"What can I say – it was almost exactly as I expected. DC and five anonymous backing men running through a set skewed towards Slide It In era Whitesnake, providing some great moments but an overall sense of disappointment. It was my first concert at the Arena and it was the usual soulless barn, reminiscent of Wembley. Capacity is about 10,000 and judging by where the curtain came across they had probably allowed for an audience of about 5,000..." full review by Brian Jackson

"The evening didn't get off to the best start when upon arrival at the carpark we were told that Gary Moore wasn't apperaring (rumours of an injured arm). To make matters worse we didn't see Y&T either, don't know what happened there. We had to make do with the worst support group I can recall in 21 years of gigs - Red Lemon??? The lead singer spoke 15 words of dialogue in 35 mins.

However things warmed up considerably upon the arrival of DC. The guitarists should learn to play in the same key as the singer (it wasn't just me who commented on this - the boys on the monitor desk were saying it as well). We were however treated to nearly two hours of songs old and new-ish and shape throwing of the highest order, the choir were in good voice and this was appreciated by the gentleman from Redcar. All in all a good gig spoilt by the lack of any decent support or reduction in ticket price."

review: Keith Livingstone

"The audience slowly filled Ijsselhallen, I think there were about 6,000 there in the end. A couple of weeks ago I saw M3 (with Moody, Marsden and Murray with singer Tony Martin) in Belgium and they played a superb show of Whitesnake favourites including some from the early days. So I was curious if David would do this too. Just before the show started the crowd were pleased to hear Burn on the intro tape, and right after that the band came on stage and opened with Bad Boys. The typical sound of Whitesnake was there again!!! Songs from the late eigthies and early nighties were predominant. Between songs David pleased the audience by singing acapalla requests, sometimes he didn't remember the lyrics, but no-one cared, it was great. Tommy Aldridge's drum solo was impressive, as was Marco Mendoza's bass spot, he was really great.

Just before the end David surprised us by bringing Adje Vandenberg onstage. The band played on, just as if he'd always been there. After about 80 minutes we left with We Wish You Well coming out of the speakers. Highlights for me were Fool For Your Loving and Soldier of Fortune. Whitesnake compared with M3? Equal."

review: Peter Rossen

"A little addition to the Peter Rossen's review from my part. I clocked Whitesnake in just under 95 minutes instead of 80 minutes; but who's counting! David had a little trouble regarding the name of the city Whitesnake was playing: "Is it Swallow... Swallow ?? or is it Zwolle ??.... I Guess we're all swallowing tonight"

As for the acapella parts, David seemed surprised by two requests: Northwinds and Slip Of The Tongue. I was surprised by the bluesy sound of Doug Aldrich; a sheer delight regarding the 80's songs in the setlist. As reviewed earlier David's voice is better than ever (last time in 1997 the flu got a hold of all the band but they were still very strong). Last but certainly not least the pounding Tommy Alridge is back where he belongs: in Whitesnake... All that remains is a Silver Jubilee DVD and an encore tour in less than 5 years this time! Cheers, Gerard Stam."

"Yes, on this tour David Coverdale really does sing like an old lady! I was at Zwolle, and the show was really catastrophic. There was no medium in the sound, and Coverdale has lost all the legendary soul in his singing. Instead he screamed throughout the show. A real nightmare... What a shame for the best voice of the 70's and 80's. RIP" Alain Rabiat

"D.C. ...D.C.......Please don`t use the name Whitesnake any more, until a reunion with Moody, Marsden & Murray. A lot of us old fans want the real snakes !!" Jimmi West, Denmark

"Help me!!!!! Somebody has stolen Whitesnake – or was it just a 3rd rate cover band. I have been a HUGE fan of David Coverdale since Deep Purple and all the way with Whitesnake in the days of blues/rock – and this was NOT the Coverdale as in the old days. Get this crap out of your system and get the 'Snake back to the roots, and at least get this drum machine out and a real drummer in. Good grief... he is still doing the 2595 years old drumsolo with his hands." Bo Poulsen

"Whitesnake played a tight set, 11 songs as well DC and the choir singing 'Soldier of Fortune'. Coverdale's voice was excellent during the whole gig and one of the top issues was Marco's unbeliveable bass playing...." Janne Kukkonen

more reviews + photos; the debate rumbles on...

photo courtesy of Niklas Nilsson

Two atmospheric snaps
of DC and the boys in action.
Click to enlarge.

photos by Nikos Angelopoulos
+ his full review

"The show was two hours plus, with the bonus of Judgment Day as second encore. It was not the Whitesnake which we remember from the 80`s or even the `90s. The highlights were a five minute drum solo & the bass solo. Coverdale`s voice was excellent during the whole gig. The best performance - David and the audience. Half of the show was performed by 10,000 & 1 voices. Great party, thank you David!" review: Vesko