Whitesnake and Whitford/St. Holmes @ Rocksino, Northfield, Ohio 6-11-16

A wonderful night of classic rock with Whitesnake along with the Whitford/St. Holmes band who are back together in support of a new album called “Reunion.” This package stopped by the Rocksino in Northfield, Ohio this past Saturday night.

Opening the set was Whitford/ St. Holmes who played for about a half an hour. Songs of both records, “Reunion” and their 1981 self-titled debut were on the setlist with a medley of songs from both Ted Nugent and Aerosmith thrown in to appease the crowd. Newly enlisted Brent Fitz (Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators) backed the band on the drums. He was accompanied by Chopper Anderson on bass and Buck Johnson on keyboards. I wish the band was able to offer more but it was solid short set and a must see this summer.

Freshly off being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with his former band Deep purple, David Coverdale and his band Whitesnake are currently on tour. They are billing this run as the “Greatest Hits Tour.” This is their 2nd appearance in as many years at the venue but still played to a near capacity house. This version of Whitesnake includes Coverdale on vocals, Tommy Aldridge on drums, Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra on guitar, Michael Devin on bass and the newest member Michele Luppi on keyboards.

This hour and a half set featured the best of Whitesnake which really made for an up-tempo, fun show. Coverdale worked each side of the stage the entire time back and forth. He has a great supporting cast and they showcased their talents throughout the performance. Hoekstra adds that classic guitar look and sound to the band along with the solid playing of Beach. When it was time to introduce the band (and before Beach’s name even came out), Coverdale mentioned he was from Pittsburgh and that formed a loud round of boos (Browns and Steelers are longtime rivals.) Beach and Coverdale got a nice chuckle then all was well once Beach’s name was announced to a round of cheers.

Having one of the best drummers on the planet in Tommy Aldridge back in the fold gives the band a rock solid foundation, but connects this band to its past. Devin has been the 2nd longest member (Beach being the longest) and locks perfectly in with Aldridge.

Coverdale’s voice held up for the most part. He knew when to push and when to hold back and appropriately inserted said guitar or drum solo to give his voice some rest during the set. The solos were interesting as Hoekstra went back and forth from the acoustic (which was on a stand) to playing the electric. Aldridge used not only his sticks but his bare hands and fists to play during his solo.

The crowd was into the show from beginning to end. It was a great set and adding Whitford/St. Holmes as the opener makes it a double bill you don’t want to miss if you’re a traditional classic rock lover.

Whitesnake setlist:

Bad Boys

Slide It In

Love Ain’t No Stranger

Deeper the Love

Fool for Your Lovin’

Sailing Ships

Judgment Day

Guitar solos

Slow & Easy

Cryin’ in the Rain

Drum solo