Bernie Marsden (front) and Mick Moody—Whitesnake’s guitar tag team
Bernie Marsden, the gifted guitarist known for his contributions to rock and blues, has passed away at 72. According to a statement by his family, Marsden died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side.
Marsden co-founded Whitesnake, a rock band that became famous for hits like "Here I Go Again" and "Fool for Your Loving." His exceptional guitar skills and songwriting talents were central to the band's success.
Aside from his Whitesnake days, Marsden pursued solo projects and collaborated with various artists. He went on to form Alaska with Robert Hawthorne on vocals and Richard Bailey on keyboards. He had a long string of solo albums that stretched from 1979's And About Time Too! to 2022's Trios, which featured his most identifiable guitar, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul dubbed "The Beast."
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
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) August 25, 2023
RIP, Bernie XXX pic.twitter.com/KXwsDEICN6
Marsden's guitar playing was known for its emotional depth, resonating with listeners on a personal level. His music was a testament to the experiences of life, capturing themes of love and loss.
His impact went beyond his guitar skills; Marsden was known for his approachable demeanor and genuine connection with his fans. He will be remembered not only for his musical contributions but also for his generosity and passion.
Just heard the sad news that dear Bernie Marsden has passed away. What a lovely man he was and his contribution to rock music was immense. RIP Bernie. pic.twitter.com/iBuexWGqaG
— Phil Campbell (@MotorheadPhil) August 25, 2023
I cannot even begin to process this. I will say more later. But Rest in Peace my dear friend. You were one of a kind my friend. A whole community is devastated tonight. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8oW6z11vwN
— Joe Bonamassa (Official) (@JBONAMASSA) August 25, 2023
