Wings of the Storm

The song Wings of the Storm from Whitesnake's 1989 album Slip of the Tongue carries a unique story, as shared by frontman David Coverdale in interviews. Coverdale described the track as an optimistic love song with a powerful message about resilience in relationships. He explained that the lyrics, such as “On and on, the road goes on, And it’ll go on forever, The time will show, if you and I Will walk that road together,” reflect the challenges of maintaining a strong bond against external pressures. He noted that the song’s theme is about sticking together to overcome obstacles, emphasizing unity over division. Coverdale also revealed that the song was intentionally crafted as a high-energy, “a hundred miles an hour” track for live performances, designed to showcase a strong female character, flipping the typical hard rock narrative of male dominance. This perspective was shaped by Coverdale’s collaboration with guitarist Adrian Vandenberg, a longtime Whitesnake fan who wanted to inject fresh tempos and styles into the band’s sound.

Another layer of trivia comes from the recording process, which was marked by challenges. Adrian Vandenberg, a key songwriter for Slip of the Tongue, suffered a wrist injury that limited his playing, leading David Coverdale to recruit virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai. Coverdale, unfamiliar with Vai’s work with Frank Zappa or David Lee Roth, was impressed by Vai’s performance in the 1986 film Crossroads. Vai’s flamboyant style, including innovative guitar effects like those heard in Wings of the Storm, added a distinctive flair but sparked some debate. Vandenberg later commented in interviews that he felt Vai’s approach was less bluesy than the album might have needed, though his contributions, including harmonics and Floyd Rose techniques, were technically dazzling. Fans on social media, particularly in posts on Whitesnake’s Facebook, have praised Vai’s work on the track, with some calling it a highlight of the band’s 1990 Monsters of Rock performance at Castle Donington, later released as a live album.

Whitesnake began with David Coverdale, who founded the band in 1978 after leaving Deep Purple. Born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, England, Coverdale joined Deep Purple in 1973, gaining fame as their vocalist during a turbulent period for the band. After Deep Purple disbanded in 1976, Coverdale released his solo album White Snake in 1977, which laid the groundwork for the band’s formation. Initially, Whitesnake was a backing group for Coverdale, featuring guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, drummer Dave Dowle, and keyboardist Brian Johnston. Their debut EP, Snakebite, released in 1978, reached number 61 on the UK Singles Chart, and their first full album, Trouble, followed later that year. The band’s early sound was rooted in blues rock, drawing comparisons to Deep Purple, but by the mid-1980s, they shifted to a more commercial hard rock style, achieving global success with their 1987 self-titled album, featuring hits like Here I Go Again and Is This Love.

Over the decades, Whitesnake has seen numerous lineup changes, with Coverdale as the only constant member. The band’s evolution included notable musicians like Jon Lord and Ian Paice from Deep Purple, and later Steve Vai and Tommy Aldridge, who contributed to Slip of the Tongue. Their 1987 album became their biggest success, selling over eight million copies in the US alone, cementing their place in rock history. Despite periods of hiatus, Coverdale reformed the band multiple times, with their most recent lineup including guitarists Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra, drummer Tommy Aldridge, and bassist Tanya O’Callaghan. Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates and celebrate milestones like the 30th anniversary of Slip of the Tongue.

For fans looking to dive deeper, there are dedicated communities online. The Whitesnake Fans Facebook group is a vibrant space where enthusiasts share memorabilia, discuss live shows, and post about tracks like Wings of the Storm. Another fan-driven site, Whitesnake Fan Network, offers news, discographies, and forums for connecting with other “Zoo Freaks” who love the band’s music. These platforms highlight the enduring passion for Whitesnake, with fans frequently citing Slip of the Tongue as a bold, if controversial, chapter in the band’s legacy due to its polished production and Vai’s virtuosic contributions.