Formed in London in 1978 by vocalist David Coverdale, the band originally featured guitarists Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden, bassist Neil Murray, keyboardist Peter Solley and drummer Dave Dowle.

[1] The group's debut EP Snakebite was released in June 1978 and reached number 61 on the UK Singles Chart.

[2] Dowle was replaced by Ian Paice after the release of Lovehunter,[4] and in 1980 Whitesnake reached the UK top ten for the first time with Ready an' Willing, which peaked at number 6 and was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

[6] It was also the band's first release to be certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), reaching double platinum status.

[3] In 2019 was released band's thirteenth studio album Flesh & Blood which reached number 7 on the UK charts.