Whitesnake Guitarist Bernie Marsden Passes Away, Leaving an $8 Million Fortune
Renowned guitarist Bernie Marsden, best known as the co-founder of Whitesnake and for co-writing many of the band’s greatest hits, has sadly passed away. On August 24, 2023, Marsden peacefully left this world, leaving behind a substantial fortune of approximately $8 million. His wife, Fran, and his two daughters, Olivia and Charlotte, are the fortunate heirs to his wealth.
The news of Marsden’s death was shared by his family in a heartfelt post on their official Instagram page. They expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that Bernie passed away with his beloved wife, Fran, and their daughters, Charlotte and Olivia, by his side.
Bernie Marsden amassed the majority of his fortune through his successful music career. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his wealth to be around $8 million. Although the exact breakdown of his revenue is not publicly available, a significant portion comes from the ongoing income generated by his extensive repertoire each year. However, most of his wealth originates from the savings accumulated throughout his earlier decades in the industry.
When Marsden was just 17 years old, he began his musical journey in his hometown of Buckinghamshire, England, playing with various local bands. As he honed his craft, he swiftly transitioned into working as a gig musician, collaborating with iconic acts such as UFO, Cozy Powell, and Babe Ruth.
Marsden’s career reached new heights when he joined forces with former Deep Purple members Ian Paice and Jon Lord, alongside their fellow keyboardist Tony Ashton, to form the rock project Paice Ashton Lord. After passing their rigorous interview process, Bernie Marsden joined the band, and together, they released their one and only studio album, Malice in Wonderland, on March 4, 1977. Although the album didn’t achieve chart success, it was later reissued, adding to Marsden’s revenue stream.
Shortly thereafter, Bernie Marsden teamed up with David Coverdale and Micky Moody to establish the legendary band Whitesnake. Whitesnake became the primary catalyst for Marsden’s fame and wealth. Their debut studio album, Trouble, released in October 1978, became a moderate success, reaching number 50 on the UK album chart.
Marsden continued to be an integral part of Whitesnake for several subsequent albums, with one of their notable releases being the band’s third studio album, Ready an’ Willing, which hit the shelves on May 23, 1980. This album marked a turning point for Whitesnake, securing significant success by peaking at number 6 on the UK album chart and receiving gold certification in the country.
The pinnacle of Bernie Marsden’s and Whitesnake’s achievements in the 1980s came with the release of their fourth studio album, Come an’ Get It, on April 6, 1981. This album not only earned Marsden a gold certification in the UK but also experienced tremendous popularity in Finland, Germany, and Sweden.
Marsden’s journey with Whitesnake came to an end after their album Saints and Sinners. At that point, lead vocalist David Coverdale put the band on a hiatus to care for his daughter, who was battling bacterial meningitis. Upon his return, Coverdale made changes to the lineup, parting ways with Marsden, Murray, Paice, and their manager, Coletta.
Following his departure from Whitesnake, Bernie Marsden ventured into other musical endeavors. He formed the band Alaska and pursued a solo career. Throughout the following decades, Marsden collaborated with various artists, including Larry Johnson, Gary Fletcher, and Jack Bruce. Notably, he also produced a documentary on the blues scene in Mississippi, featuring renowned actor Morgan Freeman.
Bernie Marsden will always be remembered for his immense contributions to the world of music. As his family mourns the loss of their beloved husband and father, his legacy as a talented guitarist and songwriter lives on. His $8 million fortune serves as a testament to his exceptional career and the impact he had on the music industry. May Bernie Marsden rest in peace, while his incredible music continues to inspire generations to come.
