Bernie Marsden, founding member and guitarist for Whitesnake, will forever be remembered for his contributions to rock music. On August 24, 2023, at age 72, he died suddenly. This piece honors his legacy in rock music while also investigating the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.
Bernie Marsden Cause Of Death
Bernie Marsden, Whitesnake’s original guitarist, passed away on August 24, 2023, at 72. He was also widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians in English rock and blues history. Many accounts state that he died of natural causes.
They have two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, whom he married Frances Plummer in 1980. Bernie’s record label, Conquest Music, announced his death to the public. As word of Bernie Marsden’s death spread, he left behind a community of admirers and fellow musicians curious about what led to his untimely demise.
Take a look at the below tweet about Bernie Marsden’s death:
On behalf of his family, 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. pic.twitter.com/9RhE2S9mDH
— Bernie Marsden (@Bernie_Marsden) August 25, 2023
As of this writing, his family or representatives have not yet announced the official cause of death. He passed away in mysterious circumstances, yet his loved ones and the music industry can still honor his legacy.
Honors from the Musical World
Tributes to Bernie Marsden have been pouring in from musicians, fans, and friends since he passed away. Whitesnake’s frontman and personal friend David Coverdale posted a heartfelt tribute to Marsden online. The whole music industry has come together to remember Marsden and celebrate his unique contributions to the field.
Here are some tributes:
Bernie Marsden RIP…🙏🎸🙏🎸🙏🎸🙏🎸🙏 pic.twitter.com/hm6oSwJSA5
— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) August 25, 2023
Rest in Peace, Bernie Marsden 😔 #Whitesnake pic.twitter.com/Yo4MuDgTAK
— Classic Guitar Rock 🎙 (@ClassicGuitarR1) August 25, 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of the great Bernie Marsden. Thank you for the decades of music and for sharing your passion with the world. Our thoughts are with Bernie’s family, friends and fans today. Rest in peace, Bernie. pic.twitter.com/jhPCYOlsV2
— Gibson (@gibsonguitar) August 25, 2023
“Bernie Marsden was our friend who we spent a tremendous amount of time with. He was always wanting to give what he had to those around him. I was always taken by the fact that Bernie had English blues written on his bones. It is a style of guitar and vocal that has its own… pic.twitter.com/zlhVj02QYm
— prsguitars (@prsguitars) August 25, 2023
Bernie Marsden’s Collaborative Exploits with Music Legends
Bernie is well-known not only as a songwriter but also as a guitarist who played with the band Whitesnake and wrote the popular song “Here I Go Again.” Bernie is an English native. He has shared the stage with Paul McCartney, his childhood hero.
Bernie has collaborated with several legendary artists outside of the recording industry. Robert Plant, Paul Weller, Jon Lord, Gary Moore, Cozy Powell, Rory Gallagher, Jack Bruce, Warren Haynes, Joe Bonamassa, and Joe Bonamassa, to name a few.
At the age of 17, Marsden formed Skinny Cat after performing with other bands in the Buckingham area, such as Clockwork Mousetrap (formerly The Daystroms).
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In 1972, Marsden landed his first paid performance with the band UFO. After his time with Glenn Cornick’s Wild Turkey in 1973, he joined Cozy Powell’s Hammer as a member of the drum section. The following year, in 1975, he joined Babe Ruth and appeared on two albums with the band for Capitol Records: Stealin’ Home (1975) and Kid’s Stuff (1976).
Cozy Powell, who had worked with Babe Ruth, introduced him to Jon Lord, who was putting together a new band with Ian Paice after Deep Purple called Paice Ashton Lord in 1976. You can join us on our Twitter account to know more details about celebrities passing and their cause of death.
