Vandenberg’s 2024-2025 U.S. tour marks their first North American trek in over three decades, making it a rare and special occasion to witness the legendary Dutch guitarist Adrian Vandenberg in a live setting. While the band has remained active in Europe and South America, regularly releasing new music and performing in the hard rock scene, the U.S. has been a different story.
Like many other bands from this era, the U.S. market leans heavily on nostalgia, with promoters banking on legacy acts and classic back catalogs to draw ticket sales. As a result, Adrian Vandenberg and his band embarked on a short February-March U.S. tour titled "My Whitesnake Years," celebrating his tenure with the legendary Whitesnake and marking 35 years since the release of Slip of the Tongue and the iconic "Live at Donington 1990" performance.
A Celebration of Whitesnake’s Greatest Hits
With Whitesnake currently inactive in the live scene, due to David Coverdale's semi-retirement after a legendary 50-year career, this tour became an unexpected opportunity for fans to experience these songs one more time. And while Coverdale himself wasn't present, Adrian Vandenberg—a core member of Whitesnake’s late-'80s powerhouse lineup—brought the band’s timeless anthems back to life.
Backed by a youthful and energetic lineup, including Swedish vocalist Mats Levén (ex-Yngwie Malmsteen, Candlemass), Vandenberg and his band captured the essence of ’80s Whitesnake, albeit in a club-sized, stripped-down setting. Levén’s ability to channel Coverdale’s bluesy, powerful vocal style without outright imitation was one of the show’s major highlights.
Band Lineup:
- Adrian Vandenberg – Guitar
- Mats Levén – Vocals
- Sem Christoffel – Bass
- Joey Marin De Boer – Drums
- Len Van De Laak – Keyboards
Adrian Vandenberg’s dynamic stage presence stood out, proving that the veteran guitarist hasn’t lost his touch. Fans were treated to a Whitesnake-heavy setlist, meticulously arranged in a way that mirrored the band’s classic late-'80s live performances.
High-Energy Setlist with Vandenberg Classics
In addition to Whitesnake’s legendary tracks, the setlist featured a handful of original Vandenberg compositions, reminding longtime fans of the guitarist’s own contributions to the hard rock scene. Alongside a drum solo, blistering guitar shredding, and classic "hair metal" stage antics, the show delivered everything fans could have hoped for.
Setlist:
- Hit The Ground Running
- Slide It In
- Fool for Your Loving
- Your Love Is In Vain
- Bad Boys
- Love Ain't No Stranger
- Is This Love
- Give Me All Your Love
- Drum Solo
- Judgement Day
- Adagio for Strato
- Crying in the Rain
- Here I Go Again
- Sailing Ships
- Burning Heart
- Still of the Night
Fan Reactions & Online Reviews
The reception to the tour has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans and critics praising Vandenberg’s ability to transport audiences back to Whitesnake’s golden era.
Loudwire Review:
"Adrian Vandenberg delivered a masterclass in hard rock guitar, proving why his legacy with Whitesnake still resonates decades later. Mats Levén’s vocals were a revelation, seamlessly blending classic Whitesnake vibes with his own unique charisma."
Blabbermouth Fan Feedback:
"Seeing Adrian Vandenberg play Whitesnake classics live again was like stepping back into 1988! The energy, the musicianship, and the setlist were everything a Whitesnake fan could want."
Social Media Buzz:
Many fans took to Twitter and Facebook, sharing clips and reactions:
🔥 "My Whitesnake Years tour was pure nostalgia! Mats Levén nailed the vocals, and Adrian Vandenberg is still a beast on guitar!"
🔥 "Didn’t think I’d ever hear ‘Judgement Day’ live again. Thank you, Adrian Vandenberg, for keeping these songs alive!"
Opening Act: Bad Marriage Brings Classic Rock Swagger
Bad Marriage, a rock band from Boston, Massachusetts, opened the U.S. tour dates. The band is known for its energetic performances and sound, reminiscent of the legendary ’80s rock scene. Featuring former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch, Bad Marriage's triple-guitar attack added a dynamic edge to their set.
Bad Marriage performed a mix of original material from their discography and hard-hitting covers of Saxon and Tesla classics. Their performance provided the perfect high-energy lead-in to Vandenberg’s set, exciting the crowd with their raw, straight-ahead rock ‘n’ roll style.
Final Thoughts: A Triumphant Return for Vandenberg
For fans of classic hard rock and Whitesnake, Vandenberg’s "My Whitesnake Years" tour was an unforgettable experience. The combination of a legendary guitarist, a powerhouse vocalist, and a well-curated setlist made this one of the must-see hard rock tours of early 2025
With Whitesnake’s future uncertain, this might be one of the last chances to hear these songs played authentically by one of the musicians who helped create them. And if fan reactions are anything to go by, Adrian Vandenberg still has plenty of fire left in his playing—and a loyal audience eager to hear more.
If you can catch a remaining date on the tour, don’t miss it! 🤘🔥
Review by Metal Walt
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