Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden dies aged 72 as bandmate David Coverdale pays tribute to 'genuinely funny and gifted man'
Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden died aged 72 on August 24, it was announced on Friday.
His bandmate and lead vocalist, David Coverdale shared the sad news to social media and paid tribute to the 'genuinely funny and gifted man.'
David, 71, wrote: 'Good Morning…I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend and 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 RIP, Bernie XXX'.
Bernie was one of the founding members of Whitesnake, playing with the band from 1978 until 1982.
Sad news: Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden died aged 72 on August 24, it was announced on Friday (pictured in 2018)
On stage: The musician was one of the founding members of Whitesnake, playing with the band from 1978 until 1982 (pictured in 1978)
He co-wrote some of the bands best known hits including Fool For Your Loving and Here I Go Again, the latter reached six million US radio plays in 2018.
David later added: 'Good morning, afternoon & good evening, wherever you are on this sad day…stay safe & well.
'Take good care out there…& know you are appreciated & loved… Bernie…once a Snake…always a Snake.
'Meditation, prayers & reflection time, brothers & sisters of the Snake…a lot to reflect on today…love you all dearly…have the best day you can…XXX'
Bernie played on their first EP and first five albums as well as one live album: Snakebite, Trouble, Lovehunter, Ready And Willing, Live in The Heart Of The City, Come 'An Get It and Saints And Sinners.
After he left Whitesnake he formed Bernie Marsden's SOS, before releasing two albums with Alaska and four with Moody Marsden Band.
The musician teamed up again with David in 2014 to record a remake of Whitesnake song Trouble for David's album Shine.
Bernie has also enjoyed a very long and successful solo career, his last album Trios was released in 2022.
Whitesnake: L-R Bassist Neil Murray, guitarist Bernie Marsden, singer David Coverdale, guitarist Micky Moody, drummer David Dowle and keyboard player Jon Lord in 1978
Tribute: David, 71, wrote: 'Good Morning…I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend and former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed'
Upset: 'Take good care out there…& know you are appreciated & loved… Bernie…once a Snake…always a Snake,' he added
