By 1981 three quarters of Whitesnake's material was emanating from guitarist Bernie Marsden, and in the same year he finally managed to find time to record a second solo album. The first, 'And About Time Too' (now available on Purple Records, PUR 313) had been a Japan only release. It's success in the UK import charts (which it topped for some weeks) lead EMI to ask for a follow up.

Aside from Bernie on guitar and vocals, fellow 'snakes Ian Paice, Neil Murray and Jon Lord were the backbone of the band for the sessions, with Simon Phillips depping as the second drummer. (Bernie also persuaded Micheal Schenker to come in and supply hand-claps to the end of one song!) When it came time for EMI to issue the two Marsden albums in the UK, they asked Bernie which label he'd like it to be on. As a record fan, Bernie immediately said "Parlophone", thinking they'd never agree to it. He was overjoyed when they resurrected the label, complete with the original label design.

There were plans for some live shows but Whitesnake were so busy these couldn't be sorted out. Bernie did manage to get the musicians together again in August 1981 for a radio session, which remains the only contemporary live outing for any of this material. Performing four songs from the album, the session was made even more interesting when David Coverdale turned up to sing one song. Two songs from this session have been added to each Purple Records CD reissue. The pressure was beginning to tell in Whitesnake and half way through the next LP their manager persuaded David that it was the band who were the problem and ended up firing them.

These days Bernie is busier than ever, working with Micky Moody in M3, who aim to get nearer to the spirit of Whitesnake than any of Coverdale's subsequent efforts have ever managed! In June 2000 Bernie even managed to reform Whitesnake (minus Coverdale) for a one-off show at Abbey Road for a rousing set of Bernie's songs such as 'Fool For Your Loving' and 'Don't Break My Heart Again'.

Both of Bernie's solo CDs come with detailed booklets and comments from Bernie on the events surrounding the recording of the original albums. They can be ordered from the dpas online store.

purple records catalogue