Bernie Marsden, the original guitarist for Whitesnake, has died at the age of 72. He passed away on Thursday (August 24th), according to a social media post from his family.
“On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden,” read the announcement on Marsden’s Facebook page. “Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end.”
Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale issued his own statement, writing, “I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend & former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed. My sincere thoughts & prayers to his beloved family, friends & fans. A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honored to know & share a stage with RIP, Bernie XXX.”
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After a brief stint in the band UFO, Marsden became a founding member of Whitesnake in 1978, as part of an original lineup that included Coverdale, guitarist Mick Moody, bassist Neil Murray, and drummer Dave Dowie. He appeared on the band’s first five albums, from 1978’s Trouble through 1982’s Saints & Sinners.
In 1982, Marsden, Murray, and then drummer Ian Paice were all let go from Whitesnake when Coverdale decided to put the band on hold. Shortly thereafter, Coverdale put the band back together with a new lineup.
Marsden co-wrote a number of Whitesnake songs, including early hit “Fool for Your Loving.” But his greatest songwriting success with the band would come after he left, when Whitesnake re-recorded and re-released “Here I Go Again” in 1987. Marsden co-wrote the original version with Coverdale for 1982’s Saints & Sinners album, and reaped the benefits when the 1987 version became a massive hit.
Following his stint in Whitesnake, Marsden remained active in music up until his passing. He formed the melodic-rock band Alaska in the ’80s, released a number of solo albums, and appeared on many recordings by other artists. His most recent release was his 2022 solo album, Trios.
Our condolences go out to Bernie Marsden’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit his time in Whitesnake with the videos for “Fool for Your Loving” and the original version of “Here I Go Again” below.
Good Morning…I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend & former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed. My sincere thoughts & prayers to his beloved family, friends & fans. A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honored to know & share a stage with
RIP, Bernie XXX pic.twitter.com/KXwsDEICN6— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) August 25, 2023
