4th Estate snaps up Bernie Marsden's memoir

HarperCollins imprint 4th Estate will publish Whitesnake musician Bernie Marsden's memoir in November 2019. 

PR and publishing director at 4th Estate Michelle Kane acquired world rights to Where's My Guitar: The Inside Story of British Rock & Roll, directly from Marsden. 

The book provides “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,” 4th Estate said.

“It follows 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.”

The publisher said the title is “packed with stories and encounters with the likes of Ringo Starr, Elton John, Cozy Powell, Ozzy Osborne, Jon Lord and B B King” with the audio version featuring a previously unheard recording with King.

Marsden said: “After a lengthy music career of some note, I am more than pleased to now be a part of publishing giants 4th Estate and HarperCollins. Signing with HarperCollins is a big thing for me, and to then have Michelle Kane as my editor is a terrific bonus - her experience and professionalism will be of great help to me I’m sure. Together with the whole 4th Estate team behind me I can’t wait to get this story out into the hands of the fans and beyond.”