Whitesnake
Monster Of Rock 1983

THE REVIEW

Monster of Rock

The most important music festival of the last 30 years. It was created by the genius of Ritchie Blackmore, who not only understood music but also business. It was he who came up with this festival dedicated to Hard Rock music. The idea was so successful that it was decided to repeat it in the following years.

In 1983, the lineup included: Diamond Head, Dio, Twisted Sister, ZZ Top, Meat Loaf, and the Whitesnake. Such magnificence in one evening. Coverdale & Co.'s band is making their second appearance after 1981, but tonight they are the headliners, and an amazing performance is expected from them.
There are three new members in the lineup: Mel Galley replaces the astonishing Bernie Marsden; Colin Hodgkinson replaces Neil Murray on bass, while Cozy Powell takes over from Ian Paice. What a lineup! All elements of extraordinary talent.

The start is explosive, Cozy Powell guarantees solidity and speed to the band, all songs are immediate and explosive: "Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues", "Rough 'N' Ready" and "Ready An' Willing" leave no room for breath, with the audience and listeners able to enjoy a superb performance by the Snakes. Guitar and keyboard solos at full force in this start.
There's also room for a preview of the upcoming album, performing the track "Guilty Of Love" from "Slide In It" (a record that will present the first style changes, aiming towards the American market).
Jon Lord creates a church-like atmosphere with his Hammond organ and introduces the splendid "Here I Go Again", which the audience is ready to sing along with Coverdale, giving chills.

The lineup also includes a certain Micky Moody and his slide guitar, entertaining fans with "Lovehunter" through his masterful southern-style solos.
The Snakes take a breather and rediscover from the mothballs (in a good sense) two Deep Purple tracks, performing "Mistreated" and "Soldier Of Fortune", two songs very dear to Coverdale. To conclude this magnificent concert with a bang, the band performs the fantastic bluesy ballad "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City".
Roaring applause and requests for an encore arise loudly and the Whitesnake don't hold back, there's still time for one last song: "Fool For You Loving".

No better conclusion could there be for Monster Of Rock 1983, appreciating the last emotional Hard Blues performances by the Whitesnake. Coverdale and company hit the mark again, a killer live performance!