Bernie Marsden

Bernie Marsden

Bernie Marsden is an English blues rock and hard rock guitarist from Buckingham, United Kingdom. Born Bernard John Marsden in 1951 and active until his death in 2023, he is best known for his work with Whitesnake and for co-writing some of the band’s songs with David Coverdale, including “Here I Go Again”, which becomes one of their biggest hits.

Early career

Before joining Whitesnake, Marsden plays with several British bands, including Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord and UFO. He also works as a session musician during this period. His early band history also includes Wild Turkey and Alaska.

Whitesnake and solo work

Marsden spends the last two years of his first period with Whitesnake recording two solo albums, And About Time Too and Look at Me Now, both of which feature appearances by Whitesnake colleagues. His playing and songwriting with the group help define its blues rock and hard rock sound.

Later bands and collaborations

After leaving Whitesnake, he forms Alaska and later MGM with Mel Galley and Neil Murray. He also reunites with Micky Moody in several projects over the years, including the Moody Marsden Band, The Snakes, Company of Snakes and M3, with Neil Murray in M3. These groups all release records. His later collaborations also include work with Cozy Powell’s Hammer.

Recording and releases

In 2014, Marsden discusses the album Shine, which includes a new version of “Trouble” with David Coverdale on vocals and contributions from Joe Bonamassa, Ian Paice, Don Airey, Jimmy Copley, John Gordon, Ian Jennings, Simon Webb, Cherry Lee Mewis and others. He also records two tracks on Jack Bruce’s Silver Rails, alongside contributors including Robin Trower, Uli John Roth, Phil Manzanera, Cindy Blackman Santana and John Medeski.

Live performances and festivals

His later live work includes performances with The Allman Brothers Band at The Beacon Theatre, a performance at the “Remembering Jon Lord” concert at the Royal Albert Hall, a benefit show for Walter Trout at Shepherds Bush O2, and appearances at the Rory Gallagher festival in Ballyshannon, Loreley in Germany, the Steelhouse Festival in Ebbw Vale, and shows with Joanne Shaw Taylor in the UK.

Style and legacy

Marsden is associated with blues, blues rock, electric blues, hard rock and rock, and is remembered as a guitarist whose work ranges from session playing to long-term band collaborations and co-writing one of Whitesnake’s best-known songs.