Fool for Your Loving

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin Whitesnake's "Fool for Your Loving" from their 1989 album Slip of the Tongue. This track has a juicy backstory that’ll make you love it even more. Originally penned in 1980 for the album Ready an’ Willing, the song was co-written by David Coverdale, Bernie Marsden, and Micky Moody, inspired by the heartbreak of Coverdale’s first marriage. In a Firecracker magazine interview, Coverdale shared that the song’s emotional rawness came from personal turmoil, with lyrics reflecting a relationship gone sour. Fun fact: it was initially written for blues legend B.B. King, but Whitesnake kept it for themselves after realizing its potential, a move that paid off as it hit number 13 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980.

The 1989 version we’re spinning today was a re-recording for Slip of the Tongue, but it sparked some drama. David Coverdale revealed that he was “mortified” when Geffen Records pushed for “Fool for Your Loving” as the lead single over his preferred “Judgement Day.” The label hoped to replicate the success of the re-recorded “Here I Go Again” from 1987, but Coverdale’s market research pointed to “Judgement Day” as the stronger choice. Geffen won the battle, but the single only reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving Coverdale’s instincts right. Fans on Reddit often vibe with the original 1980 version, praising its soulful blues-rock edge over the heavier, Steve Vai-infused 1989 take.

Speaking of Steve Vai, his addition to the Slip of the_Tongue lineup was a game-changer. Adrian Vandenberg, the band’s guitarist, was sidelined by injury, so Coverdale tapped Vai after being wowed by his performance in the 1986 film Crossroads. Vai described his role as “decorating” the album, adding flashy solos to songs already written by Coverdale and Vandenberg. However, Vandenberg later shared in interviews that he felt Vai’s flamboyant style didn’t quite fit the band’s bluesy roots, a sentiment echoed by some fans who prefer the raw grit of earlier Whitesnake. The music video for the 1989 version, directed by Marty Callner, is a wild ride, kicking off with Coverdale in a padded cell and featuring a mysterious woman dancing in the shadows, adding to the song’s dramatic flair.

Now, let’s rewind to how Whitesnake slithered onto the scene. Formed in London in 1978, the band was born from David Coverdale’s departure from Deep Purple. After fronting Deep Purple from 1973 to 1976, Coverdale released two solo albums, White Snake (1977) and Northwinds (1978), with guitarist Micky Moody laying down tracks. These projects morphed into Whitesnake, with Moody, Bernie Marsden, and bassist Neil Murray forming the core. The band’s early sound was steeped in blues-rock, drawing comparisons to Deep Purple but carving its own path with hits like “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City.” By the mid-1980s, Coverdale aimed for the American market, signing with Geffen Records and shifting to a polished hard rock sound, which exploded with the 1987 self-titled album, selling over eight million copies in the U.S. alone.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Whitesnake’s latest slitherings on their official website, where you’ll find tour updates and merch. Follow them on Facebook for David Coverdale’s Q&A sessions and nostalgic posts, or check out their Instagram for killer throwback pics and video clips. On X, they share fan love and album anniversaries, like the 2023 nod to Slip of the Tongue’s 34th birthday. For deeper dives, join fan communities like the Whitesnake Fan Club on Facebook, where devotees swap stories and rare pics, or visit Whitesnake Fan Nation for fan-curated content. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and let “Fool for Your Loving” keep you under its spell!