Editing Whitesnake (section)

== History ==
=== Formation, ''Snakebite'' and ''Trouble'' (1976–1978) ===
In March 1976, singer [[David Coverdale]] left the English hard rock group [[Deep Purple]]. He had joined the band three years prior and recorded three successful albums with them. After leaving Deep Purple, Coverdale released his solo album ''[[White Snake (album)|White Snake]]'' in February 1977.{{refn|group=nb|''[[White Snake (album)|White Snake]]'' was initially released by [[Polydor Records]] on 22 February 1977, followed by a re-release in May through [[Purple Records]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/david-coverdale-solo-albums-white-snake-northwinds | title= “I have to prove that I’m capable of doing it, and I wasn’t just being done a favour by Deep Purple”: the two forgotten David Coverdale solo albums that sowed the seeds for Whitesnake |first=Neil |last=Jeffries |website=Louder | date=5 May 2024 | access-date=27 October 2024 }}</ref>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=17}}}} His second solo album ''[[Northwinds]]'' was released in March 1978.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=22}} Both combined elements of blues, soul and funk, as Coverdale had wanted to distance himself from the hard rock sound synonymous with Deep Purple.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=14, 16, 19}} Both records featured former [[Snafu (band)|Snafu]] guitarist [[Micky Moody]], whom Coverdale had known since the late 1960s.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=15}} Moody was the first to join Coverdale's backing band, which he began assembling in London.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=23{{ndash}}24}}<ref name="Early1">{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/early-years-part-1/ | title= Early Years Part 1 | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=4 January 2016 | access-date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> As stated by Coverdale, "Whitesnake were actually formed to promote ''Northwinds'' on a one-off promotional tour".<ref name="Vain"/> Moody suggested bringing in a second guitarist, with the spot ultimately going to [[Bernie Marsden]], formerly of [[UFO]] and [[Paice Ashton Lord]].<ref name="Early1"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=24}} With his help, the band were able to recruit bassist [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]], who had played with Marsden in [[Cozy Powell]]'s Hammer.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=26}} The group's initial line-up was rounded out by drummer [[Dave Dowle|Dave "Duck" Dowle]] and keyboardist Brian Johnson, who had played together in [[Streetwalkers]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=27}} Other early candidates for the band were drummers Cozy Powell and [[Dave Holland (drummer)|Dave Holland]], as well as guitarist [[Mel Galley]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=27{{ndash}}28}}

[[File:Whitesnake First Tour Poster.jpg|thumb|left|upright|A newspaper advert for Whitesnake's first UK tour, promoting [[David Coverdale]]'s second solo album ''[[Northwinds]]'' (1978)]]
The band, dubbed David Coverdale's Whitesnake, played their first show at [[University of Lincoln|Lincoln Technical College]] on 3 March 1978.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/first-show-march-3-1978/ | title=40 Years Ago Today – Whitesnake's First Show |website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=3 March 2018 | access-date=21 February 2021 }}</ref><ref name="UCR">{{Cite web| url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/whitesnake-first-concert/ | title=When Whitesnake Played Their First Concert |website=Ultimate Classic Rock | date=3 March 2016 | access-date=21 February 2021 }}</ref> Their live debut had originally been scheduled for 23 February at the Sky Bird Club in Nottingham, but the show was cancelled.<ref name="UCR"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=29}} Coverdale had originally wanted the group to be simply called Whitesnake, but was forced to use his own name as it still carried some clout as the former lead singer of Deep Purple.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=14}}<ref name="Trouble">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Trouble |title-link=Trouble (Whitesnake album) |others=Whitesnake |date=2006 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=2{{ndash}}11 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=0946 3 59688 2 8}}</ref><ref name="Mars">{{cite magazine |last=Oliver |first=Derek |date=March 2011 |title=Life on Mars |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] presents: Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |pages=72{{ndash}}77 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref> In a 2009 interview with [[Metro (British newspaper)|''Metro'']], Coverdale jokingly stated that the name "Whitesnake" was a euphemism for his penis. In fact, it came from the song of the same name found on his first solo album.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-mainman-talks-about-origin-of-name-slide-it-in-tales-and-other-rock-n-roll-moments | title=Whitesnake Mainman Talks About Origin Of Name, Slide It In Tales And Other Rock N' Roll Moments |website=Brave Words | date=9 June 2009 | access-date=30 July 2021 }}</ref>

After completing a small UK club tour, the band adjourned to a rehearsal place in London's West End to begin writing new songs.<ref name="Early1"/> They soon caught the attention of [[EMI International]]'s Robbie Dennis, who wanted to sign the group. According to Bernie Marsden, however, his higher-ups were not ready to commit to a full album. Thus, the band entered London's Central Recorders Studio in April 1978 to record an EP.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=29{{ndash}}30}} By this point, original keyboardist Brian Johnston had been replaced by Pete Solley.<ref name="Trouble"/> [[Martin Birch]], who had worked with Coverdale during his time in Deep Purple, was chosen to produce.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=29}}

{{Listen
|filename = Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City.ogg
|title = "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" (1978)
|description = Since its release, "[[Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City]]" has become a live staple at Whitsnake concerts with Coverdale referring to it as "the national anthem of the Whitesnake choir".<ref name="Ain't No Love"/>
|pos=right
}}
The resulting record, ''[[Snakebite (album)|Snakebite]]'', was released in June 1978.<ref name="Trouble"/> In Europe, the EP was combined with four tracks from Coverdale's ''Northwinds'' to make up a full-length album.<ref name="Trouble"/> ''Snakebite'' contained a slowed down cover of [[Bobby Bland]]'s "[[Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City]]", which had originally been used by the band to audition bass players. While the song was only included because the group were short on songs, the track would later become a popular live staple at Whitesnake concerts, with Coverdale calling it "the national anthem of the Whitesnake choir", referring to the band's audience.<ref name="Ain't No Love">{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZS6kT7_eM4 | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/uZS6kT7_eM4| archive-date=2021-10-30| title=Whitesnake – Track By Track – Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City | publisher=Whitesnake TV | via=YouTube | date= 19 December 2017 | access-date =20 February 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref name="Vain">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-the-coverdale-i-recall-was-a-vain-preposterous-oaf | title= Whitesnake: "The Coverdale I recall was a vain, preposterous oaf" |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |website=Louder | date=1 October 2019 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> When ''Snakebite'' reached number 61 on the UK Singles Chart,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19780618/7501/ | title = Official Singles Chart Top 75: 18 June 1978 – 24 June 1978 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> the band were duly signed to EMI proper.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=30}}

On 5 July 1978, introduced as Whitesnake, they performed at the [[Paris Theatre]] for [[BBC Radio 1]]'s ''In Concert'' programme alongside [[The Only Ones]].<ref name=BBCRADIO1978>{{cite web |title=BBC Radio 2 - Radio 2 In Concert, The Only Ones / Whitesnake (1978) |publisher=[[BBC]] |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0028b1c |date=1978 |access-date=8 March 2025}}</ref> They then entered Central Recorders in London to begin work on their first full-length studio album with Martin Birch once again producing. The recording and mixing only took ten days.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=35}} Towards the end of the sessions, Pete Solley's keyboard parts were completely replaced by Coverdale's former Deep Purple bandmate [[Jon Lord]], who agreed to join Whitesnake after much coaxing from Coverdale.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=36}}<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Deep Purple People |last=Peel |first=John (presenter) |author-link1=John Peel |date=8 July 1995 |series=[[Rock Family Trees]] |season=1 |number=3 |network=BBC 2}}</ref> [[Colin Towns]] and [[Tony Ashton]] had also been approached, having previously played with fellow Deep Purple offshoots the [[Ian Gillan Band]] and Paice Ashton Lord, respectively.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=35}}

Whitesnake's debut album ''[[Trouble (Whitesnake album)|Trouble]]'' was released in October 1978,<ref name="Trouble"/> and it reached number 50 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19781112/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 60: 12 November 1978 – 18 November 1978 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> In a retrospective review for AllMusic, Eduardo Rivadavia stated: "A few unexpected oddities throw the album off-balance here and there, [...] but all things considered, it is easy to understand why ''Trouble'' turned out to be the first step in a long, and very successful career."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/trouble-mw0000651353 |title=Whitesnake – Trouble review |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> The release of ''Trouble'' was followed by an 18-date UK tour, beginning on 26 October 1978.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=41}} The final show at the [[Hammersmith Apollo|Hammersmith Odeon]] in London was recorded and released in Japan as ''Live at Hammersmith''.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/when-whitesnake-met-the-hammersmith-choir | title=When Whitesnake met the Hammersmith Choir |first=Malcolm |last=Dome |author-link=Malcolm Dome |website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock | date=23 November 2014 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> According to Coverdale, this was done to appease Japanese promoters who allegedly refused to book Whitesnake without some kind of a live recording.<ref name="Live">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Live... in the Heart of the City |title-link=Live... in the Heart of the City |others=Whitesnake |date=2006 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=4{{ndash}}13 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=0946 3 81959 2 4}}</ref>

=== ''Lovehunter'' and ''Ready an' Willing'' (1979–1980) ===
Whitesnake embarked on their first continental European tour on 9 February 1979 in Germany.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=41}} In April, they began recording their second album at [[Clearwell Castle]] in [[Gloucestershire]], where Coverdale had previously worked with Deep Purple. Martin Birch returned to produce and the band employed the [[Rolling Stones Mobile Studio]] to record.<ref name="Lovehunter">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Lovehunter |title-link=Lovehunter |others=Whitesnake |date=2006 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=4{{ndash}}13 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=50999 2124042 3}}</ref> Bernie Marsden later described the resulting record as a "transition album", where the band really began to "blossom" and find their footing.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=57}} The album also included the live staple "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues", which Coverdale felt "really summed up my musical approach of the time".<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Early2">{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/early-years-part-2/ | title= Early Years Part 2 | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=4 January 2016 | access-date=11 February 2021 }}</ref><ref name="LouderLovehunter">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnakes-lovehunter-the-album-that-inflamed-the-music-press | title=Whitesnake's Lovehunter: the album that inflamed the music press |first=Dave |last=Ling |website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock | date=14 August 2019 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

Before the record's release, drummer Dave "Duck" Dowle was replaced by [[Ian Paice]], Coverdale and Lord's former Deep Purple bandmate.<ref name="Ready">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Ready an' Willing |title-link=Ready an' Willing |others=Whitesnake |date=2006 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=2{{ndash}}9 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=0946 359692 2 1}}</ref> There is some contention as to the nature of Dowle's departure. Coverdale has maintained that Dowle's lacking performance on the album and unwillingness to "take constructive criticism" led to his firing.<ref name="Ready"/><ref name="LouderLovehunter"/> Bernie Marsden, meanwhile, asserted that Dowle left because he didn't like being at Clearwell Castle and away from his family.<ref name="LouderLovehunter"/> The idea of Paice re-recording Dowle's drum parts was considered, but ultimately rejected by the band's management due to the alleged cost.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=55}} Paice's addition also spurred speculation from the British music press about Coverdale mounting a Deep Purple reunion, which he denied.<ref name="Ready"/> Coverdale later remarked how Paice joining the band felt like "truly the beginning of Whitesnake", where all the members were "performing at [their] absolute best" and "inspiring the best out of each other".<ref name="Early2"/>

''[[Lovehunter]]'', Whitesnake's second album, was released in October 1979,<ref name="LouderLovehunter"/> and it reached number 29 on the UK Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19791010/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 75: 10 October 1979 – 13 October 1979 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> ''[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]'' gave the record a positive review,<ref name="Lovehunter"/> while AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia was more mixed, commending many of the songs, but criticizing the band's studio performance as "strangely tame".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/lovehunter-mw0000193567 |title=Whitesnake – Lovehunter review |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> The album's cover art, depicting a naked woman straddling a giant serpent, caused some controversy when the record was released. Whitesnake had already received criticism from the British music press for their alleged sexist lyrics. The cover art for ''Lovehunter'', done by artist [[Chris Achilleos]], was reportedly commissioned to "just piss [the critics] off even more".<ref name="Lovehunter"/><ref name="Early2"/> In North America, a sticker was placed on the cover to hide the woman's buttocks, while in Argentina the cover art was modified so that the woman wore a chain-mail bikini.<ref name="LouderLovehunter"/> Nevertheless, Whitesnake began a supporting tour for ''Lovehunter'' on 11 October 1979 in the UK, followed by dates in Europe.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=58}}

[[File:Whitesnake-1980.jpg|thumb|Whitesnake performing at the 1980 [[Reading and Leeds Festivals|Reading Rock Festival]]]]
After completing the supporting tour for ''Lovehunter'', Whitesnake promptly started work on their third album at [[Ridge Farm Studios]], with Martin Birch once again producing.<ref name="Ready"/> The resulting record, ''[[Ready an' Willing]]'', was released on 31 May 1980,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://whitesnake.com/ready-willing-album-anniversary/ | title = Ready An' Willing Album Anniversary! | website = Whitesnake Official Site | date = 31 May 2017 | access-date = 20 February 2021 }}</ref> and it reached number six on the UK Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19800608/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 75: 08 June 1980 – 14 June 1980 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> It also became the band's first album to chart in the US, where it reached number 90 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1980-09-20 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of September 20, 1980 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=21 February 2021 }}</ref> Its success was helped by the lead single "[[Fool for Your Loving]]", which reached number 13 and number 53 in the UK and the US, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19800518/7501/ | title =  Official Singles Chart Top 75: 18 May 1980 – 24 May 1980 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1980-09-13 |title=The Hot 100 – The Week of September 13, 1980 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> [[Geoff Barton]], writing for ''Sounds'', gave ''Ready an' Willing'' a positive review, awarding it four stars out of five.<ref name="Ready"/> Eduardo Rivadavia of AllMusic commended the band's growing consistency, but still described the production as "flat".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ready-an-willing-mw0000453875 |title=Whitesnake – Ready an' Willing review |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden later named ''Ready an' Willing'' their favourite Whitesnake album.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=72}} In the UK, the record was certified [[Music recording certification|gold]] by the [[British Phonographic Industry]] for sales of over 100,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/5380-540-2 | title = Whitenake – Ready And Willing | access-date = 9 February 2021 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref> 

In support of ''Ready an' Willing'', Whitesnake toured the US for the first time supporting [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]]. Later that year, they supported [[AC/DC]] in Europe.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=73}} With the benefit of a hit single, Whitesnake's audience in the UK began to grow.<ref name="Early2"/> Thus, the band recorded and released the double live album ''[[Live... in the Heart of the City]]''. The record combined new material recorded in June 1980 at the Hammersmith Odeon with the previously released ''Live at Hammersmith'' album.<ref name="Live"/> ''Live... in the Heart of the City'' proved to be an even bigger success than ''Ready an' Willing'', reaching number five in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19801102/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 75: 02 November 1980 – 08 November 1980 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> It would later go [[Music recording certification|platinum]], with sales of over 300,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/3922-540-2 | title = Whitenake – Live In The Heart Of The City | access-date = 9 February 2021 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref> In North America, the album was released as a single record version, excluding the live material from 1978.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=75}}

=== ''Come an' Get It'' and ''Saints & Sinners'' (1981–1982) ===
In early 1981, Whitesnake began recording their fourth studio album with producer Martin Birch at [[Ringo Starr]]'s [[Startling Studios]] in Ascot, Berkshire. After the success of ''Ready an' Willing'' and ''Live... in the Heart of the City'', Whitesnake were riding high with the atmosphere in the studio being described by Coverdale as "great" and "positive". The resulting record, ''[[Come an' Get It]]'', was released on 6 April 1981.<ref name="Come">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Come an' Get It |title-link=Come an' Get It |others=Whitesnake |date=2007 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=4{{ndash}}11 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=0946 3 81958 2 5}}</ref> Charting in seven countries, it gave the group their highest ever UK chart position at number two.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19810412/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 75: 12 April 1981 – 18 April 1981 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> That same year, the album was certified gold.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/1456-540-2 | title = Whitenake – Come And Get It | access-date = 9 February 2021 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref> The single "[[Don't Break My Heart Again]]" also charted at number seventeen in the UK.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19810503/7501/ | title = Official Singles Chart Top 75: 03 May 1981 – 09 May 1981 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =20 February 2021 }}</ref> ''[[Circus (magazine)|Circus]]'' magazine gave the album a positive review, which proclaimed: "[Whitesnake] has made its claim to rock history with ''Come an' Get It'', which even stands ahead of classic hard rock in the [[Free (band)|Free]] mold."<ref>{{cite magazine |date=31 August 1981 |title=Iron Maiden – Killers (Harvest) & Whitesnake – Come an' Get It (Mirage) |magazine=[[Circus (magazine)|Circus]] |publisher=Circus Enterprises Corporation |location=New York City, New York, United States}}</ref> Coverdale later named the record his favorite album of the band's early years, stating: "Even though we had some great songs on each album, I don't feel that we came as close as we did on [''Come an' Get It''], as far as consistency is concerned."<ref name="Come"/>

[[File:Marsden & Moody.jpg|thumb|[[Bernie Marsden]] (left) and [[Micky Moody]] (right) performing with Whitesnake at the [[Hammersmith Apollo|Hammersmith Odeon]], 1981]]
Whitesnake kicked off the supporting tour for ''Come an' Get It'' on 14 April 1981 in Germany.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=86}} During the tour, the band performed five nights at the Hammersmith Odeon and eight dates in Japan.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=86}}<ref>{{cite magazine |date=September 1981 |title= Year of the Snake |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=3 |pages=10{{ndash}}11 |first=Robbi |last=Millar | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> They also played the US in July, supporting [[Judas Priest]] with [[Iron Maiden]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=86}} At the 1981 [[Monsters of Rock]] festival at Castle Donington, Whitesnake were direct support for headliners AC/DC.<ref name="Come"/> The supporting tour for ''Come an' Get It'' lasted approximately five months.<ref name="Saints">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Saints & Sinners |title-link=Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album) |others=Whitesnake |date=2007 |first=Geoff |last=Barton |author-link=Geoff Barton |pages=4{{ndash}}11 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=0946 381961 2 9}}</ref>

In late 1981, Coverdale retreated to a small villa in southern Portugal to begin writing the band's next album. After returning to England, he and the rest of Whitesnake gathered at Nomis Studios in London to begin rehearsals. However, as Coverdale would later explain: "There wasn't that 'spark' that was usually in attendance. It felt more of an effort to be there."<ref name="Saints"/> Micky Moody later stated that by the end of 1981, the band had become tired, partially from "too many late nights, too much partying".<ref name="Last Hurrah">{{cite magazine |last=Myhre |first=Stig |year=1997 |title= Whitesnake: The Last Hurrah |url=http://www.whitesnake.f9.co.uk/Moody.html |magazine=Hard Roxx |issue=34 | location=London, England |access-date= 10 February 2021}}</ref> In an effort to lift their collective spirits, Whitesnake returned to [[Clearwell Castle]] in Gloucestershire, where they had recorded ''Lovehunter''. Though morale still remained low, the band were able to record the basic tracks for their next album. Guy Bidmead replaced producer Martin Birch, who was reportedly too ill to work at the time (Birch did eventually return when recording moved to [[Britannia Row Studios|Britannia Row]].<ref name="Saints"/>). This exacerbated the band's ever worsening mental state.<ref name="Charmer">{{cite magazine |date=2{{ndash}}15 December 1982 |title= Snake Charmer |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=30 |pages=22{{ndash}}27, 37 |first=Dante |last=Bonutto | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>

To make matters worse, the band were experiencing financial troubles with Moody recalling: "We weren't making nowhere near the kind of money we should have been making. Whitesnake always seemed to be in debt, and I thought 'What is this?, we're playing in some of the biggest places and we're still being told we're in debt, where is all the money going?'."<ref name="Last Hurrah"/> Eventually, Moody became fed up with the situation and left Whitesnake in December 1981.<ref name="Last Hurrah"/> The remaining band members blamed the group's management company Seabreeze, headed by Deep Purple's former manager [[John Coletta]], for their financial state.<ref name="Mars"/><ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Marsden">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/bernie-marsden-what-happened-the-day-i-left-whitesnake | title= Bernie Marsden: What happened the day I left Whitesnake |first=Bernie |last=Marsden |website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock | date=21 November 2019 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> According to Bernie Marsden, the band set up a meeting to fire Coletta, but Coverdale failed to show. Instead, Marsden, Neil Murray and Ian Paice were informed that Whitesnake had been put on hold and that they had been fired.<ref name="Marsden"/> Marsden later remarked that "David [Coverdale] decided he would be king of Whitesnake".<ref name="Vain"/>

According to Coverdale, his decision to put the band on hold stemmed from his daughter contracting bacterial meningitis.<ref name="Saints"/><ref name="Q&A">{{cite magazine |last=Chirazi |first=Steffan |date=25 March 2011 |title=The Growing Pains Of Whitesnake's David Coverdale |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-jimmy-page-and-i-walked-through-manhattan-and-stopped-traffic |website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock |access-date=15 February 2021}}</ref> This purportedly gave him the courage to cut ties with Coletta. Coverdale ended up buying himself out of his contracts, which reportedly cost him over a million dollars.<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Q&A"/> As for the firing of Marsden, Murray and Paice, Coverdale felt they lacked the needed enthusiasm to keep working in Whitesnake.<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Marsden"/> Coverdale stated that it was "a business decision, not personal".<ref name="Saints"/>

After waiting for his daughter to recuperate and severing ties with the band's management, record companies and publishers, Coverdale began putting Whitesnake back together. Micky Moody and Jon Lord agreed to return, while guitarist [[Mel Galley]], bassist [[Colin Hodgkinson]] and drummer [[Cozy Powell]] were brought in as new members.<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Saints"/> Coverdale completed the band's new record with Martin Birch in October 1982 at Battery Studios in London, with the majority of the album having already been recorded with Marsden, Murray, Paice, Moody and Lord before the hiatus.<ref name="Charmer"/> ''[[Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album)|Saints & Sinners]]'' was released on 15 November 1982.<ref name="Saints"/> It reached number nine in the UK and charted in eight additional countries.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19821121/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 21 November 1982 – 27 November 1982 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =10 February 2021 }}</ref> In the UK, the record was certified silver.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/5675-540-2 | title = Whitenake – Saints 'N' Sinners | access-date = 9 February 2021 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref> Chas de Whalley, writing for ''[[Kerrang!]]'', gave the album a lukewarm review. Save for two tracks ("[[Crying in the Rain (Whitesnake song)|Crying in the Rain]]" and "[[Here I Go Again]]"), he characterised the rest of the record as generally mediocre.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=2{{ndash}}15 December 1982 |title= Whitesnake – 'Saints And Sinners' (Liberty LBG 30354) |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=30 |pages=14 |first=Chas |last=de Whalley | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> Conversely, AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia, in a retrospective review, hailed ''Saints & Sinners'' as Whitesnake's "best album yet".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/saints-sinners-mw0000197526 |title=Whitesnake – Saints & Sinners review |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

By the time ''Saints & Sinners'' was released, Coverdale had signed a new recording contract with American label [[Geffen Records]], who would handle all future Whitesnake releases in North America. In Europe, the band remained with [[Liberty Records|Liberty]] (a subsidiary of EMI), while in Japan, they signed with [[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Sony]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=104}}<ref>{{cite magazine |date=4{{ndash}}17 November 1982 |title= Mayhem! – Over a gargantuan tumbler of cognac a more than, uh, merry David Coverdale revealed that he has just signed a deal with the legendary Geffen Records... |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=28 |pages=10 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> A&R executive [[John Kalodner]], who had been a long-time fan of Coverdale's, convinced [[David Geffen]] to sign the group.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=104}} Meeting Geffen and Kalodner had a major impact on Coverdale and his future vision for Whitesnake. He explained: "I'd been surrounded by a mentality if you make five pounds profit let's go to the pub. Whereas David Geffen said to me 'If you can make five dollars profit, why not 50? If 50, why not 500? Why not 50,000, why not five million?'" Coverdale soon set his sights on breaking through in North America with Kalodner advising him.<ref name="Q&A"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=105}} Meanwhile, Whitesnake began a supporting for ''Saints & Sinners'' on 10 December 1982 in the UK.<ref name="Charmer"/><ref>{{cite magazine |date=18 November {{ndash}} 2 December 1982 |title= Hatchet Job! |first=Luke |last=Crampton |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=29 |pages=34 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>

=== ''Slide It In'' (1983–1984) ===
[[File:Whitesnake1983.jpg|thumb|right|Whitesnake performing at the 1983 [[Monsters of Rock]] festival, which they headlined]]
Whitesnake toured across Europe and Japan in early 1983,<ref name="Charmer"/> before starting rehearsals for their next album at Jon Lord's house in Oxfordshire.<ref name="SlideItIn">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Slide It In |title-link=Slide It In |others=Whitesnake |date=2017 |first=Hugh |last=Gilmour |pages=4{{ndash}}11 |type=booklet |publisher=EMI |id=50999 698122 2 4}}</ref> At this time, Coverdale began steering Whitesnake's music more towards hard rock, which was emphasised by the additions of Mel Galley and Cozy Powell, whose past projects included [[Trapeze (band)|Trapeze]] and [[Rainbow (rock band)|Rainbow]], respectively.<ref name="Last Hurrah"/><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/early-years-part-3/ | title= Early Years Part 3 | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=1 January 2016 | access-date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> Majority of Whitesnake's next album was co-written by Coverdale and Galley, while Micky Moody contributed to only one song.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=106}} Whitesnake began recording their sixth album at [[Musicland Studios]] in Munich with producer [[Eddie Kramer]], who had come recommended by John Kalodner.<ref name="SlideItIn"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=109}}

In August 1983, Whitesnake headlined the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, England. The show was filmed and later released as the band's first long-form video, titled ''Whitesnake Commandos''. The band also premiered the new single "[[Guilty of Love (Whitesnake song)|Guilty of Love]]", which was released to coincide with the festival. The entire album had originally been slated for release three weeks prior to the Donington show, but failed to meet the deadline. The band were having problems adapting to Eddie Kramer's style of producing, particularly his method of mixing the record. Eventually things came to a head and Kramer was let go. Coverdale then rehired Martin Birch to complete the album.<ref name="SlideItIn"/> A new release date for the record was set for mid-November with a supporting tour scheduled to start in December.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=6{{ndash}}19 October 1983 |title= Mayhem! – Whitesnake head out on the road for another British tour during December... |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=52 |page=2 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>

As Whitesnake finished up a European tour in October 1983, Micky Moody left the group. He later attributed his departure to a growing dissatisfaction working in the band, particularly with Coverdale: "Me and David weren't friends and co-writers anymore. [...] David was a guy who five, six years earlier was my best friend. Now he acted as if I wasn't there."<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Last Hurrah"/> Moody also felt uncomfortable with the level of influence he felt John Kalodner was having on the band.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/guitarist-micky-moody-discusses-his-departure-from-whitesnake/ | title= Guitarist Micky Moody Discusses His Departure From Whitesnake | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=20 November 2009 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> As he explained: "I never wanted to be a great big star. [...] I found it difficult to be a rock star, I really did."<ref name="Vain"/> Colin Hodgkinson was also let go in late 1983, only to be replaced by his predecessor Neil Murray. Coverdale later explained the decision to rehire Murray by simply stating: "I'd missed his playing".<ref name="SlideItIn"/> Towards the end of 1983, Jon Lord also informed Coverdale of his intention to leave the band, but Coverdale convinced him to stay until the supporting tour for their next album was over.<ref>{{cite AV media | people=Justman, Paul (director) | year=1991 | title=Deep Purple – Heavy Metal Pioneers | medium=Documentary | publisher=Atlantic Recording Corporation}}</ref> With the line-up changes and troubled production of the album, both the record and its accompanying tour were delayed until early 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=26 January {{ndash}} 8 February 1984 |title= Band of Gypsies |last=Sinclair |first=David |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=60 |pages=26{{ndash}}27 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref>

{{Quote box
 |quote = "I thought [David Coverdale] was a star frontman, a star singer, I felt he had a mediocre band and just average songs. My job was to make them a commercial rock band for the United States."
 |source = —[[John Kalodner]] on his role working with Whitesnake.<ref>{{cite episode |first1=Sam |last1=Dunn |author-link1=Sam Dunn |first2=Scot |last2=McFadyen |author-link2=Scot McFadyen |title=Glam |date=17 December 2011 |series=[[Metal Evolution]] |network=[[VH1|VH1 Classic]]}}</ref>
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[[File:John Sykes 1984.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[John Sykes]] joined Whitesnake in 1984 after Coverdale was convinced the band needed a "guitar hero" to reach their full potential]]
According to Coverdale, John Kalodner had convinced him that in order for the band to achieve their full potential, they needed a "guitar hero" that could match Coverdale as a frontman.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=108}} Therefore, to replace Moody, Coverdale initially looked to [[Michael Schenker]] and [[Adrian Vandenberg]]. Schenker claims he turned down the offer to join Whitesnake, while Coverdale insists he decided to pass on Schenker.<ref name="Q&A"/><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/michael-schenker-says-he-tried-collaborating-with-david-coverdale-in-early-1980s-i-didnt-really-want-to-do-it/ | title= Michael Schenker Says He 'Tried' Collaborating With David Coverdale In Early 1980s: 'I Didn't Really Want To Do It' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=31 January 2020 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Vandenberg declined the offer to join as well, due to the success he was having with his [[Vandenberg (band)|own band]] at the time.<ref name="Q&A"/><ref name="TallCoolOne">{{cite magazine |last=Chirazi |first=Steffan |date=March 2011 |title=Tall Cool One |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] presents Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |pages=88{{ndash}}91 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref> Coverdale then approached [[Thin Lizzy]] guitarist [[John Sykes]], whom he had met when Whitesnake and Thin Lizzy played some of the same festivals in Europe.<ref name="MetalRules">{{Cite web|url=https://www.metal-rules.com/2008/09/07/john-sykes-thin-lizzy-ex-whitesnake-blue-murder-tygers-of-pan-tang/ |title= John Sykes – Thin Lizzy, ex-Whitesnake, Blue Murder, Tygers of Pan Tang |website=Metal-Rules.com | first=Marko |last=Syrjälä |date=7 September 2008|access-date=11 January 2021}}</ref> Sykes was initially reluctant to join, wanting instead to continue working with Thin Lizzy frontman [[Phil Lynott]], but after several more offers and Lynott's blessing he accepted.<ref name="Sykes Noble Interview">{{Cite web|url=http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|title=June 1999 Interview with Tony Nobles from Vintage Guitar magazine|date=27 March 2008|access-date=5 August 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327011356/http://www.johnsykes.com/nobleinterview.html|archive-date=27 March 2008|website=The Official Website of Guitarist John Sykes}}</ref> John Sykes and Neil Murray were officially confirmed as members of Whitesnake in January 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=12{{ndash}}25 January 1984 |title= New Skins for Old |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=59 |page=2 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |year= 1984 |title= Heavy London Special |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=1 |page=26 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref>

''[[Slide It In]]'', Whitesnake's sixth studio album, was released on 30 January 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=14 January 1984 |title= Slither Hither |magazine=[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]] |page=3 | publisher=Spotlight Publications | location=London, England}}</ref> On the UK Albums Chart, it reached number nine.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19840205/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 5 February 1984 – 11 February 1984 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =10 February 2021 }}</ref> The album's highest chart position was in Finland, where it reached number four.{{sfn|Pennanen|2006|p=263}} ''Slide It In'' received mixed reviews from critics, with the production being a common complaint.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=111}}<ref name="Slide Fanmag">{{cite magazine |last=Elliott |first=Paul |date=March 2011 |title=Slide It In (Liberty) |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] presents Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |page=117 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref> Dave Dickson, writing for ''[[Kerrang!]]'', called the record "the best thing Whitesnake have yet committed to vinyl",<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dickson |first=Dave |date=9{{ndash}}22 February 1984 |title= Whitesnake – 'Slide It In' (Liberty LBG 2400001) |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=61 |page=10 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> while ''[[Record Mirror]]''{{'}}s Jim Reid was highly critical of the lyrical content.<ref name="Sexcess">{{cite magazine |last=Reid |first=Jim |date=18 February 1984 |title= Snake Sexcess |magazine=[[Record Mirror]] | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> [[AllMusic]]'s Eduardo Rivadavia, in a retrospective review, called ''Slide It In'' "an even greater triumph" than the band's previous works,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/slide-it-in-mw0000192426 |title=Whitesnake – Slide It In review |last=Rivadavia |first=Eduardo |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> whereas [[Garry Bushell]] of ''[[Sounds (magazine)|Sounds]]'' gave the album a particularly scathing review, in which he likened Coverdale's voice to that of a "dying dog".<ref name="Vain"/><ref name="Slide Fanmag"/>

[[File:Whitesnake 1984 Promo 2.jpg|thumb|right|Whitesnake in 1984. Left to right: [[Mel Galley]], John Sykes, [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]], David Coverdale, [[Cozy Powell]], and [[Jon Lord]]]]
Whitesnake's new line-up made their live debut in [[Dublin]] on 17 February 1984.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=9{{ndash}}22 February 1984 |title= John Sykes |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=61 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> During a tour stop in Germany, Mel Galley broke his arm leaping on top of a parked car. He sustained nerve damage, leaving him unable to play guitar. As a result, Galley was forced to leave Whitesnake.<ref name="Slide Fanmag"/><ref>{{cite magazine |date= July{{ndash}}August 1984 |title= News |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=6 |page=4 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/mel-galley-guitarist-whitesnake-859965.html |title=Obituaries: Mel Galley – Guitarist with Whitesnake |first=Pierre |last=Perrone |website=Independent |date=23 October 2011 |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> By April 1984, a reunion of Deep Purple's Mark II line-up had become imminent, which led to Jon Lord also leaving. He played his final show with Whitesnake on 16 April 1984.<ref name="Slide Fanmag"/> That same day, Geffen Records released ''Slide It In'' in North America.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.udiscover-music.de/popkultur/zeitsprung-am-16-4-1984-erscheint-slide-it-in-von-whitesnake-zum-zweiten-mal |title= Zeitsprung: Am 16.4.1984 erscheint "Slide It In" von Whitesnake. |website=uDiscover |first1=Timon |last1=Menge |first2=Christof |last2=Leim |date=12 April 2019 |access-date=11 January 2021 |language=German}}</ref> Kalodner had been unimpressed by Martin Birch's work on the album and had demanded a complete remix for the American market. Though initially reluctant, Coverdale agreed after a trip to Geffen's offices in Los Angeles, where he came to the conclusion that Whitesnake's studio approach had become "dated" by American standards. [[Keith Olsen]] was brought on board to remix ''Slide It In'', while John Sykes and Neil Murray were tasked with re-recording Micky Moody and Colin Hodgkinson's parts, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/early-years-part-4/ | title= Early Years Part 4 | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=1 January 2016 | access-date=11 February 2021 }}</ref> The remixed version of ''Slide It In'' reached number 40 on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1984-08-25 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of August 25, 1984 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> By 1986, the album had sold over 500,000 copies in the US.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web |url = https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Whitesnake#search_section|title = RIAA Searchable Database: search for Whitesnake|publisher = Recording Industry Association of America|access-date = 3 February 2021}}</ref> Critical reception was also positive, with Pete Bishop of ''[[The Pittsburgh Press|The Pittsburg Press]]'' calling the album "muscular, melodic and musical all together".<ref>{{cite news |last=Bishop |first=Pete |date=26 August 1984 |title=Whitesnake's Experience Pays Off with New Album |magazine=[[The Pittsburgh Press|The Pittsburg Press]] |location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States}}</ref> 

With the band now left as a four-piece (with Richard Bailey providing keyboards off-stage),<ref name="Reload">{{cite magazine |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link=Mick Wall |date=March 2011 |title=Million Dollar Reload |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] presents Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |pages=80{{ndash}}85 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref> Whitesnake supported [[Dio (band)|Dio]] for several shows in the US, after which they toured Japan as a part of the [[Super Rock '84 in Japan|Super Rock '84]] festival.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLh0JRcip8I | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/PLh0JRcip8I| archive-date=2021-10-30|title=David Coverdale discussing the forthcoming 1984 Japanese Tour with Whitesnake. |publisher=Deep Purple Official |via=YouTube |access-date=10 February 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=Live in '84: Back to the Bone |others=Whitesnake |date=2014 |first=David |last=Coverdale |author-link=David Coverdale |page=4 |type=booklet |publisher=Frontiers Music SRL |id=FR CDVD 669}}</ref> Later that year, Whitesnake embarked on a six-week North American tour supporting [[Quiet Riot]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=154}} To further the band's reach in America, Whitesnake shot two music videos for the singles "[[Slow an' Easy]]" and "[[Love Ain't No Stranger]]", respectively.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=122}} Both songs reached the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Top Tracks]] chart in the US.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/1984-07-28 |title=Mainstream Rock Airplay – The Week of July 28, 1984 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/1984-09-15 |title=Mainstream Rock Airplay – The Week of September 15, 1984 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> In an effort to take America more seriously, Coverdale also relocated to the US.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Jon |last=Hotten| author-link=Jon Hotten | title=Year of the Snake |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] |date=June 2001 |page=29 |issue=28 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref>

=== ''1987'' (1985–1988) ===
The supporting tour for ''Slide It In'' came to an end in January 1985, when Whitesnake played two shows at the [[Rock in Rio]] festival in Brazil.<ref name="Whitesnake 1">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Whitesnake |title-link=Whitesnake (album) |others=Whitesnake |date=2017 |first=Hugh |last=Gilmour |pages=5{{ndash}}9 |type=booklet |publisher=Parlophone Records Ltd. |id=0190295785192}}</ref> After the tour ended, Cozy Powell parted ways with the band. According to Coverdale, his relationship with Powell had deteriorated increasingly over the course of the tour. After the final show, Coverdale flew to Los Angeles to inform Geffen Records he was letting the rest of the band go. Coverdale was persuaded to keep Sykes involved (as Geffen felt they formed a "strong image together"), while also changing his mind about Murray. Powell, however, was fired.<ref name="Whitesnake 2">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Whitesnake |title-link=Whitesnake (album) |others=Whitesnake |date=2007 |first=Hugh |last=Gilmour |pages=5{{ndash}}18 |type=booklet |publisher=Parlophone Records Ltd. |id=0825646120680}}</ref> According to Murray, Powell's departure was the result of financial disputes.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=125{{ndash}}126}} Coverdale would later state that Powell didn't feel like the offer he got for his involvement was "appropriate".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LD584DMdPZY | title= Whitesnake '87 Track by Track – Crying in the Rain | publisher=Whitesnake TV | via=YouTube | date= 20 November 2017 | access-date =2 August 2022 }}</ref>

{{Listen
|filename = Here I Go Again.ogg
|title = "Here I Go Again" (1987)
|description = A&R executive John Kalodner asked Coverdale to re-record "[[Here I Go Again]]" for the band's [[Whitesnake (album)|eponymous album]], believing the song had the potential to become a number one hit.<ref name="Vain"/> Ultimately, "Here I Go Again" would reach number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="Hot100">{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-10-10 |title=The Hot 100 – The Week of October 10, 1987 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref>
|pos=right
}}

Coverdale and Sykes retreated to the South of France in early 1985 to begin writing the band's next album. The sessions proved fruitful and they were joined by Murray, who helped with the arrangements.<ref name="Whitesnake 1"/> The new material saw Whitesnake moving further away from their bluesier roots in favour of a more American hard rock sound.<ref name="Story">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/whitesnake-the-story-behind-1987 | title=Whitesnake: The Story Behind 1987 | website=Louder | first=Dom | last=Lawson | date=29 July 2009 | access-date=5 July 2020 }}</ref>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=143}} John Kalodner also convinced Coverdale to re-record two songs from the ''Saints & Sinners'' album, "Here I Go Again" and "Crying in the Rain", which he thought had great potential with better production and arranging.{{refn|group=nb|In [[Martin Popoff]]'s book ''Sail Away: Whitesnake's Fantastic Voyage'' (2015), [[John Kalodner]] states that it was his idea to re-record both "[[Here I Go Again]]" and "[[Crying in the Rain (Whitesnake song)|Crying in the Rain]]".{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=138{{ndash}}139}} However, in 2017, Coverdale stated: "[[Geffen Records|Geffen]] asked me to redo [Here I Go Again], which I wasn't very keen on. But I said, 'if you want me to do that, I want to redo 'Crying in the Rain'{{'}}, 'cus I was never really happy with the original."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtnGL_GmTCI | title= Whitesnake '87 Track by Track – Here I Go Again 87 | publisher=Whitesnake TV | via=YouTube | date= 6 December 2017 | access-date =27 October 2024 }}</ref>}} With new material ready, the band then began searching for a new drummer. A reported sixty drummers auditioned for the group, with prolific session drummer [[Aynsley Dunbar]] eventually being chosen. Former [[Ozzy Osbourne]] drummer [[Tommy Aldridge]] was also offered the spot, but an equally satisfactory agreement  couldn't be reached.<ref name="Whitesnake 2"/> Drummer [[Carmine Appice]] claimed to have turned down the position due to commitments with his own band [[King Kobra]]. Appice would later join Sykes in [[Blue Murder (band)|Blue Murder]].{{sfn|Appice|Gittins|2016|p=186}}

The band began tracking their new record at [[Little Mountain Sound Studios]] in Vancouver with producer [[Mike Stone (record producer)|Mike Stone]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=128{{ndash}}129}} By early 1986, much of the album had been recorded.<ref name="Whitesnake 1"/> When it came time for Coverdale to record his vocals though, he noticed his voice was unusually nasal and off-pitch. After consulting several specialists, it was revealed that Coverdale had contracted a severe sinus infection. After receiving some antibiotics, Coverdale flew to [[Compass Point Studios]] in the Bahamas to resume recording. However, the infection resurfaced which caused Coverdale's septum to collapse. He required surgery, followed by a six-month rehabilitation period.<ref name="Whitesnake 2"/> Sykes has disputed this, claiming Coverdale was just suffering from nerves and that he used "every excuse possible" not to record his vocals.<ref name="RockCandy">{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=June{{ndash}}July 2017 |title= John Sykes – Strife in the Studio |magazine=Rock Candy |issue=2 |pages=36{{ndash}}39 |publisher=Rock Candy Magazine Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> After recovering from surgery, Coverdale, by his own account, did develop a "mental block" that prevented him from singing.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=135}} Following some failed sessions with [[Ron Nevison]], Coverdale was finally able to record his vocals with producer Keith Olsen.<ref name="Whitesnake 2"/> By late 1986, production on the record was mostly finished. Keyboards were provided by [[Don Airey]] and Bill Cuomo, while Adrian Vandenberg was brought in to do some guitar overdubs.<ref name="Whitesnake 1"/> Additional guitar parts were also provided by [[Dann Huff]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=131{{ndash}}132}}

By the time the album was finished, Coverdale was the sole remaining member of Whitesnake. "It was a band in disarray..." observed keyboardist [[Don Airey]]. "David was four million dollars in debt; didn't know if he was coming or going."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Dave|last=Everley|title=Purple reign – All the right notes (and in the right order)|magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]|date=June 2018|issue=249|page=50}}</ref> Coverdale has claimed that Sykes and Mike Stone were fired after they began conspiring against him by booking studio time and making decisions without his involvement.<ref name="Whitesnake 2"/> Stone allegedly suggested bringing in someone else to record Coverdale's vocals while he was recovering from surgery.<ref name="AllWhite">{{cite magazine |date=16{{ndash}}29 April 1987 |title= All White On the Night |first=Dante |last=Bonutto |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=144 |pages=21{{ndash}}23 | publisher=United Newspapers | location=London, England}}</ref> Sykes has denied this, instead claiming that he and other members were systematically fired as soon as they finished recording their parts.<ref name="RockCandy"/> Murray and Dunbar had stopped receiving their wages in April 1986, at which point Dunbar immediately left Whitesnake. Murray was still officially a member of the group until January 1987, when he heard Coverdale was putting together a new line-up.{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=137}}<ref name="Murray Rolling Stone">{{Cite web| url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/neil-murray-whitesnake-black-sabbath-bassist-1211886/ | title= Bassist Neil Murray on His Years with Black Sabbath, Whitesnake, and Brian May |last=Greene |first=Andy | publisher=[[Rolling Stone]] | date=1 September 2021 | access-date=15 September 2021 }}</ref>

[[File:David Coverdale.jpeg|thumb|upright|David Coverdale performing with Whitesnake in 1987, sporting a more contemporary [[glam metal]] inspired look]]
With the help of John Kalodner, Coverdale recruited Adrian Vandenberg and Tommy Aldridge, as well as guitarist [[Vivian Campbell]] (formerly of Dio) and bassist [[Rudy Sarzo]] (formerly of Quiet Riot) to the band.<ref name="Q&A"/><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://allthatshreds.com/vivian-campbell-fired-dio-dio-disciples-tribute-band/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804102454/https://allthatshreds.com/vivian-campbell-fired-dio-dio-disciples-tribute-band/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 August 2020 | title=Vivian Campbell: "I Was Fired From Dio And The Dio Disciples Are A Tribute Band!" | website=All That Shreds Magazine | first=Andrew | last=Catania | date=28 May 2017 | access-date=28 January 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Chirazi |first=Stefan |date=27 July – 5 August 1987 |title=Supergroup '87 |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |pages=52, 54{{ndash}}55 |issue=151 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> This new line-up would appear in all the promotional materials for the forthcoming album.<ref name="Campbell">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/viv-campbell-never-gelled-with-whitesnake | title=Viv Campbell 'never gelled' with Whitesnake | website=Louder | first=Stef | last=Lach | date=7 December 2015 | access-date=5 July 2020 }}</ref> Whitesnake also adopted a new image, akin to [[glam metal]] bands of the time, in order to appeal more to American audiences. When asked about the band's makeover, Coverdale responded: "I'm competing with people like [[Jon Bon Jovi]]. I've gotta look the part."<ref name="Louder">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/how-whitesnake-won-the-west | title=How Whitesnake conquered America | website=Louder | first=Malcolm | last=Dome |author-link=Malcolm Dome | date=6 July 2016 | access-date=5 July 2020 }}</ref>

''[[Whitesnake (album)|1987]]'' (titled ''Whitesnake'' in United States and ''Serpens Albus'' in Japan) was released on 16 March 1987 in North America<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gett |first1=Steve |title=Superstar Winds Blow In March Releases |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/80s/1987/Billboard-1987-03-07.pdf |via=worldradiohistory.com |publisher=[[Billboard (Magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=17 March 2025 |pages=6 |volume=99 |date=7 March 1987 |quote="Geffen has high hopes for a new album from Whitesnake, the group fronted by ex-Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale. Produced by Mike Stone and Keith Olsen, "Whitesnake" ships March 16."}}</ref> and 30 March in Europe.<ref name="Review87">{{cite magazine |last=Putterford |first=Mark |date=5{{ndash}}18 March 1987 |title=Whitesnake – 'Whitesnake' (Liberty pre-release tape) |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=141 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/the-1987-album/ | title= The 1987 Album – Happy 30th! | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=7 April 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> It peaked at number eight in the UK, while in the US it reached number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19870405/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 5 April 1987 – 11 April 1987 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1987-06-13 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of June 13, 1987 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> In total, the record charted in 14 countries and quickly became the most commercially successful of the band's career, selling over eight million copies in the US alone.<ref name="RIAA"/> Its success also boosted ''Slide It In''{{'}}s sales to over two million copies in the US.<ref name="RIAA"/> The singles "Here I Go Again" and "[[Is This Love (Whitesnake song)|Is This Love]]" reached number one and two, respectively, on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref name="Hot100"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1987-12-19 |title=The Hot 100 – The Week of December 19, 1987 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> In the UK, both reached number nine.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19870628/7501/ | title = Official Singles Chart Top 100: 28 June 1987 – 4 July 1987 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19871122/7501/ | title = Official Singles Chart Top 100: 22 November 1987 – 28 November 1987 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =10 February 2021 }}</ref> The record's success was helped by the heavy airplay Whitesnake received on [[MTV]], courtesy of a trilogy of music videos featuring actress and Coverdale's future wife [[Tawny Kitaen]].<ref name="Louder"/> The album was generally well received by critics, though reviews in the UK were less favourable, with Coverdale being accused of "[[selling out]]" to America, which he strongly denied.<ref name="Reload"/> ''[[Rolling Stone]]''{{'}}s [[J. D. Considine]] praised the band's ability to present old ideas in new and interesting ways, while AllMusic's Steve Huey, in a retrospective review, touted the album as the band's best.<ref name="Considine87">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/Whitesnake/albums/album/106221/review/5940451/Whitesnake |title=Album Reviews: Whitesnake – Whitesnake |last=Considine |first=J. D. |author-link=J. D. Considine |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=18 June 1987 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070616015415/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/Whitesnake/albums/album/106221/review/5940451/Whitesnake |archive-date=16 June 2007 |access-date=11 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/whitesnake-mw0000196283 |title=Whitesnake – Whitesnake review |last=Huey |first=Steve |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

The new Whitesnake line-up made their live debut following the record's release at the [[Texxas Jam]] festival in June 1987.<ref name="Louder"/> They then toured the US supporting [[Mötley Crüe]] on their Girls, Girls, Girls Tour.<ref name="TallCoolOne"/> Beginning on 30 October 1987,<ref>{{cite press release |last=Schneider |first=Mitchell |date=7 October 1987 |title=Whitesnake to "Shake, Rattle and Roll Across America"; Launch headlining arena tour on October 30, as the 'Whitesnake' album goes triple platinum and "Here I Go Again" goes #1 |publisher= Levine/Schneider Public Relations |location=Los Angeles, California, United States}}</ref> Whitesnake embarked on a headlining arena tour, which was temporarily interrupted in April 1988, when Coverdale had a herniated disc removed from his lower back.<ref name="TallCoolOne"/><ref>{{cite magazine |year= 1988 |title= News |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=7 |volume=5 |page=7 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=11-26 December 1989 |title= David Coverdale – A Touch of Snake Bite as David Says 'Up Yours Critics!' |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=24 |volume=4 |pages=10{{ndash}}13 |publisher=Rock Team Publishing and Productions Ltd. | location=London, England}}</ref> At the [[1988 Brit Awards]], the band were nominated for Best British Group, while the album ''1987'' was nominated for [[American Music Award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album|Favorite Pop/Rock Album]] at the [[American Music Awards of 1988|American Music Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcsyPnJPaPg | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/TcsyPnJPaPg| archive-date=2021-10-30| title=Pet Shop Boys win British Group presented by Eddie Grant {{vbar}} BRIT Awards 1988 | publisher=BRITs | via=YouTube | date= 10 December 2012 | access-date =12 August 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=24 December 1987 |title= Travis, Bon Jovi top nominees for American Music Awards |agency=Associated Press |location=Beverly Hills, California}}</ref> 

When the supporting tour for ''1987'' ended in August 1988,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Nalbersberg |first=Elianne |date=28 October 1989 |title=Tales of the Tongue |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |pages=56{{ndash}}58 |issue=262 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> Coverdale informed the rest of the band that the next album would be written by him and Adrian Vandenberg, who had established a fruitful working relationship together.<ref name="Campbell"/> After approximately a month of writing, the band regrouped at Lake Tahoe for three weeks of rehearsals.<ref name="Vandenberg">{{cite magazine |date=10 July 1989 |title= Whitesnake's Adrian: Denies All Rumours |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=13 |volume=4 |pages=78{{ndash}}80 |publisher=Rock Team Publishing and Productions Ltd. | location=London, England}}</ref> In December 1988, Vivian Campbell parted ways with the band. The official reason given was "musical differences".<ref name="LightenUp">{{cite magazine |last=Galotta |first=Paul |date=31 March 1989 |title=Whitesnake Lighten Up |magazine=[[Circus (magazine)|Circus]] |page=26 |publisher=Circus Enterprises Corporation |location=New York City, New York, United States}}</ref> However, Campbell later revealed that his departure was partially due to a falling out between his wife and Tawny Kitaen. This resulted in Campbell's wife being barred from the band's tour. In addition to this, Vandenberg had made it known that he wanted to be the sole guitarist in Whitesnake, which also played into Campbell's departure.<ref name="Campbell"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|pp=167{{ndash}}168}}

=== ''Slip of the Tongue'' (1989–1990) ===
Whitesnake began recording their eighth studio album in January 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=11{{ndash}}24 January 1989 |title= Whitesnake Get Fair Warning |magazine=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |issue=10 |page=6 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> [[Bruce Fairbairn]] was initially chosen to produce, but was forced to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. The band then hired both Keith Olsen and [[Mike Clink]] to produce the record.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=25 January {{ndash}} 7 February 1989 |title= 'Snake Studio Change |magazine=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |issue=11 |page=8 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> Coverdale later explained the decision to hire two producers, citing pressure to follow-up the band's previous record: "I brought them both in... Just that decision alone tells me I was in fear of failing..."<ref name="Slip">{{Cite AV media notes |title=Slip of the Tongue |title-link=Slip of the Tongue |others=Whitesnake |date=2009 |first=David |last=Coverdale |pages=4{{ndash}}15 |type=booklet |publisher=Parlophone Records Ltd. |id=5099969812422}}</ref> 

[[File:Metal revista whitesnake.jpg|thumb|Whitesnake's line-up in 1990. From left to right: [[Adrian Vandenberg]], [[Tommy Aldridge]], [[Steve Vai]], [[Rudy Sarzo]], and David Coverdale]]

During the recording process, Adrian Vandenberg sustained an injury to his wrists while performing some playing exercises. Despite consulting a doctor and significant rest, the injury persisted, leaving Vandenberg unable to play the guitar properly.<ref name="Vandenberg"/> It wasn't until 2003 that he learned the injury was the result of nerve damage sustained in a 1980 car accident.<ref name="TallCoolOne"/> Vandenberg's injury caused significant delays to the album, which had originally been slated for release in June–July 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |author-link=Malcolm Dome |date=19 April 1989 |title= Vai Dons a New 'Snakeskin – Roth Guitarist Throws in His Lot with Coverdale |magazine=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |issue=17 |page=6 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> Ultimately, Coverdale was forced to find another guitar player to finish the record.<ref name="Slip"/> He opted to recruit former [[Frank Zappa]] and [[David Lee Roth]] guitarist [[Steve Vai]], whom he had seen in the 1986 film ''[[Crossroads (1986 film)|Crossroads]]'' a few years earlier.<ref name="Slip"/> According to Coverdale, he had originally wanted to recruit Vai back then, but John Sykes ultimately rejected the idea.<ref name="Q&A"/> Vai officially joined Whitesnake in March 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Bonutto |first=Dante |date=29 November {{ndash}} 12 December 1989 |title= 'It's a Man's World in Whitesnake...' |magazine=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |issue=33 |page=26{{ndash}}28 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> Vandenberg, meanwhile, was given time to recuperate while Vai recorded the album.<ref name="Vandenberg"/> Vandenberg is still minimally featured on the finished record.{{refn|group=nb|In the liner notes for ''[[Slip of the Tongue]]''{{'}}s 20th anniversary re-release, Coverdale states: "Adrian is minimally featured on some of the basic guitar beds, but, not prominently featured."<ref name="Slip"/>}}

The lead single from the band's new album was a re-recorded version of "Fool for Your Loving", originally found on 1980's ''Ready an' Willing''.<ref name="Shadow">{{cite magazine |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link= Mick Wall |date=18 August 1990 |title= Rockin' in the Shadow of the Blues |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=303 |pages=16{{ndash}}20 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> Coverdale had been reluctant to re-record the song, let alone release it as the first single, but Geffen Records hoped to repeat the success of "Here I Go Again" with another older track. Coverdale later admitted to regretting the decision.<ref name="Slip"/><ref name="Shadow"/><ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.velvetthunder.co.uk/david-coverdale/ | title = David Coverdale | publisher = Velvet Thunder |first=Graeme |last=Stroud | date=3 September 2019 | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref> "Fool for Your Loving" only peaked at number 37 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1989-12-23 |title=The Hot 100 – The Week of December 23, 1989 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> It fared better on the [[Mainstream Rock (chart)|Album Rock Tracks]] chart, where it peaked at number two.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/1989-11-25 |title=Mainstream Rock Airplay – The Week of November 25, 1989 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> The second single "The Deeper the Love" also stalled at number 28 on the Hot 100,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1990-03-17 |title=The Hot 100 – The Week of March 17, 1990 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> while on the Album Rock Tracks chart it reached number four.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-mainstream-rock-tracks/1990-03-10 |title=Mainstream Rock Airplay – The Week of March 10, 1990 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref>

[[File:Whitesnake backstage.jpg|thumb|left|Adrian Vandenberg (left) and David Coverdale (right) backstage at the [[Monsters of Rock]] festival, 1990]]
''[[Slip of the Tongue]]'' was released on 7 November 1989 in the US, followed by a worldwide release on 13 November.<ref>{{cite press release |last=Schneider |first=Mitchell |date=4 October 1989 |title=Whitesnake's much-anticipated 'Slip of the Tongue' due out November 7, first single, "Fool for Your Loving", is out October 17... |publisher= Levine/Schneider Public Relations |location=Los Angeles, California, United States}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=11 November 1989 |title= Mayhem! – Whitesnake simultaneously release their new album, 'Slip of the Tongue' and single 'Fool for Your Loving', through EMI on November 13... |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=264 |page=4 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> It reached number ten on the UK Albums Chart, as well as the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19891119/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 75: 19 November 1989 – 25 November 1989 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/1989-12-16 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of December 16, 1989 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> The record also charted in twelve additional countries. ''Slip of the Tongue'' was certified platinum in the US and sold approximately four million copies worldwide by August 1990.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Wall |first=Mick |author-link= Mick Wall |date=18 August 1990 |title= Rockin' in the Shadow of the Blues |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=303 |pages=16{{ndash}}20 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref><ref name="RIAA"/> As the previous record sold more than twice that in the US alone, ''Slip of the Tongue'' was considered a commercial disappointment.<ref name="Shadow"/>

[[Malcolm Dome]], writing for ''[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]]'', described ''Slip of the Tongue'' as "an album full of generally good songs that rarely sinks below the level of adequacy, but only occasionally explodes".<ref>{{cite magazine |date=15{{ndash}}28 November 1989 |first=Malcolm |last=Dome |author-link=Malcolm Dome |title= Whitesnake – 'Slip of the Tongue' (EMI EMD 1013) |magazine=[[Raw (music magazine)|Raw]] |issue=32 |page=42 |publisher=EMAP Publishing Limited | location=London, England}}</ref> The combination of Whitesnake and Steve Vai was also met with some criticism, with Thom Jurek, in a retrospective review for AllMusic, describing the pairing as "questionable".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/slip-of-the-tongue-mw0000653833 |title=Whitesnake – Slip of the Tongue review |last=Jurek |first=Thom |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=12 May 2015 }}</ref> Coverdale himself would later admit to having mixed feelings about the record, though he has since learned to enjoy and accept it as a part of Whitesnake's catalogue.<ref name="Slip"/>

In February 1990, Whitesnake embarked on the Liquor & Poker World Tour, during which the band headlined the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington for a second time (the show was later released as a [[Live at Donington 1990|live album]]).<ref>{{cite magazine |year= 1989 |title= Snakin' Up |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=23 |volume=6 |page=6 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| website=Whitesnake Official Site| url=http://www.whitesnake.com/forevermoreannounce/index-donington.html| title="Live at Donington 1990" CD and DVD| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110502161741/http://www.whitesnake.com/forevermoreannounce/index-donington.html| archive-date=2 May 2011| access-date=13 February 2021}}</ref> The final tour date was on 26 September 1990 at the [[Nippon Budokan|Budokan]] in Tokyo.<ref name="Q&A"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=198}} After the show, Coverdale informed the rest of the band that he would be taking an extended break, effectively disbanding Whitesnake. He encouraged the band members to accept any outside offers for work.<ref name="Q&A"/> Coverdale's decision to put Whitesnake on hold was largely due to exhaustion. Despite the success the band had achieved, he felt unfulfilled.<ref name="Q&A"/> He had also become disillusioned with the band's glam image.<ref name="LATHilburn">{{cite news |last=Hilburn |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Hilburn |date=14 March 1993 |title=Pop Music: Back From the Led: It's been a long time since Jimmy Page really rock 'n' rolled, but the Zeppelin guitarist found a spark working with David Coverdale |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-03-14-ca-533-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=13 November 2023}}</ref> Coupled with his ongoing divorce from Tawny Kitaen, Coverdale wanted to "take stock and review" to see if he still wanted to continue in the music business.<ref name="Q&A"/>

After Whitesnake disbanded, Steve Vai continued his solo career, having already released his [[Passion and Warfare|second solo album]] while on tour with Whitesnake.<ref name="Shadow"/> Vandenberg, Sarzo and Aldridge would go to form the band [[Manic Eden]], who released one album in 1994.<ref name="TallCoolOne"/> Coverdale resurfaced in 1993, when he and Led Zeppelin guitarist [[Jimmy Page]] released [[Coverdale–Page|an album]] together.<ref name="LATHilburn"/><ref name="CoverdalePage">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-the-short-lived-coverdale-page-play-black-dog-183681/ |title= Flashback: The Short-Lived Coverdale/Page Play 'Black Dog' |last=Greene |first=Andy |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=7 July 2016 |access-date=11 February 2021 }}</ref>

=== ''Greatest Hits'' and ''Restless Heart'' (1994–1997) ===
On 4 July 1994, EMI released ''[[Greatest Hits (Whitesnake album)|Whitesnake's Greatest Hits]]'' in Europe.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=21 May 1994 |title=Ratt Man for the 'Snake?! |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=495 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> In the US, it was released on 19 July by Geffen Records.<ref>{{cite press release |last1=Bridenthal |first1=Bryn |last2=Hamm |first2=Roy |date=1994 |title=Whitesnake – You can't keep the 'Snake down |publisher= Geffen Records |location=Los Angeles, California, United States}}</ref> The record proved to be a success, reaching number four on the UK Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19940710/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 10 July 1994 – 16 July 1994 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref> It would later be certified gold in the UK and platinum in the US.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/2649-540-2 | title = Whitenake – Greatest Hits | access-date = 9 February 2021 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref> Prior to the record's release, Coverdale had been planning a European solo tour with a backing band he likened to [[Joe Cocker]]'s ''[[Mad Dogs & Englishmen (album)|Mad Dogs & Englishmen]]''.<ref name="Q&A"/> Because of the ''Greatest Hits''' success, Coverdale was instead asked by EMI to tour as Whitesnake.<ref name="Q&A"/> Though reluctant, Coverdale eventually agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to just have fun and play live.<ref name="Hammer94">{{cite magazine | first=Andreas |last=Schöwe |year= 1994 |title= Dave Is On The Road Again... |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=8 |volume=11 |pages=108{{ndash}}109 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Simmons |first=Sylvie|date=7 May 1994 |title=Whitesnake: Back in 1994! |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |page=11 |issue=493 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref><ref name="IntoTheLight">{{cite web |url=http://www.melodic-rock.com/interviews/davidcoverdale.html |title= David Coverdale – Into the Light Interview |first=Andrew J. |last=McNeice |website=MelodicRock |access-date=9 February 2021 }}</ref>

Adrian Vandenberg agreed to rejoin Whitesnake as he and Coverdale were already working on new music together. Vandenberg asked Rudy Sarzo to rejoin as well as they were both still playing in Manic Eden at the time. Sarzo accepted and recommended [[Ratt]] guitarist [[Warren DeMartini]] to the band. The line-up was then rounded out by keyboardist [[Paul Mirkovich]] and drummer [[Denny Carmassi]], the latter of whom had played on the ''[[Coverdale–Page]]'' album.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rees |first=Paul |date=9 July 1994 |title=Mr Snake's Wild Ride! |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |pages=38{{ndash}}42 |issue=502 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref><ref>{{cite interview |last1=Coverdale |first1=David |subject-link1=David Coverdale |last2=Vandenberg |first2=Adrian |subject-link2=Adrian Vandenberg |interviewer=Vanessa Warwick |title=Via Rock Festival in Belgium |work=[[Headbangers Ball]] |date=16 July 1994 |publisher=MTV }}</ref> The tour began in Europe on 20 June 1994, followed by several UK dates beginning in July.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dome |first=Malcolm |date=28 May 1994 |title=Whitesnake to Play UK! |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |issue=496 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> In October, the band toured in Japan and Australia.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Potter |first=Valerie |title=Whitesnake is Back?! |magazine=[[Burrn!]] |issue=10 |year=1994 |location=Tokyo, Japan |publisher=Burrn! Corporation}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=21 October 1994 |title=The Last Word |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/899759572/ |work=[[Hull Daily Mail]] |location=Hull, England |page=12 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref>

After completing the ''Greatest Hits'' tour, Whitesnake were dropped by Geffen Records.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=24 December 1994 |title=Jurassic Rock! |magazine=[[Kerrang!]] |page=44 |issue=526 |location=London, England |publisher=United Newspapers}}</ref> Coverdale then resumed writing with Adrian Vandenberg on what was to be a solo album.<ref name="Eonmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/david-coverdale-whitesnake-eonmusic-interview-october-2020-part-1.html |title= David Coverdale Whitesnake Eonmusic Interview October 2020 Part 1 |first=Eamon |last=O'Neill |website=Eonmusic |access-date=9 February 2021 }}</ref> Joining them in the studio were Denny Carmassi, as well as bassist [[Guy Pratt]] and keyboardist [[Brett Tuggle]].<ref name="Hammer97">{{cite magazine |year= 1997 |title= Too Old to Rock and Roll – Too Young to Die? |magazine=[[Metal Hammer]] |issue=7 |volume=14 |pages=126{{ndash}}127 |publisher=ZAG Zeitschriften-Verlag | location=Berlin, Germany}}</ref> As the record was being finished, the new higher-ups at EMI demanded it be released under the Whitesnake moniker. Coverdale objected, as he felt the record was stylistically too different from the band. Eventually a compromise was reached, and Coverdale agreed to release the album under the name "David Coverdale & Whitesnake". As a result of the name change, the guitars and drums on the album were brought up in the mix, something Coverdale later expressed disappointment over.<ref name="Eonmusic"/>

''[[Restless Heart (Whitesnake album)|Restless Heart]]'' was released on 26 March 1997 in Japan,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/154210/products/262533/1/ | title= ''Restless Heart'' – Whitesnake | website=[[Oricon]] | access-date=27 August 2021 }}</ref> followed by a European release on 26 May.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/restless-heart-anniversary/ | title= "Restless Heart" Anniversary | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=26 May 2017 | access-date=6 August 2021 }}</ref> The record only reached number 34 on the UK Albums Chart,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/19970615/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 15 June 1997 – 21 June 1997 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref> but peaked number three on [[Lists of UK Rock & Metal Singles and Albums Charts number ones|UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/david-coverdale-and-whitesnake-restless-heart/|title=Restless Heart - David Coverdale and Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> It charted in nine additional countries as well, with its highest chart position being in Sweden at number five. The single "Too Many Tears" only reached number 46 on the UK Singles Chart,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19970601/7501/ | title = Official Singles Chart Top 100: 1 June 1997 – 7 June 1997 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref> but on the [[Lists of UK Rock & Metal Singles and Albums Charts number ones|UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart]] it reached number five and charted for 34 weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/david-coverdale-and-whitesnake-too-many-tears/|title=Too Many Tears - David Coverdale and Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> ''Restless Heart'' didn't receive a US release, being available only as an [[import]].{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=203}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/restless-heart-mw0000458168 |title=Whitesnake – Restless Heart review |last=Prato |first=Greg |work=[[AllMusic]] |publisher=[[All Media Network]] |access-date=12 May 2015 }}</ref> ''Rock Hard'' called the album "nice, but harmless", and ultimately deemed it "a mean disappointment" as potentially the last Whitesnake album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rockhard.de/reviews/whitesnake-restless-heart_213615.html |title= Whitesnake – ''Restless Heart'' |website=Rock Hard |access-date=9 February 2021 }}</ref> Jerry Ewing, writing for ''Classic Rock'', described it as a "curio" in the band's discography, falling somewhere between a Whitesnake album and a David Coverdale solo record.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Ewing |first=Jerry |date=March 2011 |title=Restless Heart (EMI) |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock presents Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine)]] |page=124 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref>

The supporting tour for ''Restless Heart'' was billed as Whitesnake's [[farewell tour]], as Coverdale wanted to explore other musical avenues.<ref name="Hammer97"/> Pratt and Tuggle were replaced by [[Tony Franklin (musician)|Tony Franklin]] and Derek Hilland, respectively, while Steve Farris was recruited as a second guitarist.<ref>{{cite book |last=Joule |first=Stephen |date=July 1997 |title=Whitesnake – Restless Heart World Tour |type=Booklet |location=London, England |publisher=Whitesnake Tours Inc.}}</ref> Before the start of the tour, Coverdale and Vandenberg played several acoustic shows in Europe and Japan. One of these shows was later released as the live album ''[[Starkers in Tokyo]]''.<ref name="IntoTheLight"/> The Last Hurrah tour began in September 1997 and ended in South America that December.<ref name="Hammer97"/>{{sfn|Popoff|2015|p=209}}<ref>{{cite news |date=1 August 1997 |title=Whitesnake's Last Hurrah |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/847262306/ |work=Evening Telegraph |location=Grimsby, England |page=17 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=26 November 2023}}</ref> After the band's disbandment, Coverdale resumed his solo career, releasing the album ''[[Into the Light (David Coverdale album)|Into the Light]]'' in 2000.<ref name="IntoTheLight"/> Vandenberg, meanwhile, began a second career as a painter in order to spend more time with his daughter, who was born in 1999.<ref name="RockPages">{{Cite web| url=https://www.rockpages.gr/vandenberg-ithela-na-kano-ena-disko-poy-an-imoyn-fan/?lang=en | title= Vandenberg: I wanted to make an album that if I was a fan of the band or a fan of rock music in general I would buy it… | website=Rockpages.gr | date=2 June 2020 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

=== Reformation and ''Good to Be Bad'' (2003–2009) ===
[[File:David Coverdale, Gods of Metal 2003.JPG|thumb|upright|David Coverdale fronting Whitesnake at the 2003 [[Gods of Metal]] festival during the band's 25th anniversary tour]]
In October 2002, David Coverdale announced plans to reform Whitesnake to celebrate the band's 25th anniversary in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-tour-in/ | title=  Whitesnake To Tour In 2003  | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=3 October 2002 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/david-coverdale-the-whitesnake-choir-is-alive-and-well/ | title= David Coverdale: 'The Whitesnake Choir Is Alive And Well' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=21 August 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> The new line-up was confirmed in December; Coverdale would be joined by drummer Tommy Aldridge, guitarists [[Doug Aldrich]] and [[Reb Beach]], as well as bassist [[Marco Mendoza]] and keyboardist [[Timothy Drury]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/Whitesnake-2003-lineup-confirmed/ | title= Whitesnake 2003 Lineup Confirmed! | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=15 December 2002 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

Talks had taken place between Coverdale and John Sykes about a possible reunion, but Coverdale ultimately felt that they had been their "own bosses" too long for a reunion to work.<ref name="Q&A"/> Sykes, meanwhile, claimed that after recommending Mendoza and Aldridge for the band (though Aldridge had already been in the band years earlier), he never heard back from Coverdale.<ref name="MetalRules"/> Adrian Vandenberg was also asked to rejoin, but declined in order to spend time with his daughter and focus on his painting.<ref name="RockPages"/> He has since made numerous guest appearances at the band's concerts.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-performing-with-adrian-vandenberg-at-arrow-rock-festival-video-available/ | title= Whitesnake Performing With Adrian Vandenberg At Arrow Rock Festival; Video Available | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=2 September 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-fan-filmed-video-footage-of-entire-tilburg-concert/ | title= Whitesnake: Fan-Filmed Video Footage Of Entire Tilburg Concert | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=22 July 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-rejoined-by-guitarist-adrian-vandenberg-at-tilburg-concert-video/ | title= Whitesnake Rejoined By Guitarist Adrian Vandenberg At Tilburg Concert (Video) | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 August 2016| access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

On 29 January 2003, Whitesnake began a co-headlining tour of the US with the [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/the-scorpions-whitesnake-dokken-more-tour-dates-announced/ | title= the Scorpions, Whitesnake, Dokken: More Tour Dates Announced! | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=16 December 2002 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-mainman-speaks-out-on-reunion-tour/ | title=  Whitesnake Mainman Speaks Out On Reunion Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=17 December 2002 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Afterwards, the band toured across Europe, playing several shows with [[Gary Moore]] in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-european-tour-dates-released/ | title=Whitesnake: European Tour Dates Released | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=17 February 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-gary-moore-to-team-up-for-monsters-of-rock-2003-u-k-tour/ | title= Whitesnake, Gary Moore To Team Up For Monsters Of Rock 2003 U.K. Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 February 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake then returned to the US to take part in the [[Rock Never Stops Tour]] with [[Warrant (American band)|Warrant]], [[Kip Winger]] and [[Slaughter (band)|Slaughter]],<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-warrant-winger-slaughter-to-team-up-for-rock-never-stops/ | title= Whitesnake, Warrant, Winger, Slaughter To Team Up For Rock Never Stops 2003 | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=5 May 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-frontman-defends-decision-to-join-rock-never-stops-tour/ | title=  Whitesnake Frontman Defends Decision To Join Rock Never Stops Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=7 May 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> before embarking on a Japanese tour in September.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-tour-japan-in-september/ | title= Whitesnake To Tour Japan In September | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=27 June 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> The reformation was initially planned to last only a few months, but Coverdale ultimately decided to keep the band active.<ref name="Q&A"/> No immediate plans were put in place for a new studio album, with Coverdale citing his dissatisfaction with the music industry as a contributing factor.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-s-david-coverdale-no-immediate-plans-for-a-new-studio-album/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale: No Immediate Plans For A New Studio Album | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=5 January 2003 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

Whitesnake continued to tour in late 2004, playing several shows across Europe and the UK.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-more-european-tour-dates-announced/ | title= Whitesnake: More European Tour Dates Announced | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=20 May 2004 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Their London concert at the [[Hammersmith Apollo]] in October was also filmed and in 2006 released as ''[[Live... In the Still of the Night]]''.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-london-show-to-be-filmed-for-upcoming-dvd/ | title= Whitesnake: London Show To Be Filmed For Upcoming DVD | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 October 2004 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> It was later certified gold in the UK and received the award for "DVD of the Year" at the 2006 [[Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/9504-540-5 | title = Whitenake – Live - In The Still Of The Night | access-date = 20 November 2023 | publisher = British Phonographic Industry}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/alice-cooper-iron-maiden-def-leppard-among-winners-at-classic-rock-roll-of-honour-awards | title= ALICE COOPER, IRON MAIDEN, DEF LEPPARD Among Winners At CLASSIC ROCK ROLL OF HONOUR Awards | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=7 November 2006 | access-date=20 November 2023 }}</ref> In April 2005, Whitesnake parted ways with Marco Mendoza due to scheduling conflicts with Mendoza's other projects.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-part-ways-with-bassist-marco-mendoza-seek-replacement/ | title= Whitesnake Part Ways With Bassist Marco Mendoza, Seek Replacement | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 April 2005 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Session musician [[Uriah Duffy]] was announced as his replacement the following month.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-announce-new-bassist/ | title= Whitesnake Announce New Bassist | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 May 2005 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake then embarked on another US tour, followed by a South American leg.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-more-u-s-tour-dates-announced/ | title= Whitesnake: More U.S. Tour Dates Announced | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 May 2005 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://whitesnake.com/2005-interview/ | title= 2005 Interview | website=Whitesnake Official Site | date=12 January 2016 | access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref> In May 2006, the band played several shows in Japan, which were then followed by festival dates in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-tour-japan-in-may/ | title= Whitesnake To Tour Japan In May | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 February 2006 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

[[File:Doug Aldrich (2481013412).jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Doug Aldrich]] served as Coverdale's writing and producing partner on the albums ''[[Good to Be Bad|Good to be Bad]]'' (2008) and ''[[Forevermore (Whitesnake album)|Forevermore]]'' (2011)]]
In August 2006, Whitesnake signed a European recording contract with [[Steamhammer/SPV]]. The band then released the live album ''[[Live... in the Shadow of the Blues]]'', which contained four new songs written by Coverdale and guitarist Doug Aldrich.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-record-new-songs-for-upcoming-live-collection/ | title=  Whitesnake To Record New Songs For Upcoming Live Collection | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 February 2006 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-signs-european-deal-with-spv-new-live-album-due-in-november/ | title= Whitesnake Signs European Deal With SPV; New Live Album Due In November | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=3 August 2006 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Coverdale's change of heart regarding new music stemmed from a need for "new meat to bite into" in order keep touring interesting.<ref name="Eonmusic"/> Preliminary work on a new Whitesnake album began in early 2007, with Coverdale and Aldrich spending considerable time writing together and refining their joint ideas.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/Whitesnake-guitarist-discusses-songwriting-process-for-new-album/ | title= Whitesnake Guitarist Discusses Songwriting Process For New Album | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 February 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> A release date was originally set for summer 2007,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-release-new-studio-album-next-summer/ | title= Whitesnake To Release New Studio Album Next Summer | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=6 December 2006 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> but the album was later pushed back to October 2007 and then May 2008.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-new-studio-album-tentatively-due-in-october/ | title=Whitesnake: New Studio Album Tentatively Due In October | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=18 March 2007 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-new-album-tentatively-due-in-may/ | title= Whitesnake: New Album Tentatively Due In May | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=13 September 2007 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Regarding the delays, Coverdale stated: "The recording of this album was constantly compromised by interruptions. [...] Also, to be honest, there was no real rush for us to finish the project quickly."<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-frontman-discusses-good-to-be-bad/ | title= Whitesnake Frontman Discusses 'Good To Be Bad' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=15 February 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In December 2007, Chris Frazier was announced as Whitesnake's new drummer. Tommy Aldridge reportedly left to pursue other musical projects.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-introduce-new-drummer-chris-frazier-q-a-available | title= Whitesnake Introduce New Drummer, Chris Frazier; Q&A Available | website=BraveWords | date=27 December 2007 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

''[[Good to Be Bad]]'', Whitesnake's tenth studio album, was released on 18 April 2008 in Germany, 21 April in the rest of Europe, and on 22 April in North America.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-good-to-be-bad-limited-edition-two-disc-version-detailed/ | title= Whitesnake: 'Good To Be Bad' Limited-Edition Two-Disc Version Detailed | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=13 February 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Produced by Coverdale, Aldrich and Michael McIntyre,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/whitesnake-good-to-be-bad/2873378 | title= Whitesnake: Good To Be Bad| website=MTV Uutiset |first=Sami |last=Ruokangas | date=24 April 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 |language=Finnish}}</ref> the record reached number seven on the UK Albums Chart and number one on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20080427/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 27 April 2008 – 3 May 2008 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-good-to-be-bad/|title=Good To Be Bad - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> In the US, it only reached number 62 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2008-05-10 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of May 10, 2008 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> but it did peak at number eight on the [[Independent Albums|Top Independent Albums]] chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2008-05-10 |title= Independent Albums – The Week of May 10, 2008 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> In total, ''Good to Be Bad'' charted in 19 countries and has sold over 700,000 copies worldwide by 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=McIver|first=Joel |date=March 2011 |title=Good to Be Bad (SPV/Steamhammer) |magazine=[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]] presents Whitesnake – Forevermore (The Official Album Magazine) |page=129 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}</ref> Writing for [[IGN]], Jim Kaz gave the album a favourable review, in which he stated: "A few faux-pa's aside ''Good to Be Bad'' has enough shining, mega-rock moments to endear itself to fans old and new."<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/22/whitesnake-good-to-be-bad-review | title= Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad Review | website=IGN | first=Jim | last=Kaz | date=22 Apr 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> It later received the [[Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards|Classic Rock Award]] for "Album of the Year".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/3375277/Ozzy-Osbourne-crowned-Living-Legend-at-rock-awards.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/3375277/Ozzy-Osbourne-crowned-Living-Legend-at-rock-awards.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Ozzy Osbourne crowned 'Living Legend' at rock awards |last=Bailey |first=Charlotte |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |date=3 November 2008 |access-date=14 February 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

''Good to Be Bad''{{'}}s release was preceded by several shows in [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]],<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-confirmed-for-new-zealand-s-rock2wgtn-festival/ | title= Whitesnake Confirmed For New Zealand's ROCK2WGTN Festival | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=17 December 2007 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-australian-dates-announced/| title= Whitesnake: Australian Dates Announced | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=11 February 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> after which Whitesnake toured South America, followed by a UK co-headlining tour with [[Def Leppard]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-guitarist-singer-explain-santiago-cancellation/ | title=  Whitesnake Guitarist, Singer Explain Santiago Cancellation | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=19 May 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-Whitesnake-to-team-up-for-uk-tour/ | title= Def Leppard, Whitesnake To Team Up For UK Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=11 January 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> They also played select shows together in Central Europe.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-whitesnake-to-play-bulgaria-in-july/ | title= Def Leppard, Whitesnake To Play Bulgaria In July | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=20 February 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/Whitesnake-def-leppard-to-play-albania-in-july/ | title= Whitesnake, Def Leppard To Play Albania In July | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=20 March 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In October, Whitesnake teamed up with Def Leppard again for two co-headlining shows in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/def-leppard-Whitesnake-to-team-up-for-japanese-dates/ | title= Def Leppard, Whitesnake To Team Up For Japanese Dates | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=15 May 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> The following November, Whitesnake played several shows in Germany with [[Alice Cooper]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/alice-cooper-whitesnake-to-team-up-for-german-dates/ | title= Alice Cooper, Whitesnake To Team Up For German Dates | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=25 June 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> The band also performed in [[Israel]] and [[Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-perform-in-israel-next-month/ | title= Whitesnake To Perform In Israel Next Month | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=3 October 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-perform-in-cyprus-for-first-time/ | title= Whitesnake To Perform In Cyprus For First Time | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=8 October 2008 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Following several European festival dates, Whitesnake embarked on a US co-headlining tour with Judas Priest in July 2009.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-more-european-dates-announced/ | title= Whitesnake: More European Dates Announced | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=17 February 2009 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/judas-priest-to-tour-u-s-with-whitesnake/ | title= Judas Priest To Tour U.S. With Whitesnake | website=16 March 2009 | date=17 February 2009 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> On 11 August, however, Whitesnake were forced to cut their concert in Denver short, after Coverdale experienced severe pain in his vocal cords. After consulting a specialist, he was revealed to be suffering from severe vocal fold edema and a left vocal fold vascular lesion. As a result, Whitesnake canceled their remaining tour dates.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-officially-drops-off-judas-priest-tour/ | title= Whitesnake Officially Drops Off Judas Priest Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=12 August 2009 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

=== ''Forevermore'' and ''The Purple Album'' (2010–2017) ===
The band took a break from touring in 2010 to concentrate on writing a new album.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-no-touring-in-2010-new-album-due-next-year/ | title= Whitesnake: No Touring In 2010; New Album Due Next Year | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=2 February 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> They also signed a new recording contract with [[Frontiers Records]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-signs-with-frontiers-records/ | title= Whitesnake Signs With Frontiers Records | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=19 February 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In June, Uriah Duffy and Chris Frazier left Whitesnake, with latter being replaced by former [[Billy Idol]] and [[Foreigner (band)|Foreigner]] drummer [[Brian Tichy]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-part-ways-with-drummer-chris-frazier-bassist-uriah-duffy-announce-addition-of-brian-tichy | title= Whitesnake Part Ways With Drummer Chris Frazier, Bassist Uriah Duffy; Announce Addition Of Brian Tichy | website=BraveWords | date=18 June 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Michael Devin, formerly of [[Lynch Mob (band)|Lynch Mob]], was revealed as the band's new bassist the following August.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-announces-new-bassist/ | title= Whitesnake Announces New Bassist | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=20 August 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In September, Timothy Drury announced his departure to pursue a solo career.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-keyboardist-quits-to-pursue-solo-career/ | title= Whitesnake Keyboardist Quits To Pursue 'Solo' Career | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=13 September 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

''[[Forevermore (Whitesnake album)|Forevermore]]'', Whitesnake's eleventh studio album, was released on 25 March 2011 in Europe, followed by a North American release on 29 March. Once again produced by Coverdale, Aldrich and Michael McIntyre at Lake Tahoe,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/Whitesnake-new-album-details-revealed/ | title= Whitesnake: New Album Details Revealed | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=18 January 2011 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> ''Forevermore'' reached number 33 on the UK Albums Chart,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20110424/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 24 April 2011 – 30 April 2011 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =8 February 2021 }}</ref> and number 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-forevermore/|title=Forevermore - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> It reached number 49 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2011-04-16 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of April 16, 2011 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> while on the Independent Albums chart it peaked at number ten.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2011-04-16 |title=Independent Albums – The Week of April 16, 2011 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> The record's highest chart position was in Sweden at number six.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-more-forevermore-first-week-chart-positions-revealed/ | title= Whitesnake: More 'Forevermore' First-Week Chart Positions Revealed | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=11 April 2011 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> As of May 2015, ''Forevermore'' has sold 44,000 copies in the US.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150515165056/http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |archive-date=15 May 2015 |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/new_album_releases |title=Upcoming Releases |website=Hits Daily Double |publisher=HITS Digital Ventures }}</ref> Thom Jurek of AllMusic gave the album a positive review, in which he proclaimed: "''Forevermore'', despite its tighter arrangements and more polished production is Whitesnake at its Brit hard rock best."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/forevermore-mw0002114341 |title=Whitesnake – Forevermore review |last=Jurek |first=Thom |work=AllMusic |publisher=All Media Network |access-date=10 February 2021 }}</ref>

A supporting tour kicked off in New York on 11 May 2011.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-kicks-off-forevermore-tour-video-available/ | title= Whitesnake Kicks Off 'Forevermore' Tour; Video Available | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=14 May 2011 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Accompanying the band was keyboardist Brian Ruedy.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-introduce-new-keyboardist-for-forevermore-world-tour-2011 | title= Whitesnake Introduce New Keyboardist For Forevermore World Tour 2011 | website=BraveWords | date=21 March 2011 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> After several dates in the US, the tour continued across Europe.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-european-tour-dates-announced/ | title= Whitesnake: European Tour Dates Announced | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=15 December 2010 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> During the band's performance at the [[Sweden Rock Festival]], they were joined onstage by former guitarist Bernie Marsden.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/bernie-marsden-interview-fighting-ufo-meeting-james-bond-and-clicking-with-david-coverdale | title= Bernie Marsden interview: fighting UFO, meeting James Bond, and clicking with David Coverdale | first=Rob |last=Hughes| publisher=Classic Rock |website=Louder | date=13 May 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In October, Whitesnake played the [[Loud Park Festival|Loud Park]] festival in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/Whitesnake-arch-enemy-the-darkness-trivium-confirmed-for-japan-s-loud-park/ | title= Whitesnake, Arch Enemy, The Darkness, Trivium Confirmed For Japan's Loud Park | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=1 July 2011 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> During the tour, the band sold charity scarves as a [[humanitarian response to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2002651/full/|title=ホワイトスネイク、チャリティースカーフを発売 収益金を全額寄付|trans-title=Whitesnake Launches Charity Scarves Donates All Proceeds|date=12 October 2011|work=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref>

[[File:Whitesnake San Antonio 2015 1.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Following Doug Aldrich's departure in 2014, [[Reb Beach]] became Whitesnake's longest serving member after Coverdale<ref>{{cite web| website=Metal Talk | url=https://www.metaltalk.net/reb-beach-brilliant-beach-talks-winger-whitesnake-and-wonderful-new-solo-record.php| title=Reb Beach / Brilliant Beach talks Winger, Whitesnake and wonderful new solo record | date=6 November 2020 | access-date=20 November 2023}}</ref>]]
Whitesnake took another hiatus in 2012 to compile live recordings from the ''Forevermore'' tour,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-working-on-new-concert-dvd/ | title= Whitesnake Working On New Concert DVD | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=2 March 2012 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> which were released the following year as ''[[Made in Japan (Whitesnake album)|Made in Japan]]'' and ''Made in Britain/The World Record''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://whitesnake.com/WS2013/features/mijannounce/feature_MIJannounce.php |title=New Release: Announcing Made in Japan |website=Whitesnake Official Website |access-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511113940/http://whitesnake.com/WS2013/features/mijannounce/feature_MIJannounce.php |archive-date=11 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-made-in-britain-the-world-record-live-album-details-revealed/ | title= Whitesnake: 'Made In Britain/The World Record' Live Album Details Revealed | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=5 May 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In January 2013, Brian Tichy announced his departure from Whitesnake, in order to concentrate on his other band S.U.N.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/drummer-brian-tichy-explains-his-departure-from-whitesnake/| title= Drummer Brian Tichy Explains His Departure From Whitesnake | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=8 January 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> He was replaced by Tommy Aldridge, who rejoined the band for a second time.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/tommy-aldridge-rejoins-whitesnake-570304 | title=Tommy Aldridge rejoins Whitesnake| website=MusicRadar | last=Chamberlain | first=Rich | date=28 January 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> That May, Whitesnake initially toured in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|author=Tomoyuki Yamazaki|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000088536|title=【独占インタビュー前編】デヴィッド・カヴァーデイル「ホワイトスネイクの名前で出すものは、トップ・クオリティであるべきだ」|trans-title=Exclusive interview part 1: David Coverdale "Anything you put out under the name of Whitesnake should be top quality"|date=20 March 2013|website=Barks.jp|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Tomoyuki Yamazaki|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000088817|title=【独占インタビュー中編】デヴィッド・カヴァーデイル「ホワイトスネイク・ジャパン・ツアーを語る」|trans-title=Exclusive interview part 2: David Coverdale "Talking about Whitesnake Japan Tour"|date=29 March 2013|website=Barks.jp|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> and then embarked on a UK co-headlining tour with [[Journey (band)|Journey]], followed by several dates in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a436089/journey-and-whitesnake-announce-uk-tour-for-2013/ | title=Journey and Whitesnake announce UK tour for 2013 | website=Digital Spy | last=Martinovic | first=Paul | date=6 November 2012 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/whitesnake-more-2013-live-dates-confirmed | title=Whitesnake – More 2013 Live Dates Confirmed | website=BrveWords | date=2 February 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Sinclair|first=David|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sunday-times-rich-list/profile/article/journeywhitesnake-at-wembley-arena-mftrtc9f2k7|title=Journey/Whitesnake at Wembley Arena|date=31 May 2013|work=[[The Times]]|access-date=14 November 2023}}</ref> During the band's performance in Manchester, they were once again joined onstage by Bernie Marsden.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-whitesnake-rejoined-by-guitarist-bernie-marsden-on-stage-in-manchester/ | title= Video: Whitesnake Rejoined By Guitarist BERNIE MARSDEN On Stage In Manchester | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=24 May 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In June, Whitesnake played several co-headlining dates with Def Leppard in Spain.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://bravewords.com/news/def-leppard-announce-summer-dates-in-spain-with-whitesnake-and-europe | title=Def Leppard Announce Summer Dates In Spain With Whitesnake And EUROPE | website=BrveWords | date=28 February 2013 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Following a North American tour, Whitesnake played Brazil at the Monsters of Rock festival in October.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-interviewed-by-eddie-trunk-at-brazils-monsters-of-rock-festival-video/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Interviewed By EDDIE TRUNK At Brazil's MONSTERS OF ROCK Festival (Video) | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=19 February 2014 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In May 2014, Doug Aldrich announced his departure from the band. He later explained his decision to leave, citing a need for a more flexible schedule to work on other projects and spend more time with his son.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/doug-aldrich-explains-his-decision-to-leave-whitesnake/ | title= Doug Aldrich Explains His Decision To Leave Whitesnake | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=16 May 2014 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/doug-aldrich-why-i-left-whitesnake/ | title= Doug Aldrich: Why I Left Whitesnake | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=25 February 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> [[Night Ranger]] guitarist [[Joel Hoekstra]] was announced as his replacement the following August.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-recruits-night-ranger-guitarist-joel-hoekstra/ | title= Whitesnake Recruits NIGHT RANGER Guitarist Joel Hoekstra | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=21 August 2014 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

Whitesnake released their twelfth studio album, titled ''[[The Purple Album (Whitesnake album)|The Purple Album]]'', on 15 May 2015 in Europe, followed by a North American release on 19 May.<ref name="Purple">{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-pays-tribute-to-his-time-with-deep-purple-on-the-purple-album/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Pays Tribute To His Time With Deep Purple On 'The Purple Album' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=25 February 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> A collection of re-recorded songs from Coverdale's time in Deep Purple, the idea sprang from talks he and Jon Lord had had about a possible Mark III reunion a few years earlier. After Lord's death in 2012, Coverdale discussed the idea with Ritchie Blackmore, but they were unable to come to an agreement regarding the nature of the undertaking. Coverdale then decided to move forward with the project under the Whitesnake banner. He described the resulting record as a tribute to his time in Deep Purple.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T2inUoTLrs | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/5T2inUoTLrs| archive-date=2021-10-30| title= Whitesnake – The Purple Album EPK (Official / New Album / 2015) | via=YouTube |publisher=Frontiers Music srl | date=18 March 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

''The Purple Album'' reached number 18 on the UK Albums Chart,<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20150524/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 24 May 2015 – 30 May 2015 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =14 February 2021 }}</ref> while in the US it peaked at number 87.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2015-06-06 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of June 6, 2015 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> On the Independent Albums chart, it reached number nine,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2015-06-06 |title=Independent Albums – The Week of June 6, 2015 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> while in Japan it reached number eight.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000115389|title=ホワイトスネイク『ザ・パープルアルバム』、大ヒット|trans-title=Whitesnake's "The Purple Album" is a big hit|date=8 May 2015|website=Barks.jp|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> In its first week, the record sold 6,900 copies in the US.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-the-purple-album-first-week-sales-revealed/ | title= Whitesnake's 'The Purple Album: First-Week Sales Revealed | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=27 May 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> While the [[Associated Press]] commended the band for breathing new life into the songs,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/05/22/arts/ap-us-music-review-Whitesnake.html |title=Review: Whitesnake Delves Deep Into Purple Past on New Album |date=22 May 2015 |access-date=14 February 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612162651/http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/05/22/arts/ap-us-music-review-Whitesnake.html |archive-date=12 June 2015 |website=New York Times }}</ref> Dave Everley of ''[[Classic Rock (magazine)|Classic Rock]]'' called ''The Purple Album'' a "wrong-headed travesty of an album".<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/whitesnake-the-purple-album | title= Whitesnake: The Purple Album | website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock |first=Dave |last=Everley | date=17 April 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Responding to the criticism, Coverdale proclaimed: "I've no space in my life for haters or negaters. [...] I owe those people nothing. Such opinions mean nothing to me."<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/q-a-david-coverdale | title= Remember that time we really upset David Coverdale? | website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock |first=Dave |last=Ling | date=15 May 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> ''The Purple Album'' had been envisioned by Coverdale as potentially his last album before retiring. However, the process left him "revitalised" and eager to continue further.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/whitesnake-david-coverdale-planned-retirement-changed-mind | title= Coverdale planned retirement.. but changed his mind | website=Louder |first=Martin |last=Kielty | date=24 December 2015 | access-date=23 February 2021 }}</ref>

[[File:Whitesnake - Wacken Open Air 2016-AL1193.jpg|thumb|right|Whitesnake performing at [[Wacken Open Air]], 2016]]
Whitesnake kicked off the North American leg of The Purple Tour in May 2015.<ref name="Purple"/> Joining the band was new keyboardist [[Michele Luppi]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/whitesnake-hire-keyboardist-michele-luppi | title= Whitesnake hire keyboardist Michele Luppi | website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock |first=Stef |last=Lach | date=17 April 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> At a show in California, they were joined onstage by Coverdale's former Deep Purple bandmate [[Glenn Hughes (musician)|Glenn Hughes]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/glenn-hughes-joins-david-coverdales-whitesnake-on-stage-to-perform-deep-purple-classic-video/ | title= Glenn Hughes Joins David Coverdale's Whitesnake On Stage To Perform Deep Purple Classic (Video) | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=10 June 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Beginning in October, the band toured in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2052902/full/|title=ホワイトスネイク、2年ぶり来日公演決定|trans-title=Whitesnake to perform in Japan for the first time in two years|date=15 May 2015|work=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000120862|title=【ライブレポート】ホワイトスネイク、日本列島を熱狂の深紫色に染め上げる|trans-title=Live Report: Whitesnake dyes the Japan archipelago a frenzied deep purple|date=20 October 2015|website=Barks.jp|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Tomoyuki Yamazaki|url=https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000121289|title=【ライブレポート】ホワイトスネイク、千秋楽に相応しい盛り上がり|trans-title=Live Report: Whitesnake and Chiakiraku|date=4 November 2015|website=Barks.jp|language=ja|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> In December, Whitesnake teamed up with Def Leppard for tour of the UK and Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/88277/Read | title= Def Leppard and Whitesnake joint tour dates | website=Music-News.com | date=27 March 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In Sheffield, Whitesnake were joined onstage by former guitarist Vivian Campbell (who has been a member of Def Leppard since 1992).<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-vivian-campbell-joins-whitesnake-on-stage-in-sheffield/ | title= Video: Vivian Campbell Joins Whitesnake On Stage In Sheffield | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=24 December 2015 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In 2016, Whitesnake embarked on the Greatest Hits Tour, which saw them perform across Europe and the US.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-announces-the-greatest-hits-tour-2016/ | title= Whitesnake Announces 'The Greatest Hits Tour 2016' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=25 February 2016 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Before the tour, Coverdale revealed his plans to potentially retire in 2017,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-is-contemplating-retirement-in-2017/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Is Contemplating Retirement In 2017 | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=10 April 2016 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> though he later recanted the statement.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-david-coverdale-is-not-ready-to-retire-just-yet/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Is Not Ready To Retire Just Yet | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 October 2016 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

In August 2017, Whitesnake signed a new distribution deal for North America and Japan with [[Rhino Entertainment]] and [[Warner Music Group]]. Tentative plans to release a new album the following year were also announced.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7905137/whitesnake-catalog-deal-reissue-exclusive | title= Whitesnake Signs New Catalog Deal, Details Future Releases of Archival & New Material: Exclusive | publisher=Billboard |first=Gary |last=Graff | date=17 August 2017 | access-date=14 February 2021 }}</ref> In October 2017, Whitesnake's eponymous album was reissued as a four-disc box set to commemorate its 30th anniversary.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-30th-anniversary-reissue-of-self-titled-album-to-arrive-in-october-new-studio-lp-due-in-2018/ | title= Whitesnake: 30th-Anniversary Reissue Of Self-Titled Album To Arrive In October; New Studio LP Due In 2018 | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=17 August 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> The band had planned a joint tour where they would have played the album in its entirety, but instead opted to take a break and focus on writing a new album.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnofVjitPOc | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211030/xnofVjitPOc| archive-date=2021-10-30| title= Whitesnake '87 Track by Track – Straight For The Heart | website=YouTube |publisher=Whitesnake TV | date=10 November 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> In December, a photography book chronicling The Purple Tour was released.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-official-book-the-purple-tour-a-photographic-journey-coming-in-december/ | title= Whitesnake: Official Book 'The Purple Tour – A Photographic Journey' Coming In December | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=19 October 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

=== ''Flesh & Blood'' and farewell tour (2018–present) ===
In 2018, Whitesnake toured the US with Foreigner on the Juke Box Heroes Tour.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/foreigner-announces-juke-box-heroes-u-s-summer-2018-tour-with-whitesnake-and-jason-bonham/| title= Foreigner Announces 'Juke Box Heroes' U.S. Summer 2018 Tour With Whitesnake And Jason Bonham | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 December 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> They also released ''The Purple Tour'' live album and the box set ''Unzipped'', which featured various acoustic recordings from across the band's career.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-release-the-purple-tour-live-cd-dvd-blu-ray-in-january/| title= Whitesnake To Release 'The Purple Tour (Live)' CD, DVD, Blu-Ray In January | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=6 December 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-unzipped-5cd-dvd-set-featuring-rare-and-previously-unreleased-acoustic-performances-due-in-october/ | title= Whitesnake: 'Unzipped' 5CD/DVD Set Featuring Rare And Previously Unreleased Acoustic Performances Due In October | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=2 August 2018 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake's thirteenth studio album had originally been set for release in early 2018,<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-to-release-flesh-blood-studio-album-next-year/ | title= Whitesnake To Release 'Flesh & Blood' Studio Album Next Year | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=4 December 2017 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> but was pushed back after Coverdale contracted [[Influenza A virus subtype H3N2|H3 flu]].<ref name="Technical">{{Cite web| url=https://planetradio.co.uk/planet-rock/news/rock-news/whitesnake-postpone-new-album-flesh-and-blood-due-to-technical-issues/ | title= Whitesnake postpone new album 'Flesh and Blood' due to 'technical issues' | website=Planet Rock |first=Scott |last=Colothan | date=30 April 2018 | access-date=14 February 2021 }}</ref> In April 2018, the record was delayed again to early 2019 due to unspecified "technical issues" during the mixing process.<ref name="Technical"/> Coverdale also had knee replacement surgery in 2018 due to [[degenerative arthritis]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-had-knees-replaced-with-titanium-due-to-degenerative-arthritis/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Had Knees Replaced With Titanium Due To Degenerative Arthritis | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=2 October 2018 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> However, he later reiterated his plans not to retire, stating that he feels "reinvigorated, energised and very inspired".<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-has-no-plans-to-retire-im-very-reinvigorated-energized-and-very-inspired/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Has No Plans To Retire: 'I'm Very Reinvigorated, Energized And Very Inspired' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=16 February 2019 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>
[[File:Whitesnake au Hellfest 2019.jpg|thumb|left|Whitesnake performing at [[Hellfest]], 2019]]

Whitesnake's next studio album ''[[Flesh & Blood (Whitesnake album)|Flesh & Blood]]'' was released on 10 May 2019. It saw Coverdale compose with Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra for the first time, while production was handled by all three of them along with Michael McIntyre.<ref name="GuitarWorld">{{Cite web| url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/whitesnake-release-new-album-flesh-and-blood | title= Whitesnake Release New Album, 'Flesh & Blood' | website=Guitar World | date=10 May 2019 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> ''Flesh & Blood'' charted in eighteen countries, reaching number seven and number 131 in the UK and the US, respectively.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/albums-chart/20190517/7502/ | title = Official Albums Chart Top 100: 17 May 2019 – 23 May 2019 | publisher = Official Charts | access-date =14 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2019-05-25 |title=''Billboard'' 200 – The Week of May 25, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> It also topped the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-flesh-blood/|title=Flesh & Blood - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> and hit number five on the Independent Albums chart.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/independent-albums/2019-05-25 |title=Independent Albums – The Week of May 25, 2019 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 February 2021 }}</ref> Philip Wilding, writing for ''Classic Rock'', gave the record a positive review, in which he stated: "If you want something to listen to while driving with the top down in some steamy Californian clime, then this Whitesnake is hard to beat."<ref name="Flesh">{{Cite web| url=https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/whitesnake-flesh-and-blood-album-review | title= Whitesnake: Flesh & Blood album review | website=Louder |publisher=Classic Rock |first=Philip |last=Wilding | date=10 May 2019 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref>

The band embarked on a supporting tour in April with dates in North America, followed by a European tour over the summer.<ref name="GuitarWorld"/><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-kicks-off-flesh-blood-world-tour-in-newkirk-oklahoma-video/ | title= Whitesnake Kicks Off 'Flesh & Blood' World Tour In Newkirk, Oklahoma (Video) | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=13 April 2019 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> In September, Coverdale once again discussed the possibility of retiring, potentially in 2021, though he later clarified: "I just thought it was amusing to say, 'Oh, what better age for the lead singer of Whitesnake [to retire] than 69? I can't wait to design the t-shirts.' That was just fun."<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-clarifies-2021-retirement-comments/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Clarifies 2021 'Retirement' Comments | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=26 April 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake were scheduled to tour Australia and New Zealand with the Scorpions in February 2020, but many of the shows had to be cancelled after Scorpions vocalist [[Klaus Meine]] was diagnosed with kidney stones.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/scorpions-Whitesnake-australian-tour-2020-brisbane-cancelled-7819/ | title= Scorpions & Whitesnake Cancel Brisbane Performance Due to Medical Emergency | website=Rolling Stone Australia |first=Tyler |last=Jenke | date=23 February 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/scorpions-and-whitesnake-reschedule-sydney-concert-cancel-auckland-show/ | title= Scorpions And Whitesnake Reschedule Sydney Concert, Cancel Auckland Show | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=24 February 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake's Japanese tour in March was also postponed due to the then-burgeoning [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-postpones-japanese-tour-due-to-ongoing-threat-of-coronavirus/ | title= Whitesnake Postpones Japanese Tour Due To Ongoing Threat Of Coronavirus | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=5 March 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Whitesnake later canceled all their remaining tour dates for 2020 when Coverdale was diagnosed with a [[Inguinal hernia|bilateral inguinal hernia]], for which he was forced to undergo surgery.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-to-undergo-surgery-for-bilateral-inguinal-hernia-u-s-and-european-tour-dates-canceled/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale To Undergo Surgery For Bilateral Inguinal Hernia; U.S. And European Tour Dates Canceled | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=23 March 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-is-healing-nice-following-surgery-for-bilateral-inguinal-hernia/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Is 'Healing Nice' Following Surgery For Bilateral Inguinal Hernia | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=10 October 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> 

Between 2020 and 2021, Whitesnake released three new musically distinct compilation albums, collectively titled the ''[[Love Songs (Whitesnake album)|Red]], [[The Rock Album|White]] and [[The Blues Album|Blues]]'' trilogy.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/david-coverdale-on-whitesnakes-red-white-and-blues-trilogy-weve-given-everything-a-fresh-coat-of-paint/ | title= David Coverdale On Whitesnake's 'Red, White And Blues' Trilogy: 'We've Given Everything A Fresh Coat Of Paint' | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=16 June 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> All three albums reached at least number two on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-the-rock-album/|title=The Rock Album - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-love-songs/|title=Love Songs - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/whitesnake-the-blues-album-mmxxi/|title=The Blues Album - Whitesnake|website=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=15 November 2023}}</ref> The collections were originally timed to coincide with a potential farewell tour, which had to be postponed due to the pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-thinks-he-will-have-to-wait-until-2022-to-embark-on-farewell-tour/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Thinks He Will Have To Wait Until 2022 To Embark On Farewell Tour | website=Blabbermouth.net | date=11 November 2020 | access-date=12 February 2021 }}</ref> Coverdale later reaffirmed his plan to retire from touring potentially in 2022, citing his age and the stress of travel as contributing factors. However, he still intended to be involved in music with several Whitesnake projects in the works.<ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-hopes-to-launch-his-farewell-tour-in-2022/ | title= Whitesnake's David Coverdale Hopes To Launch His Farewell Tour In 2022 | website=Blabbermouth.net| date=14 June 2021 | access-date=14 June 2021 }}</ref> Coverdale also discussed the possibility of Whitesnake continuing to perform without him.<ref>{{cite web |title= Whitesnake to continue without David Coverdale? &#124; Interview 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CaWwerxyag |publisher=Jeremy White |via=YouTube |access-date=4 November 2021 |date=3 November 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Whitesnake 14.05.2022 Newcastle Utilita Arena (53402299730).jpg|thumb|right|[[Joel Hoekstra]] (left) and Tanya O'Callaghan (right) performing in 2022. The latter joined Whitesnake the year prior, becoming the first female musician in the band]]

In July 2021, Whitesnake announced the addition of multi-instrumentalist [[Dino Jelusick]] to their ranks, turning Whitesnake into a [[septet]] for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |title= Whitesnake's Newest Member Dino Jelusick Explains His Role In Band |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-newest-member-dino-jelusick-explains-his-role-in-band/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=12 September 2021 |date=13 September 2021}}</ref> Later that November, Michael Devin parted ways with the band.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitesnake Parts Ways With Longtime Bassist Michael Devin |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-parts-ways-with-longtime-bassist-michael-devin/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=22 November 2021 |date=22 November 2021}}</ref> He was replaced by Tanya O'Callaghan, marking the first female musician to join the group.<ref>{{cite web |title= Welcome Our New Bass Player! |url=https://whitesnake.com/welcome-our-new-bass-player/ |website=Whitesnake Official Website |access-date=23 November 2021 |date=23 November 2021}}</ref>

Whitesnake began their farewell tour in May 2022, starting in the UK and Ireland with Foreigner and [[Europe (band)|Europe]].<ref>{{cite web |title= Whitesnake Welcomes Trans-Siberian Orchetra Singer Dino Jelusick |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-welcomes-trans-siberian-orchestra-singer-dino-jelusick/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=27 July 2021 |date=27 July 2021}}</ref> During Whitesnake's June performance at [[Hellfest]], they were joined onstage by Steve Vai.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch: Steve Vi Joins Whitesnake On Stage At France's Hellfest To Perform 'Still Of The Night' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watch-steve-vai-joins-whitesnake-on-stage-at-frances-hellfest-to-perform-still-of-the-night |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=24 June 2022 |date=23 June 2022}}</ref> Later that month, the band were forced to cancel several shows after Tommy Aldridge fell ill and Coverdale was diagnosed with an infection of the sinus and trachea.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitesnake Cancels Remainder Of European Tour 'Due To Continuing Health Challenges' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-cancels-remainder-of-european-tour-due-to-continuing-health-challenges |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=1 July 2022 |date=2 July 2022}}</ref> Reb Beach had previously missed a number of shows due to poor health as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitesnake Fans Are Concerned About Guitarist Reb Beach After He Misses Four Shows In A Row |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnake-fans-are-concerned-about-guitarist-reb-beach-after-he-misses-four-shows-in-a-row |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=24 October 2022 |date=22 June 2022}}</ref> On 1 July, Whitesnake cancelled the remainder of their European tour.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitesnake's David Coverdale Diagnosed With Infection Of Sinus And Trachea; More Concerts Canceled |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-david-coverdale-diagnosed-with-infection-of-sinus-and-trachea-more-concerts-canceled |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=2 July 2022 |date=28 June 2022}}</ref> On 5 August, the band withdrew from their forthcoming North American tour with the Scorpions.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA Tour Cancellation Announcement |url=https://whitesnake.com/usa-tour-cancellation-announcement/ |website=Whitesnake Official Website |access-date=5 August 2022 |date=5 August 2022}}</ref> O'Callaghan stated in October that Coverdale still needed "a good few months" to recuperate. However, he had resumed writing and discussed the possibility of doing a farewell album, encouraging former members to participate as well.<ref>{{cite web |title=Whitesnake's Tanya O'Callaghan Says David Coverdale 'Needs Some Time Off The Road To Heal Up' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/whitesnakes-tanya-ocallaghan-says-david-coverdale-needs-some-time-off-the-road-to-heal-up |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=24 October 2022 |date=11 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DAVID COVERDALE Wants To Invite Former WHITESNAKE Members To Participate In 'Farewell' Studio Album |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-coverdale-wants-to-invite-former-whitesnake-members-to-participate-in-farewell-studio-album |access-date=12 March 2024 |date=16 October 2023}}</ref> In 2023, Coverdale expressed interest in continuing the band's farewell tour in the future, but stated that his physical health would be the determining factor.<ref>{{cite web |title=David Coverdale 'Would Love To' Resume Whitesnake Farewell Tour Next Year: 'But It's Gonna Be Dictated By My Health' |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/david-coverdale-would-love-to-resume-whitesnake-farewell-tour-next-year-but-its-gonna-be-dictated-by-my-health |website=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=25 April 2023 |date=25 April 2023 }}</ref>