Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden has passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday.
The sad news was shared by Bernie’s bandmate, Whitesnake lead vocalist David Coverdale, who paid the iconic musician a tribute on social media.
“Good Morning… I’ve just woken up to the awful news that my old friend and former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed,” he wrote.
“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.”
He 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
Marsden played with Whitesnake from 1978 to 1982 after founding the popular rock band along with mastermind David Coverdale.
Together, they wrote some of the band’s top songs including the all-time superhits Here I Go Again and Fool For Your Loving.
Following the tragic news, tributes from the world of music began pouring in with mourners branding Bernie as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
“I am truly saddened by the passing of Bernie Marsden. Bernie was a true talent and a genuinely real person. The world has lost an original Icon and he shall be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and close loved ones. RIP My friend,” singer and Deep Purple star Joe Lynn Turner tweeted.
Musician Phil Campbell added: “Just heard the sad news that dear Bernie Marsden has passed away. What a lovely man he was and his contribution to rock music was immense. RIP Bernie.”
American rocker Jeff Scott Soto expressed: “RIP to one of the original and important members of Whitesnake, Bernie Marsden…what a legacy of music left behind!”
Our thoughts are with Bernie’s loved ones during this challenging time.