Gerry Marsden, frontman of Gerry and the Pacemakers, dies aged 78: Singer hailed a 'Liverpool legend'
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The family of Gerry Marsden - singer of You'll Never Walk Alone - has died after a short illness.
The lead singer of sixties band Gerry and the Pacemakers, who found fame in the Merseybeat scene, died on Sunday at the age of 78.
The band's hits included Ferry Cross The Mersey, while their version of You'll Never Walk Alone became a football anthem for Marsden's home club of Liverpool.
His friend, broadcaster Pete Price, wrote on Instagram: "It's with a very heavy heart, after speaking to the family, that I have to tell you the legendary Gerry Marsden MBE ... has sadly passed away.
"I'm sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family. You'll Never Walk Alone."
He said Marsden suffered "a short illness which was an infection in his heart".
Marsden's family later issued a statement saying: "Gerry died earlier today after a short illness in no way connected with Covid-19. His wife, daughters and grandchildren are devastated."
You'll Never Walk Alone enjoyed a resurgence during the pandemic after a cover of the song, featuring Captain Sir Tom Moore, reached number one in the UK singles chart.
In April this year, Marsden recorded a new version of the band's hit alongside a music video, which featured Marsden and messages about the NHS.
Gerry and the Pacemakers enjoyed sell-out tours around the world.
In 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed up the band and their first three releases reached number one in 1963 - How Do You Do It, I Like It and You'll Never Walk Alone.
The group split in 1967 and Marsden pursued a solo career before the band reformed in 1974 to tour the world - a tour they later repeated.
Marsden went into hospital on Boxing Day after tests showed he had a serious blood infection that had travelled to his heart.
It was a short illness but Marsden had suffered previous heart scare including triple bypass, an aortic valve replacement and ironically he also had a pacemaker.
His daughter Yvette Marbeck told the PA news agency: "My sister Vicky and myself have always been very, very proud of Dad.
"He has always been a good man. He had his feet on the ground. He made us laugh every single day. He was our hero, wonderful."
DJ Tony Blackburn was among those paying tribute.
"So sad to hear Gerry Marsden has passed away. I did a couple of gigs with him and he was great," he wrote on Twitter.
"RIP Gerry."
Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, who is from Liverpool and covered Marsden's song Ferry Cross The Mersey, said the singer was a "Liverpool legend".
"So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden," he wrote on Twitter.
"What a Liverpool Legend. So glad I met him."
Liverpool FC tweeted: "It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden's passing.
"Gerry's words will live on forever with us. You'll Never Walk Alone."
It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden’s passing.
Gerry’s words will live on forever with us. You’ll Never Walk Alone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5W4yspmLRV— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2021
The Cavern Club, where Gerry and the Pacemakers played nearly 200 times, wrote: "Devastated to hear of the passing of Gerry Marsden earlier today.
"The word legend is often overused but Gerry was not only a legend, but also a very good friend of The Cavern."
Rest in Peace Gerry...one of the very best x pic.twitter.com/AjOl7t9oon
— The Cavern Club (@cavernliverpool) January 3, 2021
Marsden was awarded an MBE for his charity work in 2003.
He married wife Pauline in 1965 and the couple had two daughters.
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Elvis Costello tweeted that he was saddened by Marsden’s death.
"His voice will always lead the way at Anfield, in times of celebration or lament," Costello wrote.
I was saddened by Gerry Marsden’s passing. His voice will always lead the way at Anfield, in times of celebration or lament. YNWA. He (and his brother, Freddie) wrote some great tunes. Here is my favourite: https://t.co/xjZl61XOpv My condolences to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/Q6zumRmMSG
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) January 3, 2021
Sir Paul McCartney has said he will always remember his long-time friend and fellow Merseyside singing star with a smile.
Marsden worked the same Liverpool/Hamburg music club circuit as Sir Paul in the Beatles and many other groups in the early 1960s.
My sympathies go to his wife Pauline and family. See ya, Gerry. I’ll always remember you with a smile. - Paul
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 3, 2021
Sir Paul tweeted: "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."
Former Beatle Sir Ringo Starr also paid tribute to Marsden, and sent "peace and love" to all his family.
The tributes...
Very sad news regarding Gerry. Lots of memories shared. Condolences to his family and friends. May he never walk alone. pic.twitter.com/4QCo3eu4NR
— Pete Best (@BeatlesPeteBest) January 3, 2021
Gerry’s voice accompanied our biggest nights. His anthem bonded players, staff and fans around the world, helping create something truly special ❤️
You’ll Never Walk Alone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KE0tjClfqL— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2021
God bless Jerry marsden peace and love to all his family. 😎🌟❤️☮️
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) January 3, 2021
We join the rest of Merseyside in sharing deep sadness at the death of one of Liverpool’s loveliest scousers and truly great voices, Gerry Marsden.
Rest in Peace, Gerry. 💙— Everton (@Everton) January 3, 2021
As teenagers, we were thrilled to take the Ferry in 1978. Beautiful song. RIP. Gerry Marsden. Gerry & The Pacemakers - Ferry Cross The Mersey (1965) https://t.co/jGO7tK5QDO via @YouTube
— Simply Red (@SimplyRedHQ) January 3, 2021
So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden what a Liverpool Legend . So glad I met him . #ferryacrossthemersey #youllneverwalkalone https://t.co/UnrOxkkWcq
— HOLLY JOHNSON (@TheHollyJohnson) January 3, 2021