On This Day 02/07/2006 - Whitesnake

On this day, 2 July 2006, rock band Whitesnake played Cardiff International Arena on their Live…In the Still of Night tour. Support was provided by The Answer.

Formed in London in 1978. The group was originally put together as the backing band for singer David Coverdale, who had recently left Deep Purple. Though the band quickly developed into their own entity, Coverdale is the only constant member throughout their history.

Review - July 2nd 2006. Cardiff, Wales

"Just got back from seeing Whitesnake in Cardiff with my 18 and 16 year old sons. The gig was full of highs and lows for me. With the opener Burn, what I looked forward to being a massive high ended up being a bit of a disappointment for two reasons: the guitar histrionics of Doug Aldrich, (he irritated me for most of the night to be honest but more on that later), and the other was David doing a Joe Pasquale impression!!! Having bought the DVD I feared this and my fears were realised. What I realised tonight is that it's time for DC to ease off on the screaming and start singing again. When he does he's still untouchable. As we walked out at the end my son said "My God, how charismatic is that singer!" and he was right, he's still the very best frontman you could ever find. All confidence and swagger while totally at ease with his audience, who were in the palm of his hand all night. His mike stand was like a cheer leaders baton and you end up being transfixed by his performance.

Of the material it was the lower key stuff that came over best tonight with Here I Go Again a particular highlight. A major negative as a few have commented was the solo spots. (Come on guys take the hint). Doug Aldrich just blasted off into the ether playing a zillion notes per second and ended up with nowhere to go. We all know you'r ea technically great guitarist Doug, but please slow down and say something. After that came Tommy Aldridge's blitz, he sure can bang a drum or two but I was left thinking the show stalled during these spots. I would much prefer to have heard Walkin In The Shadow of the Blues or Lovehunter instead.

David introduced a new song "Here's a new song for ya" and what promise it shows. (It isn't Lady Luck as someone mentioned in a previous review but is actually called 'Ready to Rock'. Cheesy title but a great song nevertheless.) All in all then a bit of a mixed back for me as an old diehard but I must admit the crowd went mental and the band seemed to thrive on it. It was summed up during a fantastic 'Soldier of Fortune' when after the first verse some guy screamed out "I love you David!!". It stopped David in his tracks for a second and all the crowd laughed. The song was everything he's been my hero for in all these years. A real high note of the right kind to finish. I live on with dreams of seeing DC stood centre stage flanked by Messrs Blackmore, Hughes, Lord and Paice. Unlikely I know but everyone has the right to dream don't they?." review : Kev Roberts