Bernie Marsden dies aged 72

Legendary blues rock guitarist Bernie Marsden has passed away, according to a statement issued by his family today (Friday 25th August)

The Whitesnake co-founder, and co-writer of 'Here I Go Again' and 'Fool For Your Loving' died aged 72 on the evening of Thursday 24th August 2023, with his wife and daughters by his side.

The full statement from Bernie's family reads as follows:

"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 and Olivia, by his side.

Bernie never lost his passion for music, writing and recording new songs until the end."

Planet Rock will pay tribute to Bernie on-air tonight from 10pm with an archive My Planet Rocks we recorded with him in front of a live audience at Planet Rockstock 2021.

The show saw Bernie in typically brilliant form as a true rock and roll raconteur, telling tales to Ian Danter and the Planet Rock faithful from his half century in the business.

Listen to our Bernie Marsden tribute, 10pm Friday 25th August, or on-demand after

We will also be playing Whitesnake's classic 1982 album 'Saints & Sinners', (which featured Marsden, Coverdale and Moody at arguably their creative peak together), in full and uninterrupted, this Sunday from 8pm.

Over the past year Bernie had suffered a series of health setbacks which forced him to pull out of live gigs, including Planet Rockstock 2022.

After a successful operation in June 2022, he suffered acute dehydration and was subsequently re-hospitalised for a week.

In his trademark humorous tone, Bernie told fans in his video message that it had been "a difficult year", but that he was "feeling much better" and was hoping to get "back to square one" in a few month's time.

He apologised to fans for having to cancel a series of appearances at festivals but pledged to "see you out there soon".

Sadly Bernie seemingly didn't recover to the level where he could perform for his beloved fans again.

The thoughts of all of us here at Planet Rock are with Bernie's family and friends at this time.

Rest in peace Bernie.

Gallery: Bernie Marsden and more at Planet Rockstock 2021

Listen to Planet Rock on DAB nationwide, on our free app, online, via your smart speaker (“Play Planet Rock”) and on Freesat.

• bernie marsden