Whitesnake’s 1984 Slide It In album spawned such hits as “Love Ain’t No Stranger,” “Guilty Of Love,” “Slow & Easy” and the title track. The band’s leader and singer David Coverdale fronted a crackling band on the subsequent tour that included guitarist John Sykes, bassist Neil Murray and drummer Cozy Powell. Keyboardist Jon Lord and guitarist Mel Galley also sat in on some shows. The Live In 84 – Back To The Bone DVD and CD package features various performances from Whitesnake’s 1984 tour.
“Gambler” features a big and ballsy vocal from Coverdale over the heavy pulsating beat of the band. “Guilty of Love” is a little muddy and fast, perhaps an attempt at sounding like Thin Lizzy. Fortunately a strong performance of “Love Ain’t No Stranger” comes along with the organ bleeding through.
“Slow And Easy” has Coverdale commanding one of his best vocals on the disc with the snapping staccato of Cozy Powell behind him. The only downside is the sound quality on these mostly bootleg, tinny sounding pre-FM recordings, mired in their swampy bottom. Another highlight, “Soldier Of Fortune,” which Coverdale cut with Deep Purple, has the singer managing a deep, almost gospel approach.
“It’s still hard for me to find the words when remembering that half the incredible band who recorded the Slide It In album with me has passed away. Cozy Powell…Mel Galley…Jon Lord…amazing people…amazing musicians,” Coverdale recalls in the press release for Live In 84 – Back To The Bone. “Their memories live on in our hearts & in the music they made. I miss them beyond words…”
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
