Foolish Day

The Zoo Crew is grooving to the soulful sounds of Foolish Day by Bernie Marsden, a track from his Bad Reputation single, featured on the posthumous album Working Man, released on December 8, 2023. This instrumental piece stands out as a beautiful, bluesy reflection of Marsden’s guitar mastery. According to posts found on YouTube, Marsden was deeply involved in the song’s mixing and artwork, pouring his heart into the project until his final days. The song is paired with a reimagined version of the Whitesnake classic Til The Day I Die on the single, showcasing Marsden’s ability to blend fresh creativity with his storied past. Fans on Facebook have celebrated Foolish Day for its emotive depth, with one commenter noting it feels like “Bernie’s soul speaking through his guitar.” The track’s release was bittersweet, as it came after Marsden’s passing on August 24, 2023, making it a poignant part of his final gift to his Zoo Freaks.

Little is shared directly about the inspiration for Foolish Day in interviews, but Marsden’s wife, Fran, mentioned in a statement on MNPR Magazine that Bernie was thrilled to share new, original songs after years of cover albums. The instrumental nature of Foolish Day suggests a personal, perhaps introspective moment in his creative process, contrasting with the lyrical storytelling of tracks like Bad Reputation. The Working Man album, which includes Foolish Day, was praised by Blues Rock Review for being “a great final gift for Marsden fans,” a sentiment echoed across X by fans who felt the song captured his lifelong love for blues. The Steelhouse Festival, where Marsden was a beloved figure, honored him with #Berniefest, and it’s easy to imagine Foolish Day resonating with the crowds there, its mellow vibes perfect for a starry festival night.

Bernie Marsden, born Bernard John Marsden on May 7, 1951, in Buckingham, England, kicked off his musical journey as a teenager, playing in local bands like Clockwork Mousetrap before forming Skinny Cat at 17. His professional break came in 1972 when he joined UFO, a gig that thrust him into the rock scene. According to his biography on Wikipedia, Marsden’s early years were a whirlwind of growth, moving from UFO to Glenn Cornick’s Wild Turkey in 1973, then to Cozy Powell’s Hammer. His time with Babe Ruth in 1975, contributing to albums like Stealin’ Home, sharpened his skills before Cozy Powell recommended him to Jon Lord for Paice Ashton Lord. It was in 1978, when Marsden co-founded Whitesnake with David Coverdale, that he truly made his mark, co-writing hits like Here I Go Again and Fool for Your Loving. His blues-soaked guitar style, praised by BB King as that of “one of the white men that can play the blues,” became his signature, as noted in an interview with The Strange Brew.

Marsden’s career spanned decades, from Whitesnake to solo projects and bands like Alaska and The Moody Marsden Band. He never strayed far from his blues roots, producing works like the Big Boy Blue box set and collaborating with legends like Honey Boy Edwards. His passion for guitars led to a PRS Signature Edition and a Gibson Les Paul dubbed “The Beast,” as well as a 2018 book, Tales of Tone and Volume, showcasing his collection. Fans can dive deeper into his world through his official Facebook page, where he shared moments like visiting a floating record shop in Wiltshire, or follow updates on his Instagram. The X account dedicated to Marsden remains active with tributes, and fan communities like the Bernie Marsden Fans Facebook group keep his legacy alive with discussions and memories. For more, check out his official website, a hub for his music, tour history, and shop.