Adrian Vandenberg facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Adrian Vandenberg
Vandenberg in 2012
Background information
Birth name	Adriaan van den Berg
Also known as	Adje, Ad
Born	(1954-01-31) 31 January 1954 (age 71) The Hague, Netherlands
Genres	Hard rock, heavy metal, glam metal, blues rock
Occupation(s)	Guitarist
Years active	1978–present
Associated acts	Teaser, Vandenberg, Whitesnake, Manic Eden

Adriaan van den Berg (born January 31, 1954), known as Adrian "Adje" Vandenberg, is a famous Dutch rock guitarist. He is best known for playing guitar in the band Whitesnake during their very popular years in the late 1980s. He also started his own band called Vandenberg in 1981. In 2013, Adrian formed a new band called Vandenberg's MoonKings. They released their first album in early 2014.

Adrian Vandenberg's Early Music Journey

Adrian van den Berg was born in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands. He started his music career as the lead guitarist for a Dutch band named Teaser. They released an album in 1978.

After Teaser, Adrian started his own band. He simply named it Vandenberg. This band released three albums in the 1980s: Vandenberg, Heading for a Storm, and Alibi.

The band Vandenberg became famous for their song "Burning Heart." This song had cool guitar layers and harmonies. Another popular song was "Friday Night" from the Heading for a Storm album. Vandenberg toured a lot, even opening for bands like the Michael Schenker Group and Kiss.

Adrian Vandenberg's Music Career

Joining Whitesnake

In the early 1980s, David Coverdale, the singer for Whitesnake, asked Adrian to join his band. David was very impressed with Adrian's guitar skills and his ability to write songs. Adrian first said no because his own band, Vandenberg, was doing well. "Burning Heart" was even a Top 40 hit!

But by 1986, things changed. Record companies wanted Vandenberg to be more commercial. So, Adrian decided to break up his band and join Whitesnake. He first helped finish their album Whitesnake (also known as 1987 in Europe). He played the guitar solo on their number one hit song, "Here I Go Again."

After a very successful world tour, Adrian helped write all the music for Whitesnake's next album, Slip of the Tongue. However, he got an injury and couldn't record the guitar parts. So, another famous guitarist, Steve Vai, played on the album. Adrian recovered in time to play with Steve Vai on the tour for the album.

Adrian continued to work with Whitesnake. He came back for their 1994 "Greatest Hits" tour. He also co-wrote songs for the 1997 album Restless Heart. On this album, Adrian played all the guitars. He showed off his bluesy style, inspired by Jimi Hendrix. He also worked with David Coverdale on an acoustic album called Starkers in Tokyo.

Vandenberg in 1990

Other Bands and Art

After his time with Whitesnake, Adrian played in a band called Manic Eden. This band included other former Whitesnake members, bassist Rudy Sarzo and drummer Tommy Aldridge. Manic Eden broke up when Adrian rejoined Whitesnake for their 1994 tour.

Adrian is also a talented artist. He returned to painting and is known for his airbrush art. He even created the cover art for his band Vandenberg's albums Heading for a Storm and Alibi.

Sometimes, Adrian makes special guest appearances with Whitesnake. He joined them on stage in the Netherlands in 2008 at the Arrow Rock Festival. He also played with them at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2011.

Music in the 2010s

In 2011, Adrian wrote a song called "A Number One" for a Dutch football team, FC Twente. He released the song under the name "Vandenberg." This caused some discussion with former members of his old band. But a court decided that Adrian had the right to use the name "Vandenberg."

Forming MoonKings

Vandenberg's MoonKings in 2014

Adrian formed a new band called Vandenberg's MoonKings in late 2013. The band members are Adrian Vandenberg on guitar, Jan Hoving on vocals, Mart Nijen-Es on drums, and Sem Christoffel on bass.

Their first album, MoonKings, came out on February 21, 2014. Later, in 2017, they released another album called MoonKings MK II. This album mixes classic 1970s rock with a heavier, more modern rock sound.

Adrian Vandenberg's Discography

Guest appearances

• 1990 – Steve Vai – Passion and Warfare (backing vocals)
• 2022 – Star One - Revel in Time (guitar solo on "Revel in Time")
• 2024 – Michael Schenker – My Years with UFO (guest guitarist in the song "Too Hot to Handle")

See Also

In Spanish: Adrian Vandenberg para niños