Love Ain’t No Stranger

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Love Ain’t No Stranger" by Whitesnake from their 1984 album Slide It In, and the Zoo Freaks are sure to love the juicy trivia behind this power ballad. According to the 25th Anniversary Edition booklet of Slide It In, the song’s iconic keyboard intro, played by Jon Lord, was originally written for guitars but switched to keyboards for a more emotive feel. Drummer Cozy Powell, a legend in his own right, reportedly told frontman David Coverdale that this track was the best he’d ever played drums on, a testament to its powerful rhythm section. The music video, directed by Mark Rezyka, features Coverdale wandering a misty city, gazing at a woman with snake tattoos mirroring the album’s cover art. Fun fact: bassist Rudy Sarzo revealed on X that his wife, Rebecca, was the "Snake Lady" in the video, marking her as the first Sarzo to appear in a Whitesnake production. The song’s enduring popularity is evident, having been performed over 800 times live by December 2022, making it one of Whitesnake’s top five most-played songs.

Whitesnake was born from the vision of David Coverdale, who founded the band in 1978 in London after leaving Deep Purple. Coverdale, hailing from North Yorkshire, UK, had already made waves as Deep Purple’s vocalist, but he sought to carve his own path. Initially, Whitesnake served as a backing band for Coverdale’s solo work, with their debut EP Snakebite dropping in 1978. This release included a cover of Bobby Bland’s "Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City," which became a live staple. The band’s early albums, like Trouble (1978) and Lovehunter (1979), blended bluesy hard rock with Coverdale’s soulful vocals, gaining traction in the UK, Europe, and Japan. By the mid-1980s, with Slide It In and the support of Geffen Records, Whitesnake broke into the U.S. market, adopting a glossier, glam-metal edge to compete with bands like Bon Jovi. Their 1987 self-titled album skyrocketed them to global fame, selling over eight million copies in the U.S. alone. Coverdale remains the band’s only constant member, steering Whitesnake through lineup changes and evolving sounds.

Fans can stay connected with Whitesnake through their official Facebook page, Instagram account, and X profile, where David Coverdale frequently shares updates, from new releases to holiday-themed posts like his readings of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The band’s official website offers a store, discography, and news, including details on their latest 2025 remastered live album, Access All Areas: Live. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Whitesnake Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant group where fans share memories, photos, and concert stories. Another fan hub, Whitesnake - The Official Fan Group, fosters discussions about the band’s legacy and upcoming projects. These platforms keep the Whitesnake spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Freak rocking out to "Love Ain’t No Stranger."