Stage Buzz: Whitesnake @ Vasa Park & Star Plaza Theater
Whitesnake 2015
David Coverdale‘s Whitesnake (with Orland Park native Joel Hoekstra on guitar) is currently touring in support of The Purple Album, a tribute to Coverdale’s days in Deep Purple. IE’s Tim Shockley reviewed the band’s new album, which is a good barometer for their upcoming shows in S. Elgin and Merrillville this weekend.
Whitesnake
The Purple Album
(Frontiers)
We first caught David Coverdale when he fronted Deep Purple on the Burn tour in 1974. 40 years later, The Purple Album brings everything full circle. Opener “Burn” has Coverdale and crew replicate the DP hard rock classic. Coverdale is in fine form, as expected. Our main curiosity was how the rest of Whitesnake would fare with guitarists Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra, who both had the unenviable task of interpreting some of Ritchie Blackmore’s and the late Tommy Bolin’s most famous solos. We shouldn’t have worried. Likewise, if there’s one drummer who’s up to the task of filling the shoes of vastly underrated drummer, Ian Paice, it’s seasoned veteran, Tommy Aldridge. I’ve lost count how many bands in which I’ve seen him play! One thing often overlooked during that Purple period is the high register vocals of bassist Glenn Hughes. I’m happy to report Beach, Hoekstra, and bassist Michael Devin combine admirably to fill that void. Standout tracks include “You Fool No One,” “Mistreated,” “Lady Double Dealer,” “Lay Down, Stay Down,” and “Stormbringer.” The Purple Album is a fine tribute to a truly historic era. Now bring on the tour. 9/10
Appearing 7/17 Vasa Park, South Elgin.
7/18 Star Plaza, Merrilville, IN.
Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly
