Formation, Snakebite and Trouble (1976–1978)

In March 1976, singer David Coverdale left the English hard rock group Deep Purple; he had joined the band three years prior and recorded three successful albums with them. After leaving Deep Purple, Coverdale released his solo album White Snake in February 1977. His second solo album Northwinds was released in March 1978. Both combined elements of blues, soul and funk, as Coverdale had wanted to distance himself from the hard rock sound synonymous with Deep Purple. Both records featured former Snafu guitarist Micky Moody, whom Coverdale had known since the late 1960s. Moody was the first to join Coverdale's backing band, which he began assembling in London. As stated by Coverdale, "Whitesnake were actually formed to promote Northwinds on a one-off promotional tour". Moody suggested bringing in a second guitarist, with the spot ultimately going to Bernie Marsden, formerly of UFO and Paice Ashton Lord. With his help, the band were able to recruit bassist Neil Murray, who had played with Marsden in Cozy Powell's Hammer. The group's initial line-up was rounded out by drummer Dave "Duck" Dowle and keyboardist Brian Johnston, who had played together in Streetwalkers. Other early candidates for the band were drummers Cozy Powell and Dave Holland as well as guitarist Mel Galley.

1987 (1985–1988)

The supporting tour for Slide It In ended in January 1985 with two shows at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil. After the tour, Cozy Powell parted ways with the band. According to Coverdale, his relationship with Powell had deteriorated over the course of the tour. After the final show, Coverdale flew to Los Angeles to inform Geffen Records he was dismissing the rest of the band. He was persuaded to keep Sykes (because Geffen felt they formed a "strong image together") and ultimately changed his mind about Murray. Powell, meanwhile, was fired. According to Murray, Powell's departure was the result of financial disputes. Coverdale later said Powell did not consider the offer for his involvement "appropriate".