Judgement Day

The song "Judgement Day" from Whitesnake's 1989 album Slip of the Tongue carries a unique backstory, as revealed by frontman David Coverdale in interviews. Coverdale described the track as a "Percodan riff," inspired by the pain medication he was prescribed after back surgery in April 1988 for a herniated disc caused by years of intense stage performances. The song's heavy, emotive tone reflects this period of physical and creative struggle. Coverdale also noted that "Judgement Day" was a subtle jab at Robert Plant, with whom he had a playful rivalry, as Whitesnake's sound drew comparisons to Led Zeppelin. Fans on platforms like The Gear Page have praised the song for its powerful riffs and Steve Vai's guitar work, with some calling it a standout track alongside "Fool for Your Loving" and "The Deeper the Love."

Coverdale expressed regret over the decision to release a re-recorded version of "Fool for Your Loving" as the album's lead single instead of "Judgement Day." In the 20th-anniversary liner notes for Slip of the Tongue, he admitted he was "mortified" by the choice, believing radio stations would have embraced "Judgement Day" based on market research. He felt pressured by Geffen Records and his management, who thought repeating the success of the re-recorded "Here I Go Again" from 1987 was a safer bet. Coverdale later called this a "hard lesson" to stick to his instincts. The song never got a single release but was played on radio, and its extended solo version on the 30th-anniversary edition, reviewed by All About The Rock, was described as "mind-bendingly amazing" for showcasing Vai's virtuosity.

Whitesnake was founded in 1978 by David Coverdale, who had recently left Deep Purple, where he served as lead vocalist from 1973 to 1976. Born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, in 1951, Coverdale's early career was shaped by his love for blues and rock. He was discovered by Deep Purple after sending them a demo tape while working in a clothing boutique. After Deep Purple disbanded, Coverdale launched his solo career with the album White Snake in 1977, which evolved into the band Whitesnake. Initially a blues-rock outfit, the band gained traction in the UK with albums like Trouble (1978) and Lovehunter (1979), featuring hits such as "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City." By the mid-1980s, Whitesnake shifted to a more commercial hard rock sound, achieving global success with their 1987 self-titled album, which sold over eight million copies in the US alone.

You can follow Whitesnake on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and releases. The band's official website, whitesnake.com, offers news, discography, and merchandise. Fans also gather on platforms like the Whitesnake Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts share memories, photos, and discussions about the band’s legacy. Another fan hub is The Gear Page’s Whitesnake thread, where guitarists and fans debate the band’s music, especially Slip of the Tongue’s production and Vai’s contributions.