By Ankita Tripathy
In a somber announcement that has shaken the music world, Bernie Marsden, the iconic original guitarist for the renowned band Whitesnake, has tragically passed away at the age of 72. The news, which came via an official statement from his family, marks the end of an era in the rock and blues genre.
According to the heartfelt message shared by his family on Instagram, Marsden’s peaceful passing took place on Thursday evening. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Fran, and devoted daughters, Charlotte and Olivia. The post poignantly expressed that Bernie’s commitment to his musical passions remained unwavering until his final moments, as he continued to compose and record new tracks.
Hailing as one of the United Kingdom’s most eminent rock and blues guitarists, Marsden’s indelible influence was felt through his songwriting contributions to Whitesnake’s most iconic hits. Among these timeless tracks were “Fool for Your Loving,” “She’s a Woman,” “Walking in the Shadow of the Blues,” “Trouble,” and the globally acclaimed chart-topper “Here I Go Again.”
Bernie Marsden, born 1951 in Buckingham, embarked on his musical journey with UFO in 1972. Collaborations, including the impactful Paice Ashton Lord project, led him to the birth of Whitesnake in 1978 with David Coverdale and Micky Moody. His influence resonated across EPs, five albums, and a live record, leaving a solo imprint too.
However, Bernie Marsden’s impact wasn’t limited solely to his musical talents. He was widely celebrated for amassing a treasured private guitar collection, boasting an astonishing array of over 200 instruments. Among these, the notable 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, affectionately dubbed “The Beast,” gained particular attention. Earlier this year, “The Beast” briefly graced the market with a staggering price tag exceeding $1.3 million, a testament to Marsden’s status as a guitar aficionado.
Following the heart-wrenching news of his passing, fellow Whitesnake band mate David Coverdale took to social media to pay tribute to their shared journey. In a poignant Twitter (now X) post, Coverdale expressed his shock and sorrow, describing Marsden as a gifted individual and a cherished friend. He extended his deepest sympathies to Bernie’s family, friends, and fans, highlighting the privilege of having shared both the stage and friendship with the departed legend.
As the music community mourns the loss of Bernie Marsden, his legacy stands as a testament to his unparalleled contributions to rock and blues music, leaving an indelible mark that will resonate through generations to come.
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