Breaking the Band Season 3 Episode 15 Whitesnake

Breaking the Band is a popular documentary series that takes viewers on an in-depth journey of iconic music bands and their inevitable downfall. This particular episode, titled "Whitesnake," from season 3 explores the rise and fall of the legendary British rock band Whitesnake.

The episode starts by introducing the audience to the early struggles of the band's founder and frontman, David Coverdale. He had little success with his first band, Deep Purple, and decided to form Whitesnake in 1978 after a trip to America. Coverdale put together a group of musicians that would become the classic Whitesnake lineup, including guitarists Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody, keyboardist Jon Lord, bassist Neil Murray, and drummer Ian Paice.

The episode then delves into the band's first few years, documenting their rise to fame in the UK with hits like "Fool for Your Loving" and "Lovehunter." However, the band's breakthrough would come with their self-titled album in 1987, which sold over eight million copies worldwide. The album generated massive hits like "Is This Love" and "Here I Go Again," making Whitesnake one of the biggest bands in the world.

But the success of Whitesnake was not without its drawbacks. The episode explores the band's struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, particularly with David Coverdale, who had a reputation for partying hard. The band's excessive lifestyle eventually started to take its toll, and tensions began to rise within the group.

The episode also delves into the creative differences that started to develop within the band. While Coverdale had always been the driving force behind Whitesnake, tensions began to rise between him and guitarist John Sykes. Sykes felt that he was contributing a lot to the band's success and wanted more creative control, which ultimately led to his departure from the group.

Whitesnake's success continued well into the '90s, with albums like "Slip of the Tongue" and hits like "The Deeper the Love" and "Now You're Gone." However, the changing musical landscape and the rise of grunge and alternative rock led to a decline in popularity for Whitesnake. The band's 1997 album, "Restless Heart," failed to make a significant impact, and Coverdale decided to put the band on hold.

The episode concludes by addressing the band's legacy and their impact on rock music. Whitesnake may have experienced a downfall, but their music continues to resonate with fans around the world, and their influence can be felt in many modern rock bands.

Overall, "Whitesnake" is a captivating and informative episode that sheds light on the rise and fall of one of rock music's most iconic bands. Through interviews with band members and industry insiders, viewers get an inside look at the highs and lows of Whitesnake's journey, from their early struggles to their massive success, and ultimately, their downfall.