THE trousers may be a little less tight, the top a little looser around the middle and the voice cant quite scale the heights that it used to, but theres no doubting David Coverdale still has what it takes.

The Saltburn rocker brought Whitesnake back to the North-East as part of the bands 35th anniversary celebrations on Wednesday.

Part of a three-band ensemble, which also included British group Thunder and Stateside AOR outfit, Journey, Coverdale and co took a little while to hit their straps, but when they did the Arena was transformed into a sea of waving arms, pumping fists and the odd impromptu air guitar solo.

The set list covered almost the entire gamut of the bands back catalogue with the likes of Give Me All Your Love, Fool For Your Lovin, Here I Go Again and Still of the Night from their classic albums complemented by later songs such as Can You Hear The Wind Blow and Forevermore from their latest offering. Coverdale flounced around the stage in trademark fashion, hair flowing, pelvis thrusting, using his microphone stand as some kind of phallic symbol.

Now 61, it is understandable that he cannot perform to the heights of his pomp, but he was ably supported on vocals by guitarists Doug Aldrich and Reb Beach when required. Extended breaks for solos - including one by wild-haired drummer Tommy Aldridge, who has rejoined the band for his third stint - also helped preserve his larynx.

Clearly happy to be back in his old stomping ground, he was also reunited on stage with his old pal and band member, Bernie Marsden - a move that drew warm applause from the audience.

There appeared to be only one blot on the night.

"Can you believe we had to send out for Newcastle Brown Ale? In Newcastle," said Coverdale, arms outstretched.

Well you cant have everything.

Matt Westcott