vintage vinyl, coming across these modern bootlegs felt like a lucky find.
The first LP presents a riveting live show from July 24, 1984, recorded at the Spokane Coliseum. This concert followed the early release of their album “Slide It In,” showcasing the band’s lineup of David Coverdale, John Sykes, Richard Bailey, Neil Murray, and Cozy Powell. Unfortunately, the absence of Jon Lord is felt throughout, especially given his significant role in the band’s sound. The Spokane show was part of a support set for Dio, which meant a shorter performance, but it is captured with clarity thanks to the FM radio broadcast quality.
Tracks on the first LP kick off with “The Gambler,” straight from “Slide It In.” The set features a strong emphasis on their latest work, with four out of seven songs drawn from the album. Despite the instrumental mix leaning toward the vocals, David Coverdale’s commanding presence shines through as he delivers with precision. Highlights include a fiery rendition of “Guilty of Love,” where Sykes’ blistering solos capture the audience’s attention, and the sultry allure of “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” which showcases Coverdale’s vocal prowess perfectly.
The band takes a nostalgic trip back to their earlier days with “Walking In The Shadow of the Blues,” though the heavy rock rendition might not echo the bluesy feel that fans might expect. The energy is loud, fast-paced, and a bit rough around the edges, which, while different, yields an enjoyable listen. The second side features “Crying in the Rain,” a standout track from “Saints & Sinners,” along with a killer blending of Deep Purple’s “Soldier of Fortune.” The standout moment comes with “Slow and Easy,” where the band’s confident swagger shines bright, ending with “Ready And Willing,” a classic closer that feels only slightly less impactful without Lord’s signature keys.
Flipping over to LP 2, we dive into the Glasgow performance recorded on March 1, 1984, which interestingly features Jon Lord in the mix. Starting with “Love Ain’t No Stranger” again, it’s striking that some songs overlap with the Spokane show, but the sound quality is noticeably more vibrant owing to Lord’s contributions. The crowd’s energy at the Apollo Theater is palpable, indicating a deeper connection with the band’s earlier work compared to their American audience.
As we venture further, we are treated to “Here I Go Again,” albeit in its original form with the lyrics referring to “Hobo.” David introduces Sykes to an excited audience, making for an electrifying atmosphere. “Crying in the Rain” makes another appearance, and again, the guitar is prominent, highlighting Sykes’ skills. The final track “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” captures the blues essence of early Whitesnake, rallying crowd participation—an experience every rock fan would cherish. Finally, the set wraps up with “Fool For Your Loving,” embracing a faster tempo which gives it an updated feel, even if the sound quality dips slightly.
Overall, “Washington State Wipeout” proves to be an excellent addition to any Whitesnake fan’s collection. With a full show on the first LP and highlights from the Glasgow show on the second, the only downside is the overlap in songs. The sound quality is commendable for a bootleg, delivering an authentic look into a pivotal time for Whitesnake as they showcased their evolving sound. My final takeaway? This bootleg is more than just a collection of live performances; it’s a snapshot of a band at a fascinating crossroads in their musical journey. My rating is a solid 4.0 out of 5, underscoring the quality pressing and thoughtful packaging of these classic performances.
