Bernie Marsden dead: Tributes paid to Whitesnake guitarist who dies ‘peacefully’ aged 72

Tributes have poured in for Bernie Marsden, a guitarist for British rock group Whitesnake in the 1970s and 80s, who has died at the age of 72. Announcing the death on Friday night (August 25), his family said the veteran musician died “peacefully” on Thursday (August 24) surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Marsden co-founded Whitesnake and co-wrote hits including’ Fool For Your Loving’ and ‘Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues’ with David Coverdale, before parting ways for a solo career.

The statement, which was published by his family on X (formerly known as Twitter) said: “It is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden.Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte & Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording until the end.”

Whitesnake lead vocalist Coverdale also paid a tribute to Marsden. He wrote on X: “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 honoured to know & share a stage with. RIP, Bernie.”

Marsden was born in Buckingham and was a member of numerous bands as a teenager before signing with UFO in 1972. He and Coverdale co-founded Whitesnake in 1978 and contributed to the band’s debut EP and first five albums.