Whitesnake, a rock band that rose to fame in the late ’80s, became a global sensation with hit songs and provocative music videos. One of the band’s former members, bassist Rudy Sarzo, revealed that the videos could have been even more scandalous. Sarzo, a Cuban-American musician, joined Whitesnake in 1987 after stints with Ozzy Osbourne and Quiet Riot. The band, led by David Coverdale, aimed to capture the American market with their album named 1987.
The album was a collaborative effort between Coverdale and guitarist John Sykes, featuring tracks recorded with bassist Neil Murray and drummer Aynsley Dunbar. However, after the album’s completion, Coverdale revamped the lineup for touring, bringing in Sarzo, drummer Tommy Aldridge, and guitarists Adrian Vandenberg and Vivian Campbell. This new lineup also starred in the band’s music videos for hits like “Still Of The Night,” “Is This Love,” “Give Me All Your Love,” and “Here I Go Again ’87,” a chart-topping remake of their 1982 song.
Sarzo reflected on this period, emphasizing the importance of marketing and image in the ’80s music scene dominated by MTV. The era of hair metal saw bands like Bon Jovi, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Poison ruling the airwaves. Sarzo explained that to succeed in the industry, bands had to conform to a specific style and fashion, aligning with the trends of the time.
Directed by Marty Callner, Whitesnake’s videos featured Coverdale’s then-girlfriend Tawny Kitaen, adding a touch of glamour to the band’s visual appeal. Sarzo praised Callner’s cinematic approach to video-making, highlighting his credibility and success in the entertainment industry. While Sarzo didn’t directly interact with Kitaen during video shoots, he later bonded with her as she became part of the Whitesnake family.
Sarzo’s memorable performance in the videos included a signature move of licking his bass guitar. He humorously recounted a late-night shoot where he improvised some risqué actions, surpassing the infamous bass lick. Despite the antics, Sarzo’s contribution to the videos cemented his place in Whitesnake’s visual legacy.
Reflecting on his time with Whitesnake, Sarzo acknowledged the band’s strategic decisions to align with industry trends and marketing strategies. The success of their music and videos propelled Whitesnake to the top of the charts, solidifying their status as one of the era’s iconic rock bands.
As Sarzo’s revelations shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of Whitesnake’s meteoric rise, it becomes evident that the band’s blend of music and visual storytelling played a crucial role in their ascent to stardom.
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