Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City

The Zoo Crew is spinning a classic today with Whitesnake’s “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City” from their 1978 debut EP, Snakebite. This track, a cover of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s 1974 R&B gem, became a defining moment for the band. Guitarist Bernie Marsden recalled the song’s instant magic during its live debut at the Regal Theatre in Ashington in 1978, where the crowd sang along as if they’d known it for years. He described the audience as the “Whitesnake Choir,” a term that stuck for their fans who belt out the song’s soulful hook at concerts. Marsden once shared a humorous encounter with Bobby Bland himself, who acknowledged Whitesnake’s version with a wry comment: “You guys made a shitload more money than I ever did from that.” The song’s live rendition, especially from the 1978 Hammersmith Odeon recording featured on Live… In The Heart Of The City, is considered the definitive version, cementing its status as a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s setlists.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s unexpected origins. David Coverdale, Whitesnake’s frontman, revealed that “Ain’t No Love” wasn’t even planned for the Snakebite EP. The band included it almost by accident while auditioning bass players, as they were short on original material. Yet, this soulful cover, with Micky Moody’s melancholic guitar line and Coverdale’s rich, caramel vocals, transformed it into a blues-rock anthem. The track’s communal singalong vibe was evident from its first performance, with Marsden noting how 200 out of 300-400 attendees at early gigs joined in, despite never hearing it before. Its cultural reach extends beyond rock, with the song appearing in films like The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017) and TV shows like Sex Education, proving its timeless appeal.

Whitesnake was born from the vision of David Coverdale, who founded the band in 1978 after leaving Deep Purple. Hailing from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire, Coverdale’s early career was rooted in soul and blues, with influences like Donny Hathaway shaping his vocal style. After joining Deep Purple in 1973, he gained fame as their lead singer until the band’s split in 1976. Eager to carve his own path, Coverdale released two solo albums, White Snake (1977) and Northwinds (1978), before assembling a backing band that evolved into Whitesnake. Initially called David Coverdale’s Whitesnake, the group included guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, drummer Dave Dowle, and keyboardist Peter Solley. Their blues-rock sound, showcased on Snakebite, quickly gained traction in the UK, Europe, and Japan, with albums like Trouble (1978) and Lovehunter (1979) building their reputation.

By the mid-1980s, Coverdale shifted Whitesnake toward a more commercial hard rock style, targeting the U.S. market. With the support of Geffen Records, their 1987 self-titled album became a global smash, selling over eight million copies and spawning hits like “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.” Despite lineup changes, Coverdale remains the band’s constant, leading Whitesnake through multiple eras, from their bluesy roots to their glam metal peak and beyond. The band has released 13 studio albums, with their latest, Flesh & Blood (2019), reaching number 7 on the UK charts. Whitesnake’s enduring legacy includes nominations for awards like the 1988 Brit Awards for Best British Group.

Fans can connect with Whitesnake through their official website and social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Whitesnake Wiki on Fandom offers detailed song and album insights, while the Whitesnake Fans Worldwide Facebook group is a vibrant hub for fans to share memories, photos, and news about the band. These platforms keep the Whitesnake Choir alive and singing, just like those early crowds belting out “Ain’t No Love In The Heart Of The City.”