Bernie Marsden, Whitesnake guitarist, dies aged 72

Bernie Marsden, the original guitarist of rock band Whitesnake and the co-writer of some of the band's biggest hits, has died at the age of 72.

His former bandmate and Whitesnake frontman David Coverdale announced the news in the early hours of Saturday.

The 71-year-old shared to X, formerly Twitter: "Good Morning…I've just woken up to the awful news that my old friend and former Snake Bernie Marsden has passed".

READ MORE: 'Stop comparing Kate to Diana - she's a royal asset in her own right'

"My sincere thoughts and prayers to his beloved family, friends and fans. A genuinely funny, gifted man, whom I was honoured to know and share a stage with RIP, Bernie XXX".

Marsden's family confirmed the news in a statement posted to his official Instagram account.

"On behalf of his family, it is with deep sadness we announce the death of Bernie Marsden," read the post.

READ MORE: Why women are cutting this one makeup staple from their beauty regime

"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."

Many fellow musicians and friends mourned the music legend.

American guitarist Doug Aldrich wrote, "God bless you Bernie. Rest well brother R.I.P."

READ MORE: Curb your credit card online spending – from a gal who did too much

"So saddened to hear this. A lovely man. Bernie it was a pleasure to get to know you," wrote Gary Kemp.

"I'm so shocked and sad to read this news," added radio presenter Bob Harris. "He was a kind and lovely man and a long time friend. Sending all my love and my deepest sympathy to all the Marsden family."

"Oh Bernie, I am so sorry to read this," wrote Eleanor Jane, a photographer who had worked with Marden in the past.

READ MORE: The annoying dishwasher problem I finally solved after years of oozy cutlery

"I had some fantastic photoshoots with Bernie over the last couple of years, he was so generous with his time. I will always remember how hospitable he was on my first visit especially, arranging a lovely lunch and even a special cake for my dietary requirements! A very thoughtful man and of course, a musician that could blow most out of the water!"

Marsden was one of the original members of Whitesnake, along with Coverdale, bassist Neil Murray, guitarist Mick Moody and drummer Dave Dowie.

He was behind some of the band's biggest hits, including Here I Go Again, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in October 1987 and spent 28 weeks there. He also helped write Fool for Your Loving, which hit number 37 in 1989.

After leaving Whitesnake in 1982, Marsden performed with many bands, including The Moody Marsden Band.

He also released many solo albums and projects both while in and after leaving Whitesnake, the latest being August 2022's Trios, which paid homage to the great power trios that inspired and helped to shape his musical style and taste