Why Bernie Marsden saved the best for last.
- Rock Metal Machine
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
BERNIE MARSDEN
The fifth and final album in Bernie Marsden’s Inspirations Series, STAGE is out on 21st August 2026 through award winning independent label, Conquest Music.
Available in a limited edition 2LP, Gatefold sleeve set and 2CD Deluxe Digipack with 16 page booklet, the album represents the arena where perhaps Bernie shone the brightest... on STAGE.
Bernie Marsden's charisma, warmth and of course beautiful playing & singing was best demonstrated with the input of an always appreciative audience.
STAGE features four different concerts, each is dedicated a side of vinyl, so the listener can appreciate the different Bernie experiences which were on offer.
The Radcliffe Centre, Buckingham 2008 illustrates a gentle acoustic presentation, complete with strings.
Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea, 2019 has Bernie in full electric mode with a brass accompaniment that swings as the boat sways.
Notodden Blues Festival, Norway, 1996 is a stellar line up including Snowy White, Tony Ashton, David Levy & Henry Spinetti.
Under The Bridge, London, 2020 sees a full six-piece band and very special guest, Joe Bonamassa.
A crowd shot video was compiled to illustrate the electric performances on 'Walking By Myself'.
There have been so many loving tributes to Bernie Marsden since he passed away peacefully in 2023 at the age of 72.
“He really was a master of his art”
Nicky Wire (Manic Street Preachers)
“Tone and touch and taste. That was Bernie.”
Steve Lukather
“He was a superstar in every imaginable way.”
Joe Bonamassa
Bernie always wore his influences on his sleeve, whether through his live set or on his albums.
In addition to 2023’s WORKING MAN, his latest album of original songs, Bernie also released four chart busting solo albums with Conquest Music since 2021 in KINGS, CHESS, TRIOS and ICONS as part of his Inspirations Series. In these albums, he paid tribute to the artists that helped shape his taste in music and distinctive guitar style.
"Bernie Marsden was such a charismatic and witty person. In his understated way, he would manage to have any audience engaged and involved within a couple of songs.
We felt that his Inspirations Series would be incomplete without including a glimpse of that magic that he conjured up on stage.
There were so many great live recordings in his archive that it was tough to limit the album to just two discs sampling four different shows."
Conquest Music's Alan Bambrough:
As a taster for STAGE, a digital EP is available now and is led by an amazing live version of 'Walking By Myself' from the Under the Bridge show. Bernie's close friend and collaborator, Joe Bonamassa joined him onstage and their guitar duel on this song was jaw dropping.
The EP also contains 4 more live tracks that will not appear on STAGE.
1. Walking By Myself
2. Wheels Within Wheels
3. Hold On (I Feel Our Love Is Changing)
4. Working For The CSA
5. Funny People
The booklet with the CD includes some very moving sleeve notes from Steelhouse Festival founders, Mikey & Max. Here's an excerpt:
"A true master of his craft, a lover of music, a Steelhouse legend and above all, the most genuine and gracious of men, Bernie was responsible for making some amazing moments happen on the stage as well as providing humour, encouragement and perspective off it…Thanks so much, Bernie…Your name will always echo across that mountain."
The STAGE album can be pre-ordered from the special Bernie Marsden shop. Each order will also include an exclusive free Collectors’ Card.
It is also available from your usual retail outlets and streamed on the digital platforms.
Bernie Marsden – STAGE track-list:
LP Side A
1 Till the Day I Die
2 The Time Is Right for Love
3 Out On The Western Plains
4 Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City
LP Side B
1 Boss of the Blues
2 Reconsider Baby
3 Watch Out
4 Worried Life Blues
LP Side C
1 Down Home Blues
2 I'm Tore Down
3 Love That Burns
4 Oh Well
LP Side D
1 Walking in the Shadow of the Blues
2 I'll Play the Blues For You
3 Walking By Myself
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