Whitesnake's Live... In The Heart Of The City: A Definitive Live Album Experience
Whitesnake's live sound was unleashed with the release of their iconic double live album, Live... In The Heart Of The City. This album, considered one of the greatest live recordings of all time, showcases the band's energy and connection with their audience. Originally released as a single-disc live album for the Japanese market under the title Live At Hammersmith, it was later combined with a fresh recording from a 1980 performance at the same venue to create the double album Live... In The Heart Of The City.
The album captures the essence of early Whitesnake, featuring a mix of songs from their previous studio albums and showcasing the band's evolution. The 1978 performance at Hammersmith Odeon includes tracks like "Might Just Take Your Life" and "Mistreated" from Deep Purple's repertoire, as well as signature Whitesnake songs like "Trouble" and "Come On." The standout track, "Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City," exemplifies the band's connection with their fans and their ability to create a powerful live experience.
The 1980 performance at Hammersmith Odeon showcases what many consider the best Whitesnake lineup, with David Coverdale, Jon Lord, Ian Paice, Neil Murray, and guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden. This set includes tracks from their albums Lovehunter and Ready An' Willing, such as "Ready An' Willing," "Sweet Talker," and the hit single "Fool For Your Loving." The band's chemistry and musical prowess shine through in this performance, solidifying their reputation as a top live act.
Live... In The Heart Of The City may have a minor flaw with repeated songs, but overall, it captures the heart, soul, and spirit of early Whitesnake. David Coverdale himself acknowledged that the live setting was where the band truly excelled, and this album showcases that brilliance. While Whitesnake would go on to achieve greater commercial success in the late '80s, for many fans, Live... In The Heart Of The City remains the definitive Whitesnake album, embodying the essence of the band's early years and live performances.