Whitesnake guitarist and rock legend Bernie Mardsen dies at 72
Bernie Mardsen
Bernie Marsden, the original guitarist of the iconic band Whitesnake, has sadly passed away at the age of 72, as confirmed by a statement released by his family. Marsden's remarkable musical journey and significant contributions to the rock and blues genre have left an indelible mark on the music world.
In a heartfelt announcement on Instagram, Marsden's family revealed that he "died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side". They shared that Bernie's passion for music remained unwavering until the end, as he continued to write and record new songs even in his final days.
Hailing from Buckingham and born in 1951, Marsden embarked on his musical career with the rock band UFO in 1972. His talent and dedication led him through various musical projects, including a collaboration with former Deep Purple members in the project called Paice Ashton Lord. However, it was his pivotal role in forming Whitesnake in London in 1978 that would define his legacy.
Teaming up with former Deep Purple vocalist David Coverdale and guitarist Micky Moody, Marsden played a key role in shaping the sound of Whitesnake.
Apart from his projects with his band, Marsden released two solo albums, titled "And About Time Too" (1979) and "Look at Me Now" (1981), showcasing his versatility and creative spirit. Beyond his musical accomplishments, he was known for his extensive private guitar collection, which comprised over 200 pieces. Notably, in June, one of his prized possessions, a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard known as "The Beast," was briefly put up for sale with a staggering price tag exceeding $1.3 million.
)
US strikes hit key bridge and airport in southern Iran, IRGC-linked media reports
)
US caps foreign students' stay at 4 years under new visa rule; Over 3.31L Indian students could be affected
)
Ukrainian drone travels 2,500 km in 12 hours to attack oil refinery in Siberia, as CIA confirms 30-minute soldier lifespan
)
Trump in address to nation, repeats stolen election claims, alleges China compromised 220 million voter data files
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
'Maintenance, training and missiles': Inside the true cost of operating an S-400 battery
)
Amid spate of resignations at ISRO, Govt places curbs on quitters
)
BREAKING: Massive earthquake jolts tourist hotspot in New Zealand, tsunami warning issued
)
Why Sheikh Hasina wants to return to Bangladesh despite death sentence —and what it means for India | WION Decodes
)
That is a misconception: Aamir Khan says 3 Idiots was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk, Chatur is wrong
)
Iran's daring plan to seize US base, kidnap American soldiers could spark total war
)
WATCH | Terrified deer flee in panic on Iran’s Kharg Island amid US strikes
)
Matchbox miracle: Telangana weaver gifts 5.5-metre silk saree that fits inside a matchbox to Goddess Bharamaraba at Srisailam temple | VIDEO
)
Before you buy your Odyssey ticket: The difference between IMAX 70mm and digital explained
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian fighter jets leave exhaust pipes raw compared to US jets
)
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, 2 other Indian-origin experts join US Fed Reserve's task forces
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How much does a single S-400 missile cost?
)
Trump, Netanyahu drown in 'sea of revenge': Iran reveals new mural
)
Can the government force-feed Sonam Wangchuk like it did Irom Sharmila? Here's what the law says about hunger strikes | WION Decodes
)
'We share the anguish...': Congress appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to end fast, even as Rahul Gandhi remains missing from Jantar Mantar
How many missiles does one S-400 have?
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (July 17, 2026): Maa Inti Bangaaram, The East Palace, Desire- 5 new movies and TV shows on Netflix, JioHotstar and more
)
‘Response to the crimes of arrogant enemy’: Iran launches ‘revenge’ attacks across Gulf
)
Americans need to prove they are American citizens to visit a national park in US
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian strike fighters seat pilots side-by-side compared to US jets
)
5 times in 40 years: Rare Atlantic Niña could soon grip Earth as Super El Niño tightens its jaws. What to expect?
)
Iraqi armed group announces $10 million reward for killing Trump
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why does the B-52 bomber still use eight engines?
)
Blasts heard in Doha, Qatar confirms intercepted missile attack
)
The Odyssey movie review: Christopher Nolan crafts a visual masterpiece that strips the glory from war
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA 2026: BTS to Justin Bieber! A look at the complete lineup for the World Cup final halftime show
)
'Monster fish' 20 times their original size are swarming Scottish lochs
His passing has deeply affected the music community, with his former bandmate David Coverdale expressing his sorrow on social media. Coverdale, in a heartfelt tribute on Twitter, wrote, "I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend and former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed… A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honored to know and share a stage with."
Bernie Marsden's legacy will forever resonate through the timeless melodies he crafted, the stages he graced, and the inspiration he provided to fellow musicians and fans alike. He leaves behind a musical heritage that will continue to captivate generations to come.
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.