Whitesnake's former guitarist Bernie Marsden, who debuted with the band in its formation in 1978, has died at the age of 72, a new report confirmed.
Marsden's official website and social media accounts confirmed that the musician died on August 24. It did not mention his cause of death but noted that he passed away "peacefully."
"On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden," the post read. "Bernie died peacefully on Thursday evening with his wife, Fran, and daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side. Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end."
Whitesnake's Former Guitarist Receives Heartfelt Tributes
Following the confirmation of Bernie Marsden's death, his colleagues and fans paid tribute to him through heartwarming posts online.
His former bandmate, Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale, took to X - formerly Twitter - to honor the "genuinely funny, gifted man" he was honored to know and work with in the music industry.
Fans also filled the social media posts with loving messages for the late musicians.
One said, "Sending love and light to Bernie's family, and to his musical family that loved and respected him so much. I will never forget his kindness."
"Rest in peace Bernie, it was a pleasure to know you and to have seen you play on numerous occasions," another wrote. "you were A gregarious, awesome individual. My sincere condolences to your family."
A Look Into Bernie Marsden's Career
Marsden got to work with Whitesnake from its formation in 1978 until he departed in 1982. The years he spent with the band allowed him to become part of its first five albums: Trouble, Lovehunter, Ready an' Willing, Come an' Get It and Saints & Sinners.
He notably co-wrote Whitesnake's biggest hits with Coverdale, including "Walking in the Shadow of the Blues," "Fool for Your Loving" and "Here I Go Again," to name a few.
Prior to his demise, the late guitarist wrote in his autobiography Where's My Guitar?: An Inside Story of British Rock and Roll that things changed in Whitesnake while working on Saint & Sinners as several members were hardly around.
"I looked at David in the control room at the studio and uttered the fateful words, 'We might as well end all this, David, knock it all on the head, mate.' I didn't quite grasp the full effect of what I was saying," he admitted.
Eventually, their manager told him, Paice, Lord and Murray that they were out of the band.
Marsden continued his musical career with other bands, including Alaska and the Moody Marsden Band.
READ MORE: David Coverdale Reveals Why He Cannot Make His Autobiography
