As far as I can ascertain, Whitesnake have had over 40 band members in their near 40 years existence.
There are only two consistencies over that time, David Coverdale, and magnificent hair.
‘Hair metal’ wasn’t just a genre, it was a fashion statement, and it was most prominent throughout the 80’s, along with ‘glam metal’. So, as the 30th anniversary of Whitesnake’s 1987 album arrives, let’s focus on the Vidal Sassoon catalogue that was Whitesnake in the 80’s.
Look at this. I mean really look at this picture. It’s pure sex, innit? Strong jaw lines, pirate clothes, and magnificent, textured, teased, moussed, glorious long locks right across the board. I think the stand out in this pic is second from the left, Adrian Vandenberg. Whoever did his hair for this photo shoot deserves a bloody award. It’s so perfect it hurts. If it weren’t for his coiffure, they’d be a collective 7/10. But he lifts it to a hard 9/10. As for their outfits, only Steve Vai continued the weird get up throughout his career, so I’d say for lack of conviction from the others, it drags them down to a 6/10.
An earlier 80’s Whitesnake lineup, but we can see that Adrian definitely has ‘a side’ (only shoot from the left, please). Strong hair throughout this pic, the standout this time has to be bassist, Rudy Sarzo (far left), who is a natural brunette, but like many around him, he worked hard in the early 80’s hair department, bleaching it blonde, and tussling it high with excellent volume. Outstanding, and clearly influencing Adrian down the track. Solid 8/10 for hair in this pic. Outfit wise, this early 80’s style was less pirate, more ‘we’re trying to find our style’ with no cohesion between players. It’s a more natural individual style, which I like, so I’m going with 7/10.
This is just disappointing. The ‘we’re a hard workin band on the road and don’t always have time to look fabulous’ photo. Only the natural curls of drummer Tommy Aldridge saves this pic in the slightest. This is a dark day in the photo history of Whitesnake. Poor form lads. 2/10 for hair. 2/10 outfits, this should be stricken from the record.
Alright, now we’re talking. At the MTV Awards, you have to look your best, and the guys delivered in spades. Hair is on point from all members. Some say that hair metal bands in the 80’s are largely responsible for the hole in the ozone layer due to the immense amount of chlorofluorocarbons released from their hairspray, as evidenced in this picture. You be the judge. They’re having fun, moving about, yet the hair remains stoic in perfect. 8/10. Styling gets a strong 8.5 out of 10 with 3 of the guys showing a lot of flesh. Saucy.
What we have here is the most serious photo of Whitesnake in the 80’s I could find. In poster form, it’s dangerous. If a 14-year-old male had this on his wall, he’d grow chest hair and his mop would grow a foot, then bleach blonde just by looking at it but once! I’ve heard that it was illegal for women to own this poster in the 80’s, I don’t know why, the facts are cloudy at best. All I know is, this is the most powerful image of the band, ever. Hence the reason for its grainy texture, any clearer, and you’d be dead from those steely eyes, insanely dreamy hair, and killer fashion sense.
Kip Winger cried when he saw this.
Hair 10/10, fashion, 10/10.
The 30th Anniversary edition of 1987 by Whitesnake is out now, get it here! It includes rare live and studio recordings, remixes and the original album remastered.
- Higgo
