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Where’s My Guitar?: An Inside Story of British Rock and Roll
‘A page turner…and then some!’ Chris Evans
‘An absorbing memoir.’ Classic Rock Magazine
‘A very enjoyable rock-n-roll memoir that is not just for fans, but for anyone interested in this classic era of the British rock scene’ The Afterword
A fascinating insight into the golden-age of 1970s and 80s rock and roll told through the eyes of music legend Bernie Marsden and, most notably, his role in establishing one of the world’s most famous rock bands of all time – Whitesnake.
‘A compelling journey in the company of a masterful (and mercifully ego-free) musician. I saved it like a cherished slab of vinyl.’ Ian Rankin
Touring with AC/DC. Befriending The Beatles. Writing one of the world’s most iconic rock songs. This is the story of a young boy from a small town who dreamt of one day playing the guitar for a living – and ended up a rock n’ roll legend.
It follows Bernie Marsden’s astonishing career in the industry – from tours in Cold War Germany and Franco’s Spain, to meeting and befriending George Harrison and touring Europe with AC/DC. It’s a story of hard graft, of life on the road, of meeting and playing with your heroes, of writing iconic rock songs – most notably the multi-million selling hit ‘Here I Go Again’ – and of being in one of the biggest rock bands of all time. At age 30, Bernie left Whitesnake due to serious conflict with his management, something he explores in this memoir for the very first time.
Packed with stories and encounters with the likes of Ringo Starr, Elton John, Cozy Powell, Ozzy Osborne, B.B. King and Jon Lord, this is not just a remarkable look into the highs and lows of being a true music legend, but an intimate account of the revolutionary impact rock and roll music has offered to the world.
‘An absorbing memoir.’ Classic Rock Magazine
‘A very enjoyable rock-n-roll memoir that is not just for fans, but for anyone interested in this classic era of the British rock scene’ The Afterword
A fascinating insight into the golden-age of 1970s and 80s rock and roll told through the eyes of music legend Bernie Marsden and, most notably, his role in establishing one of the world’s most famous rock bands of all time – Whitesnake.
‘A compelling journey in the company of a masterful (and mercifully ego-free) musician. I saved it like a cherished slab of vinyl.’ Ian Rankin
Touring with AC/DC. Befriending The Beatles. Writing one of the world’s most iconic rock songs. This is the story of a young boy from a small town who dreamt of one day playing the guitar for a living – and ended up a rock n’ roll legend.
It follows Bernie Marsden’s astonishing career in the industry – from tours in Cold War Germany and Franco’s Spain, to meeting and befriending George Harrison and touring Europe with AC/DC. It’s a story of hard graft, of life on the road, of meeting and playing with your heroes, of writing iconic rock songs – most notably the multi-million selling hit ‘Here I Go Again’ – and of being in one of the biggest rock bands of all time. At age 30, Bernie left Whitesnake due to serious conflict with his management, something he explores in this memoir for the very first time.
Packed with stories and encounters with the likes of Ringo Starr, Elton John, Cozy Powell, Ozzy Osborne, B.B. King and Jon Lord, this is not just a remarkable look into the highs and lows of being a true music legend, but an intimate account of the revolutionary impact rock and roll music has offered to the world.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2020
22 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Bernie Marsden
3 booksBernard Marsden (7 May 1951 – 24 August 2023) was an English rock and blues guitarist. He is primarily known for his work with Whitesnake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 28, 2019
Having been a huge fan of Whitesnake and many of the other rock bands of the 70s and 80s I knew this was a no-brainer and what an utterly magnificent memoir in turned out to be. It explores, in particular, those decades in British rock 'n' roll but also how these bands were received and revered in other parts of the world too. The rock and blues guitarist who hailed from Buckingham details how he made it big, the icons he was able to be around and contains many interesting anecdotes. The stories had me fully absorbed and I found it entertaining from beginning to end; it would make the perfect present for the old school rock/blues lover in your life. Written in a casual, conversational style, I raced through it despite my tendency to spend at least a few days on a non-fiction book.
There are stories about the forming of Whitesnake, its changing face and evolution and both the highs and lows of being in the music business; in particular, in terms of the negatives he discusses the issue of royalties and the indecent amount the musicians they themselves receive for their hard work in producing the music after other peoples cuts have been taken. All of the tales are told in an eloquent and intelligent manner and Marsden manages to stay away from sniping at others too much as it isn't that type of read. Neither is it a memoir of drug and alcohol-fuelled debauchery. Bernie also shares the bands and artists that had the biggest impact on him during his formative years including many of the unforgettable concerts, gigs and music festivals he attended. If you enjoy the blues-rock music of this era then i can wholeheartedly recommend this. Many thanks to Fourth Estate for an ARC.
There are stories about the forming of Whitesnake, its changing face and evolution and both the highs and lows of being in the music business; in particular, in terms of the negatives he discusses the issue of royalties and the indecent amount the musicians they themselves receive for their hard work in producing the music after other peoples cuts have been taken. All of the tales are told in an eloquent and intelligent manner and Marsden manages to stay away from sniping at others too much as it isn't that type of read. Neither is it a memoir of drug and alcohol-fuelled debauchery. Bernie also shares the bands and artists that had the biggest impact on him during his formative years including many of the unforgettable concerts, gigs and music festivals he attended. If you enjoy the blues-rock music of this era then i can wholeheartedly recommend this. Many thanks to Fourth Estate for an ARC.
December 9, 2019
Bernie Marsden is a guitarist’s guitarist, talented and unassuming, a bluesy player with a distinctive yet adaptable style yet none of the questionable attitude of more recognised ‘rock stars’. WHERE’S MY GUITAR is Bernie’s autobiography, updated to 2019, and details his remarkable career playing alongside ex-Deep Purple stars, Jon Lord, Ian Paice and David Coverdale in Paice Ashton Lord and Whitesnake, Cozy Powell, Jack Bruce, Gary Moore and many others. What the vast majority of these relationships share is the respect in which Bernie is held. Even his falling out with Coverdale, with whom he co-wrote the songs which have largely allowed him to pick and choose his projects, was due to other’s mismanagement and has been mended, DC writing the foreword to this edition. Bernie even managed to win over the notoriously difficult Ginger Baker although it is an experience he didn’t relish repeating.
There are surprising diversions such as his work in the theatre, his role as musical director for the band formed by professional tennis greats such as Pat Cash, John McEnroe and Vitus Gerulaitus, and the related ‘almost’ gig with Cliff Richard, a particularly amusing section. Marsden comes across as a thoroughly likeable man and the book reads like listening to a old friend. But, like one of his Whitesnake numbers says, he ‘loves the blues’ and it is Bernie’s interactions with blues singers, famous and not so famous, which really ‘tell his story’....
There are surprising diversions such as his work in the theatre, his role as musical director for the band formed by professional tennis greats such as Pat Cash, John McEnroe and Vitus Gerulaitus, and the related ‘almost’ gig with Cliff Richard, a particularly amusing section. Marsden comes across as a thoroughly likeable man and the book reads like listening to a old friend. But, like one of his Whitesnake numbers says, he ‘loves the blues’ and it is Bernie’s interactions with blues singers, famous and not so famous, which really ‘tell his story’....
May 4, 2020
Habiendo leído previamente el libro de Micky Moody no podía dejar de poner mis manos sobre éste. Han tenido carreras paralelas. Empezaron en una serie de grupos "menores" pero prestigiosos dentro de la escena rock británica de los 70, para pasar a coincidir como elemento fundacional de Whitesnake y definitorio dentro de la línea de este grupo, de su formación "clásica" que muchos veneramos, la del 78 al 82. Y, a partir de ahí, una miríada de proyectos, incluyendo proyectos de los dos juntos, pero sin pertenecer a ningún grupo realmente grande. Haciendo lo que les apetece, a pequeña escala, y con mucho reconocimiento del público de rock clásico, y de sus pares. La diferencia con el libro de Micky es que Bernie cuenta todo lo que hizo después de Whitesnake, hasta 2019. Por un lado es un anti-clímax, pero por otro no deja de ser ciertamente interesante.
Por el resto, el libro está bien escrito y se deja leer bien, con multitud de anécdotas e historias varias.
Por el resto, el libro está bien escrito y se deja leer bien, con multitud de anécdotas e historias varias.
December 9, 2017
Bernie Marsden has achieved many things of which others could only dream. Seven albums with a band that filled stadiums around the world and the co-writer of a multi-million selling song that reached Number 1 in the US and Canada. But regrets, there are a few.
Between 1978 and 1982 Bernie was in Whitesnake, the band that picked up (sort of) where Deep Purple left off, and in most respects, it’s this that will draw people to Bernie’s book. As much as Bernie and Whitesnake are synonymous (and fair play, he didn’t call the book “Here I Go Again” or “Here I Am Again”) Whitesnake represent just 4 years of a career that’s been going for over 40. Bernie crowdfunded this book via Pledge Music. He admits to being difficult to manage and someone who does things on his own terms, so the book is written how he wants it, which turns out to be both a good thing as well as problematic. One of the positives is that he’s stuck to a chronological narrative that documents in some detail the bands and tours he’s experienced. No breathless opening chapter dealing with the day he found he’d been sacked from Whitesnake to lure the punters in.
The negatives – well, crowdfunding your publication means you sidestep some of the traditional publishing steps, and the book suffers little as a consequence. A small font with narrow spacing makes the reading hard work, and an editor would have sorted minor spelling errors along with gaffes such as referring to the Sunset Marquis as the “Sunset Marquee”. These are really just minor distractions – more evident is the clunky text here and there. On stage Bernie is quick witted with a sharp tongue, but in writing a number of the anecdotes become somewhat lumpen which an editor could have straightened out. It also means that there was no-one to push Bernie to reveal more, whether it’s his feelings about the twists and turns of the business or the excesses of bands on the road. Maybe having your daughter as Associate Editor is a constraint.
I thought I knew his work petty well – early days with UFO, Wild Turkey etc but there’s plenty more including work with a couple of Beatles, work at the National Theatre, how he came to be buddies with Pat Cash and almost getting a gig with Cliff Richard.
His respect for most of the people he’s worked with shines through. The fondness with which he relates his time playing with the late Tony Ashton contrasts starkly with the distain he has for Tony’s drinking buddy Ronnie Fraser, a ubiquitous face on 70’s and 80’s TV. There’s also tremendous respect and warmth for Cozy Powell, Jon Lord, Ian Paice and Neil Murray. Steve Marriott is also well regarded despite giving Bernie a bollocking for refusing to play Whitesnake songs. Indeed it’s noticeable how little rancour Bernie has for others in the business (Phil Mogg and Pete Way of UFO excepted).
Which brings us to Dave Coverdale. Prior to Whitesnake Bernie had been in and out of numerous bands, sometimes of his own volition, sometimes not. Either way, he just seemed to roll with it and moved on to something new. Being fired from Whitesnake just after recording “Saints & Sinners” in 1982 was different – a body blow at the age of just 30 that Bernie felt for decades to come and left him feeling “shattered”. Yet he continues to hold Dave Coverdale in high esteem – DC has written the preface to this book, despite having someone else throw him out the band.
Bernie closes the book with chapters devoted to guitars – “a sickness for which there’s no cure” and some details of his blues “field trips” over the years where he met the likes of BB King, Hubert Sumlin and Sonny Boy Williamson. It’s a neat way to close the book. Across the preceding 240 pages Bernie packs in a lot, and still left me wanting more. His is a great story and all the better for being shared.
And he delivered it to my house in person. Just wish I'd been in ....
Between 1978 and 1982 Bernie was in Whitesnake, the band that picked up (sort of) where Deep Purple left off, and in most respects, it’s this that will draw people to Bernie’s book. As much as Bernie and Whitesnake are synonymous (and fair play, he didn’t call the book “Here I Go Again” or “Here I Am Again”) Whitesnake represent just 4 years of a career that’s been going for over 40. Bernie crowdfunded this book via Pledge Music. He admits to being difficult to manage and someone who does things on his own terms, so the book is written how he wants it, which turns out to be both a good thing as well as problematic. One of the positives is that he’s stuck to a chronological narrative that documents in some detail the bands and tours he’s experienced. No breathless opening chapter dealing with the day he found he’d been sacked from Whitesnake to lure the punters in.
The negatives – well, crowdfunding your publication means you sidestep some of the traditional publishing steps, and the book suffers little as a consequence. A small font with narrow spacing makes the reading hard work, and an editor would have sorted minor spelling errors along with gaffes such as referring to the Sunset Marquis as the “Sunset Marquee”. These are really just minor distractions – more evident is the clunky text here and there. On stage Bernie is quick witted with a sharp tongue, but in writing a number of the anecdotes become somewhat lumpen which an editor could have straightened out. It also means that there was no-one to push Bernie to reveal more, whether it’s his feelings about the twists and turns of the business or the excesses of bands on the road. Maybe having your daughter as Associate Editor is a constraint.
I thought I knew his work petty well – early days with UFO, Wild Turkey etc but there’s plenty more including work with a couple of Beatles, work at the National Theatre, how he came to be buddies with Pat Cash and almost getting a gig with Cliff Richard.
His respect for most of the people he’s worked with shines through. The fondness with which he relates his time playing with the late Tony Ashton contrasts starkly with the distain he has for Tony’s drinking buddy Ronnie Fraser, a ubiquitous face on 70’s and 80’s TV. There’s also tremendous respect and warmth for Cozy Powell, Jon Lord, Ian Paice and Neil Murray. Steve Marriott is also well regarded despite giving Bernie a bollocking for refusing to play Whitesnake songs. Indeed it’s noticeable how little rancour Bernie has for others in the business (Phil Mogg and Pete Way of UFO excepted).
Which brings us to Dave Coverdale. Prior to Whitesnake Bernie had been in and out of numerous bands, sometimes of his own volition, sometimes not. Either way, he just seemed to roll with it and moved on to something new. Being fired from Whitesnake just after recording “Saints & Sinners” in 1982 was different – a body blow at the age of just 30 that Bernie felt for decades to come and left him feeling “shattered”. Yet he continues to hold Dave Coverdale in high esteem – DC has written the preface to this book, despite having someone else throw him out the band.
Bernie closes the book with chapters devoted to guitars – “a sickness for which there’s no cure” and some details of his blues “field trips” over the years where he met the likes of BB King, Hubert Sumlin and Sonny Boy Williamson. It’s a neat way to close the book. Across the preceding 240 pages Bernie packs in a lot, and still left me wanting more. His is a great story and all the better for being shared.
And he delivered it to my house in person. Just wish I'd been in ....
May 7, 2018
Absolutely loved this, recently saw him in concert and though always loved Whitesnake knew very little about the "man."
This was such an informative read and made me like him even more, he seems very down to earth and charming and appreciative to those he meets whether people in the same or other fields or just fans.
Thorough enjoyed all the little anecdotes and stories of people he has worked with over the years.
Written with honesty, humour and warts and all attitude towards situations and highlighted with some great shots of Bernie through the years with his many bands.
Although always associated with Whitesnake this is a must read for fans of rock / metal and even the blues of which he is a true advocate of.
A highly engrossing read I couldn't put down.
This was such an informative read and made me like him even more, he seems very down to earth and charming and appreciative to those he meets whether people in the same or other fields or just fans.
Thorough enjoyed all the little anecdotes and stories of people he has worked with over the years.
Written with honesty, humour and warts and all attitude towards situations and highlighted with some great shots of Bernie through the years with his many bands.
Although always associated with Whitesnake this is a must read for fans of rock / metal and even the blues of which he is a true advocate of.
A highly engrossing read I couldn't put down.
July 30, 2023
Let me tell you about Bernie Marsden - the guitarist's guitarist! Talented and unassuming, he's got a bluesy style that's all his own, and he's no stranger to playing alongside some big names in the music biz. We're talking ex-Deep Purple stars like Jon Lord, Ian Paice, and David Coverdale in Paice Ashton Lord and Whitesnake. But here's the kicker - Bernie's not your typical rock star with all that questionable attitude. Nope, he's just a cool dude with some serious talent.
His autobiography, "WHERE'S MY GUITAR," takes you on a journey through his remarkable career, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cozy Powell, Jack Bruce, Gary Moore, and more. And let me tell you, these folks respect Bernie like crazy. Even when he had a falling out with Coverdale, who he co-wrote some killer songs with, it was all due to other people's mismanagement. But guess what? They patched things up, and Coverdale even wrote the foreword to this updated edition. Talk about burying the hatchet!
Now, you might think it's all about music, but hold on to your hats! Bernie's got some surprising diversions up his sleeve. He's done work in the theatre, and get this - he was the musical director for a band formed by tennis legends like Pat Cash, John McEnroe, and Vitus Gerulaitus. Who knew tennis and music could go hand in hand? Oh, and there's this hilarious story about an "almost" gig with Cliff Richard. You gotta read it to believe it!
But here's the real gem of Bernie's story - his interactions with blues singers, the famous ones, and the not-so-famous ones. This is where the magic happens, and you get a glimpse into the soul of the man himself.
The book reads like a chat with an old friend, and you can't help but feel like you're sitting with Bernie, sipping on a cool drink, and listening to his tales. He's a likable bloke, and you'll be nodding along, going, "Yeah, Bernie, you tell 'em!"
So, if you're into music, blues, and a journey through the rock 'n' roll world with a genuinely cool dude, "WHERE'S MY GUITAR" deserves a solid four stars. Bernie Marsden is a legend, and his story will leave you tapping your feet and craving more of that bluesy goodness!
His autobiography, "WHERE'S MY GUITAR," takes you on a journey through his remarkable career, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Cozy Powell, Jack Bruce, Gary Moore, and more. And let me tell you, these folks respect Bernie like crazy. Even when he had a falling out with Coverdale, who he co-wrote some killer songs with, it was all due to other people's mismanagement. But guess what? They patched things up, and Coverdale even wrote the foreword to this updated edition. Talk about burying the hatchet!
Now, you might think it's all about music, but hold on to your hats! Bernie's got some surprising diversions up his sleeve. He's done work in the theatre, and get this - he was the musical director for a band formed by tennis legends like Pat Cash, John McEnroe, and Vitus Gerulaitus. Who knew tennis and music could go hand in hand? Oh, and there's this hilarious story about an "almost" gig with Cliff Richard. You gotta read it to believe it!
But here's the real gem of Bernie's story - his interactions with blues singers, the famous ones, and the not-so-famous ones. This is where the magic happens, and you get a glimpse into the soul of the man himself.
The book reads like a chat with an old friend, and you can't help but feel like you're sitting with Bernie, sipping on a cool drink, and listening to his tales. He's a likable bloke, and you'll be nodding along, going, "Yeah, Bernie, you tell 'em!"
So, if you're into music, blues, and a journey through the rock 'n' roll world with a genuinely cool dude, "WHERE'S MY GUITAR" deserves a solid four stars. Bernie Marsden is a legend, and his story will leave you tapping your feet and craving more of that bluesy goodness!
March 12, 2023
Amiable Bernie Marsden is probably no one’s ultimate guitar god, but certainly the one I’d most love to have a pint with. The nice guy of British rock was the heart and soul of Whtesnake, before they started doing their hair and made it big in the States, and he penned some of their best songs. Not all of their stuff has aged gracefully, but Ready An’ Willin' and Live in the Heart of the City are up there with the best ever.
Obviously most of Marsden’s memoir is devoted to his glory days with Whitesnake, but I was pleased to see the much underrated Paice Ashton Lord outing also get its fair share of attention. Some of the early stuff is interesting too, most of the post-Whitesnake stuff isn’t, tbh. On the whole the memoir is in tune with Marsden’s personality. There is some rock’n’roll dirt, but it’s all kept relatively polite. New insights include how Marsden never really liked UFO and there’s a hilarious episode in which he almost teamed up with Cliff Richard.
Being the nice guy he is, Bernie Marsden wasn’t always treated fairly by the vultures of the industry. He was cheated out of vast amounts of money, but he’s not the guy to dwell on the negatives. Instead he seems to have always remained a genuine music fan at heart, counting himself lucky to just have been around when so much great music was being made. There’s little resentment and plenty of kudo’s to his colleagues. After the great Rory Gallagher passed away, Bernie was the first to play Rory’s beloved Stratocaster. That shows just how much he is appreciated by those who know.
Where’s my Guitar? is packed with honest and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from one of Britain’s most unlikely rock heroes. Three stars for the memoir, five for Bernie!
Obviously most of Marsden’s memoir is devoted to his glory days with Whitesnake, but I was pleased to see the much underrated Paice Ashton Lord outing also get its fair share of attention. Some of the early stuff is interesting too, most of the post-Whitesnake stuff isn’t, tbh. On the whole the memoir is in tune with Marsden’s personality. There is some rock’n’roll dirt, but it’s all kept relatively polite. New insights include how Marsden never really liked UFO and there’s a hilarious episode in which he almost teamed up with Cliff Richard.
Being the nice guy he is, Bernie Marsden wasn’t always treated fairly by the vultures of the industry. He was cheated out of vast amounts of money, but he’s not the guy to dwell on the negatives. Instead he seems to have always remained a genuine music fan at heart, counting himself lucky to just have been around when so much great music was being made. There’s little resentment and plenty of kudo’s to his colleagues. After the great Rory Gallagher passed away, Bernie was the first to play Rory’s beloved Stratocaster. That shows just how much he is appreciated by those who know.
Where’s my Guitar? is packed with honest and sometimes hilarious anecdotes from one of Britain’s most unlikely rock heroes. Three stars for the memoir, five for Bernie!
February 6, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book. It is narrated by Mr.B himself - remarkable!
Lately, I put an audio book or podcast before I go to bed with a sleep timer on.
This book kept me awake at nights and I ended up continuously hitting the snooze button.
There is bonus at the end - Unpublished interview with B.B. King that he recorded back in ‘78.
I have full respect for Bernie. He is truly down to earth person. Except the few setbacks mentioned in the book you get a picture that he had an easy going career, which is not always the case, for sure.
I enjoyed the book. I can’t say that it blew my mind nor that it disappointed me. Somewhere in the middle.
One key takeaway from his experience is the following:
Don’t settle for a comfort zone for too long, if you are offered an opportunity that might be a turning point grab it. Follow your gut feeling. Establish a somewhat safe zone but don’t be afraid to explore. At the end it’s just a business, and sometimes a pleasure.
Leave a good mark on your current gig. Build a community of people that you never know when you can rely on or they will on you and keep in contact as much as possible with them.
I wish this could be easily applied to all jobs out there but the afore mentioned is the actual mindset that we all need to adopt or practice.
Of course, last but not least for us musicians - couple of guitars more :)
Lately, I put an audio book or podcast before I go to bed with a sleep timer on.
This book kept me awake at nights and I ended up continuously hitting the snooze button.
There is bonus at the end - Unpublished interview with B.B. King that he recorded back in ‘78.
I have full respect for Bernie. He is truly down to earth person. Except the few setbacks mentioned in the book you get a picture that he had an easy going career, which is not always the case, for sure.
I enjoyed the book. I can’t say that it blew my mind nor that it disappointed me. Somewhere in the middle.
One key takeaway from his experience is the following:
Don’t settle for a comfort zone for too long, if you are offered an opportunity that might be a turning point grab it. Follow your gut feeling. Establish a somewhat safe zone but don’t be afraid to explore. At the end it’s just a business, and sometimes a pleasure.
Leave a good mark on your current gig. Build a community of people that you never know when you can rely on or they will on you and keep in contact as much as possible with them.
I wish this could be easily applied to all jobs out there but the afore mentioned is the actual mindset that we all need to adopt or practice.
Of course, last but not least for us musicians - couple of guitars more :)
June 27, 2025
I've never heard of Bernie Marsden. I've heard of Whitesnake, but if you asked me to come up with one of their songs I might start humming "Living on a prayer" - and that is probably not one of their's...
My musical tastes coincided with some of the bands mentioned in the book: UFO, Deep Purple, Bad Company, Thin Lizzy. I guess I missed Bernie's involvement in UFO.
What a thoroughly enjoyable book this is, and from what appears to be a thoroughly nice person (his short list at the end of the book, of gigs that he went to as a fan, show that he was a fan of music, not just some "big rock star". (I'm sure they are all fans.)
This book has made me sorry that I don't know the names of any Whitesnake songs, and I never (knowingly) know any Bernie Marsden songs or guitar-work. Something I may have to correct...
I can recommend this book.
My musical tastes coincided with some of the bands mentioned in the book: UFO, Deep Purple, Bad Company, Thin Lizzy. I guess I missed Bernie's involvement in UFO.
What a thoroughly enjoyable book this is, and from what appears to be a thoroughly nice person (his short list at the end of the book, of gigs that he went to as a fan, show that he was a fan of music, not just some "big rock star". (I'm sure they are all fans.)
This book has made me sorry that I don't know the names of any Whitesnake songs, and I never (knowingly) know any Bernie Marsden songs or guitar-work. Something I may have to correct...
I can recommend this book.
October 5, 2021
A book borrowed from my husband who was a big Whitesnake fan back in the day. Over the years have seen Bernie in many concerts and as he was a neighbour of one of my husbands work colleagues, his name has always been around. Hubbie reccommended this and quite frankly it was a great read. Helps if you are into rock music and guitars and are of a "certain age" (of which I am!) I found it very interesting to hear about the early days and how easy it was to be so close to being a rock star and then becoming a cast off. It must have been hard to continue and even harder to pursue recompense in the later years and reconcile with other musicians but some great stories in the book. Well done Bernie!
July 9, 2023
I so prefer autobiograhies by British musicians over American ones. The former have no need for silly posturing and come off as a hundred times more self-confident than the ones with endless lists of drugs and groupies they’ve done. Bernie Marsden’s book comes with the added bonus of having the author read the audio version, bringing the incidents even more alive. One thing the American books do well, however, is the sense of a story arc. There is success, trials and being back on one’s feet again, which is satisfies our need for narrative coherence. Marsden’s book comes off more as a chronicle. Yet, if you know your Whitesnake (the best albums were with Marsden on guitar), then this is essential stuff.
September 13, 2020
Bernie Marsden seems like a gregarious and affable sort. His career took off just about the time that I was starting to raise a family, so I was not as deep into British rock as I was in the 60's. This book caught me up on who was who in the 70's and 80's, and I enjoyed going to Youtube to check out all the tunes that I wasn't familiar with. Reading about life on the road was also beneficial to me in that it reminded me that I never would have survived past my 20's had I gone professional. Bernie managed to avoid the drugs, but there was still too much drinking and not enough alone time for me.
March 19, 2021
picked this up for a reading challenge had no real expectations
fascinating character in Bernie Marsden
talks through his early career, struggle to afford first guitar, the musical chairs as he rotated through various bands, always with an eye on developing.
later success with Whitesnake, his joy in writing and performing music, in blues in particular and in having the opportunity to meet his idols across genres - not a lot of rock and roll lifestyle focus - but hints
seems like a nice guy, has very little bad to say about anyone, although highlights the importance of always reading the contract
fascinating character in Bernie Marsden
talks through his early career, struggle to afford first guitar, the musical chairs as he rotated through various bands, always with an eye on developing.
later success with Whitesnake, his joy in writing and performing music, in blues in particular and in having the opportunity to meet his idols across genres - not a lot of rock and roll lifestyle focus - but hints
seems like a nice guy, has very little bad to say about anyone, although highlights the importance of always reading the contract
December 23, 2019
I loved this book on audio. Bernie Marsden narrates it wonderfully and it’s more like an armchair chat about his life and times as a blues guitarist growing up and gigging through the 70s to today. Of course the Whitesnake stories are what will interest most people but he has had a very rich and varied career with lots of interesting and funny stories to tell. The audible book also has a taped interview he did with BB King before a gig and you get a great insight into the Blues legends philosophy and life as he chats to Bernie . A lovely listen/ read. Well worth listening to it on audio.
April 9, 2020
Barnie Marsden of Whitesnake comes across in his memoir as an interesting and genuine guy. - I love the way he thanks the people that have helped him over the years from his French teacher to a GI with a guitar.
I remember the Whitesnakes music from the late 80s as I was a teen leaving school at that time. The one song that has always stuck is that video with the girl on the bonnet of the car.. This was definitely an interesting read for me to learn more about the man behind the guitar.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
I remember the Whitesnakes music from the late 80s as I was a teen leaving school at that time. The one song that has always stuck is that video with the girl on the bonnet of the car.. This was definitely an interesting read for me to learn more about the man behind the guitar.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
July 5, 2021
This is certainly an interesting read and a great insight into the British rock culture in 70’s/80’s.
I would say though, that this is more targeted for extreme Whitesnake/Bernie Marsden fans, extreme 70’s/80’s rock fans, or at the least extreme guitarist fans.
At times the writing becomes a listing of names & bands that I have little or no knowledge of, making it feel like a wiki link, rather than a memoir. Regardless, there is some great stuff in the book.
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy
I would say though, that this is more targeted for extreme Whitesnake/Bernie Marsden fans, extreme 70’s/80’s rock fans, or at the least extreme guitarist fans.
At times the writing becomes a listing of names & bands that I have little or no knowledge of, making it feel like a wiki link, rather than a memoir. Regardless, there is some great stuff in the book.
Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy
February 12, 2021
Brilliant insight into one of rocks great guitar players
Loved this, caught Bernie and Micky playing in "Company of Snakes" many years ago and they amazed me then!
One of the greatest twin guitar partnerships yet, overlooked I feel.
If you love guitars and rock n roll, this book is a must!
Loved this, caught Bernie and Micky playing in "Company of Snakes" many years ago and they amazed me then!
One of the greatest twin guitar partnerships yet, overlooked I feel.
If you love guitars and rock n roll, this book is a must!
January 8, 2020
As a long time classic rock fan, Bernie's book is a fascinating insight into some classic bands and songs spanning over 5 decades. A must read for any fan of the great British classic Rock bands from the 60s and 70s.
January 26, 2020
Where most rock memoirs seem to be score-cards of women and drugs, it's refreshing to read one that's about making music.
Bearnie Marsden comes across as a thoroughly decent guy (again, a change from most biogs), and I can't recommend this book highly enough.
Bearnie Marsden comes across as a thoroughly decent guy (again, a change from most biogs), and I can't recommend this book highly enough.
May 11, 2020
A great insight into the life a career of one of my all time rock heroes. His story on the road to Whitesnake, and beyond is a real eye opener, with more name drops to fill anyone's lifetime. It's a who's who of British Rock, through the good times and bad.
June 29, 2020
Just great
I read this book straight through from the start to finish and a couple of chapters twice. It was amazing to read the stories of his meeting and interacting with my heroes from my youth. All told very well.
I read this book straight through from the start to finish and a couple of chapters twice. It was amazing to read the stories of his meeting and interacting with my heroes from my youth. All told very well.
August 1, 2020
I've loved Bernie Marsden since I first heard whitesnake in 1980. I still have vinyl of the early whitesnake and his first 2 solo albums.
This brought back memories and I learnt a lot. Still love him.
This brought back memories and I learnt a lot. Still love him.
January 17, 2020
Of course there are many sources of rock'n'roll stories published, but not so many as enjoyable and detailed like this.
July 11, 2021
An easy engaging read. He's had quite a career
September 5, 2021
A good read for lovers of the history of rock music
April 25, 2022
Excellent description of a great career
As a long time Whitesnake fan I thought this would be good but his sheer enthusiasm for music is a delight.
As a long time Whitesnake fan I thought this would be good but his sheer enthusiasm for music is a delight.
May 6, 2024
Good read.
Excellent if you're a fan of Whitesnake when they were playing blues based rock, prior to breaking America
Excellent if you're a fan of Whitesnake when they were playing blues based rock, prior to breaking America
January 15, 2025
A very easy read.
Packed full of great stories. If you are a fan of 70s and 80s rock music then this is a real nostalgia trip and most entertaining.
Packed full of great stories. If you are a fan of 70s and 80s rock music then this is a real nostalgia trip and most entertaining.
September 25, 2025
Extremely charming. 3.5 stars.
Bernie, if you ever read this, go give Blue Oyster Cult a second try. ;-)
Bernie, if you ever read this, go give Blue Oyster Cult a second try. ;-)
June 4, 2021
Received arc from Harper Collins and Netgalley for honest read and review.
I grew up listening to Bernie when he was with Whitesnake and this was a brilliant read to see how he started out and became so influential.loved it
I grew up listening to Bernie when he was with Whitesnake and this was a brilliant read to see how he started out and became so influential.loved it
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