Bernie Marsden, the first guitarist of the famous band named Whitesnake, has unfortunately died at the age of 72. His family has shared this sad news in an official message. Bernie Marsden’s amazing musical journey and important role in rock and blues music have made a lasting impact on the world of music.
Marsden’s family posted a sincere message on Instagram. They said that he passed away calmly on a Thursday evening, with his wife Fran and daughters Charlotte and Olivia with him. They also mentioned that Marsden’s love for music stayed strong until the very end of his journey. He kept making new songs and recording them, even in his last days.
It is truly very saddening to have our favorite singer say goodbye to us. Hope his soul and his family find peace. Bernie Marsden was indeed a gem in the rock music industry.
Bernie Marsden’s early life and career
Coming from Buckingham and born in 1951, Bernie Marsden started his musical journey with the rock band UFO in 1972. His skills and hard work took him through different music projects, like working with an ex-member of Deep Purple in a thing called Paice Ashton Lord. But what really made his mark was when he helped create Whitesnake in London in 1978. This is what he will be remembered for.
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After being part of bands in Buckingham, like Clockwork Mousetrap (formerly The Daystroms), Marson started his own band called Skinny Cat when he was 17 years old.
In 1972, Marsen started his first real music job with UFO. In 1973, he played with Glenn Cornick’s Wild Turkey and then joined Cozy Powell’s Hammer band. After that, in 1975, he became a part of Babe Ruth and played in two albums, “Stealin’ Home” and “Kid’s Stuff”, released by Capitol Records.
While he was in Babe Ruth, Cozy Powell suggested him to Jon Lord. Lord was putting together a band after Deep Purple, and that band was called Paice Ashton Lord. This happened in 1976, with Tony Ashton also in the band.
Bernie Marsden’s Whitesnake band
In 1978, when Paice Ashton Lord ended, Marsden teamed up with former Deep Purple singer Coverdale and guitarist Micky Moody to create a new band. At first, the band was called David Coverdale’s Whitesnake, but later it was just Whitesnake.
Marsden played on their first EP and the first five albums, as well as a live album. These albums are Snakebite, Trouble, Lovehunter, Ready & Willing, Live In The Heart Of The City, Come An’Get It, and Saints Sinners. He worked closely with David Coverdale and sometimes Moody, helping to create many of the songs.
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Marsden and Coverdale joined forces to make Whitesnake’s famous song “Here I Go Again” in 1982, a trick that was bought by millions of people around the world. Both of them got various awards for this song. Until 2018, the song was played about six million times on radio in the US.
The things Bernie Marsden made- his wonderful tunes, the shows he did, and how he motivated other musicians and fans, will always be remembered. He has left a musical legacy that will keep fascinating generations.
The music world is really sad about his death. His old friend and former bandmate David Coverdale shared his sadness on social media. Coverdale wrote on Twitter that Bernie was a funny and talented person. David feels lucky to know Barnie and perform with him.
