Adrian Vandenberg, born Adriaan van den Berg on January 31, 1954, in The Hague, Netherlands, is a Dutch rock guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with the internationally renowned band Whitesnake during their most commercially successful period in the late 1980s. Vandenberg is also recognized for founding the hard rock band that bears his name, Vandenberg, and for his contributions to the music world through his later project, Vandenberg’s MoonKings. Over the course of his career, Adrian has gained a reputation for his virtuosic guitar playing, as well as his talents as a songwriter and visual artist.

Early Career and Formation of Vandenberg
Adrian’s journey into rock music began in the 1970s when he became the lead guitarist for the Dutch band Teaser, which released a self-titled album in 1978. Though Teaser didn’t achieve significant international recognition, it was a formative experience for Vandenberg, allowing him to hone his guitar skills and develop his style. Teaser disbanded shortly after their debut, and Vandenberg decided to pursue a new musical direction.

In 1981, Adrian formed Vandenberg, a hard rock band that quickly gained attention in Europe and beyond. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1982, included one of their most famous tracks, "Burning Heart." This power ballad showcased Vandenberg’s signature guitar harmonies and emotional depth, earning the band a Top 40 hit. Vandenberg released two more albums during the 1980s, Heading for a Storm (1983) and Alibi (1985), both of which reinforced Adrian’s reputation as a talented guitarist and songwriter.

Vandenberg toured extensively during this period, supporting major acts such as the Michael Schenker Group and Kiss. Despite their success, the band reached a plateau, with the record company pushing them toward a more commercial sound. As a result, Adrian decided to disband Vandenberg in the mid-1980s.

Whitesnake and Global Fame
Adrian’s big break came when David Coverdale, the lead singer of Whitesnake, invited him to join the band. Coverdale had been impressed by Adrian's guitar work and songwriting skills and saw him as a valuable addition to the Whitesnake lineup. Although Adrian initially declined due to his commitment to Vandenberg, he eventually accepted Coverdale's offer in 1986.

Vandenberg joined Whitesnake during the production of their 1987 self-titled album (known as 1987 in Europe). Although most of the guitar work on the album was recorded by John Sykes, Adrian contributed the iconic solo for the band’s No. 1 hit, “Here I Go Again”, which remains one of the most recognizable rock anthems of the era. Following the album’s massive success, Whitesnake embarked on a world tour, with Adrian playing a pivotal role in their live performances.

For Whitesnake's next album, Slip of the Tongue (1989), Vandenberg co-wrote all the music alongside Coverdale. However, an injury prevented him from playing on the record, leading to the recruitment of virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai to handle both rhythm and lead guitar duties. Despite his absence from the recording, Adrian rejoined Whitesnake for their 1990 tour, sharing guitar duties with Vai in an electrifying dual-guitar setup.

After Whitesnake disbanded in 1990, Adrian continued to collaborate with Coverdale on future projects. He played all the guitars on the Restless Heart (1997) album and contributed to the acoustic live album Starkers in Tokyo (1997). Restless Heart marked a departure from the heavy, neo-classical rock sound that Whitesnake had become known for, embracing a more bluesy, stripped-down style that allowed Adrian to return to his early influences, particularly Jimi Hendrix.

Other Projects: Manic Eden and Visual Art
In the mid-1990s, Adrian formed a new band called Manic Eden. Featuring Ron Young from Little Caesar on vocals and former Whitesnake members Rudy Sarzo (bass) and Tommy Aldridge (drums), Manic Eden was a heavy, blues-driven rock band. Although the band’s 1994 self-titled album received positive reviews, it didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, and the group disbanded after a short run.

Beyond music, Adrian is an accomplished visual artist, with a particular interest in airbrushing. He designed the cover art for Vandenberg’s albums Heading for a Storm and Alibi, showcasing his talent for creating intricate, visually striking imagery.

Vandenberg’s MoonKings and Recent Work
After several years away from the music scene, Adrian returned to the spotlight in 2013 with a new band, Vandenberg’s MoonKings. This project marked a fresh chapter in his career, combining classic 1970s-style rock with a modern edge. The band’s debut album, MoonKings, was released in February 2014 and received positive reviews for its blend of hard-hitting rock and bluesy undertones. The lineup featured Jan Hoving on vocals, Mart Nijen-Es on drums, and Sem Christoffel on bass.

In 2017, Vandenberg’s MoonKings released their follow-up album, MK II, further establishing their place in the modern rock scene. Known for their powerful live performances and tight musicianship, MoonKings became a favorite among rock fans in Europe.

In addition to his work with MoonKings, Adrian revived the Vandenberg name in 2020, releasing a new album titled 2020 with an entirely new lineup. The album harkened back to his earlier work while incorporating contemporary influences. The band followed it up with Sin in 2023, reaffirming Adrian’s position as one of the most enduring and versatile guitarists in rock.

Legacy
Adrian Vandenberg’s career spans several decades, marked by his contributions to some of the most iconic rock music of the 1980s and beyond. Known for his fluid guitar technique, intricate harmonies, and emotionally resonant solos, Adrian remains a respected figure in the rock world. Whether through his work with Whitesnake, his eponymous band, or his more recent projects like Vandenberg’s MoonKings, Adrian continues to leave an indelible mark on the genre.