This DVD has been a long time coming.  I have had this on bootleg VHS for a long time and now that it is finally released on DVD, I quickly ran out to purchase myself a copy.  This version of Whitesnake was at the peak of their popularity in the live circuit although the “1987” album was a bigger commercial success.  The main difference between the two touring line-ups is Steve Vai stepped in when Vivian Campbell quit. 

The set list for this tour was mainly newer Whitesnake material with almost all of it coming from Slide It In, Whitesnake (also known as the 1987 album), and Slip Of The Tongue.  Aside from “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” and “For The Love Of God” all the songs are culled from those records.  The latter is even a Steve Vai solo song.  While some folk may not like the lack of old Whitesnake material, this was a band performing their biggest hits.  I have liked all lineups of Whitesnake but I have to admit, this is the most “hair metal” version of the band and if you’re looking for a good live retrospective, this is not it.  But having said that, this is still a great live show by a talented bunch of musicians.  You can’t go wrong with Steve Vai, Adrian Vandenberg, Rudy Sarzo, and Tommy Aldridge.  David Coverdale is also in very fine form during this recording. 

My only complaint is that I thought the quality of the video might be better, but it is basically the same as my bootleg VHS.  Sure, I’m glad that I got the DVD because the sound is much better but visually, there is not much difference.  One of the things I guess I didn’t take into account was the age of this recording (it is 22 years old) so to be fair, it is as good as other videos from that time.  While there is not much in the way of bonus material, they did manage to tack on a “Making Of Slip Of The Tongue” short film that is basically home movie quality.  The main show is really the prime focus and I would highly recommend this DVD. 

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.