Gerry And The Pacemakers Star Gerry Marsden Dies Aged 78
Monday, 04 January 2021
Written by Jon Stickler
Gerry and the Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden has died aged 78.
The singer (pictured third from the left) passed away at Arrow Park Hospital on the Wirral on the morning of January 3 following a short illness.
Marsden was born in Toxteth, Liverpool in 1942. His band was one of the most successful acts of the Merseybeat era and topped the UK singles chart in 1963 with their first three singles, How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone, a cover of the Rodgers and Hammerstein composition from the musical Carousel.
Their well known hit Ferry Cross The Mersey reached number eight in 1964. It was penned by Marsden as a tribute to his hometown.
He re-recorded You'll Never Walk Alone — an iconic football terrace anthem for Liverpool FC — in April 2020 in tribute to the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic. Marsden's agent, Robert Pratt said:
"Myself and The Pacemakers are devastated at the sad news of the passing of Gerry Marsden MBE.
"Losing such a legend is never easy. We were all blessed to work with Gerry for many years. We send our condolences and deepest sympathies to his wife... and the family at this sad time."
Marsden’s family said in a statement on Sunday: "Gerry died earlier today after a short illness in no way connected with Covid-19. His wife, daughters and grandchildren are devastated."
Fellow Scouser Paul McCartney also paid tribute online:
"Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene. His unforgettable performances of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey remain in many people’s hearts as reminders of a joyful time in British music. My sympathies go to his wife Pauline and family. See ya, Gerry. I’ll always remember you with a smile. - Paul"
Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene. His unforgettable performances of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey remain in many people’s hearts as reminders of a joyful time in British music... pic.twitter.com/t1COAIwZVM
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