Hitting the road in 2020 and rolling into Melbourne town for their ‘Flesh and Blood’ world tour is the exceptional Whitesnake. 

On this wet summers evening, the eager crowd mill into Rod Laver Arena, in anticipation of a wonderful night of rock from one of the best in the business.

Formed in England in 1978 Whitesnake, fronted by the enigmatic David Coverdale and with 13 albums under their belt, delivered a 15 song set covering 6 albums from their extensive back catalogue.

Coverdale was in fine voice, enthusiastic to connect with the large crowd and didn’t lack any of the passion that he is known for live. Ably supported by the double guitar onslaught of Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra is such a treat. Distributing the rhythm and lead guitar duties equally, the receptive punters were treated to a rare guitar duel version by Beach and Hoekstra of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ which was greeted with flamboyant appreciation.

Tommy Aldridge’s drum solo left the crowd speechless and filled with awe as he threw his sticks away, half way through, completing the remainder of the solo with his bare hands.

Covering the big hits – ‘Is This Love’ and ‘Here I Go Again’ from their 1987 self-titled album, moved through a Bobby Blue Bland cover ‘Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City’ and finishing off their performance with ‘Still Of The Night’, gave one and all a wonderful tour of the Whitesnake back catalogue.

Overall an incredible night of rock hits by this legendary band , leaving all of whom were in earshot the definite winners.

Hopefully it won’t be long before we see Whitesnake back in our fine town real soon.

Behind the lens: Lucas Packett