British rock guitarist Bernie Marsden, renowned for his tenure with the band Whitesnake in the 1970s and 80s, passed away at the age of 72.
Hailing from Buckingham, Marsden peacefully departed on Thursday, surrounded by his wife and daughters. A co-founder of Whitesnake alongside David Coverdale, Marsden played a pivotal role in crafting hits like “Here I Go Again” and “Fool For Your Loving” and pursued a successful solo career.
In a statement from the family, it was emphasized that Marsden maintained his unwavering passion for music, writing, and recording until the very end.
David Coverdale, lead vocalist of Whitesnake and former Deep Purple frontman, expressed his honor in sharing the stage with Marsden and conveyed his condolences on social media. Marsden’s passing prompted tributes from Coverdale and others.
Marsden’s musical journey began in his teenage years, performing with several Buckingham bands before turning professional with UFO in 1972. Co-founding Whitesnake in 1978 with Coverdale, Marsden contributed to the band’s debut EP and the first five albums. He also ventured into solo work with albums like “And About Time Too” and “Look At Me Now.”
Following his departure from Whitesnake in 1981, Marsden formed Alaska, producing two albums in the 1980s, and later collaborated in the band MGM with Neil Murray and Mel Galley, featuring Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball.
In 2011, a significant reunion took place when Marsden rejoined Whitesnake at the Sweden Rock Festival, marking the only original member to play with a later lineup.
Three years prior to his passing, Marsden parted with a collection of amplifiers and speakers, expressing that it was time to pass them on. Acknowledged by the University of Buckingham with an honorary Master of the Arts in 2015, Marsden’s early jobs included roles at Buckingham Borough Council, a local dairy, and with builders’ merchants.
Survived by his wife Fran and daughters Charlotte and Olivia, Bernie Marsden leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.
