Tributes have poured in for Gerry and the Pacemakers’ frontman Gerry Marsden, who died yesterday at the age of 78. The Liverpudlian singer, who is recognised as one of the pioneers of the influential Merseybeat movement of the late 1950s and early ’60s, had been hospitalised on Boxing Day with a serious blood infection.
Marsden had founded the band under the moniker Gerry and the Mars Bars in 1959, but after a name change prompted by a complaint from the Mars company, the group could really begin to feel that they were chocolate: their first three UK singles (How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone) all soared to the top of the UK singles chart, making them the first act to achieve the feat. Later hits followed on both sides of the Atlantic, including the sweet Bacharach-esque ballad Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying – which has since been covered by the likes of José Feliciano, Gloria Estefan and Paul Carrack – and Ferry Cross The Mersey, which became a signature ode to their home city.
The Pacemakers’ rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, adapted from the 1945 musical Carousel, would also become synonymous with Merseyside. The chart success of Marsden’s take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein standard led to its adoption as a terrace anthem at Liverpool FC, where its lyrics are now emblazoned on the Shankly Gates outside the club’s Anfield home.
Sir Paul McCartney took to social media to send his respects to a ‘rival‘ and ‘mate‘ whose rise to transatlantic prominence with the Pacemakers began on the same gig circuits of Liverpool and Hamburg trodden by the fledgling Fab Four. Speaking to his Twitter followers, McCartney said: “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. ”
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
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 3, 2021
Liverpool’s Cavern Club – the subterranean cauldron of sound known across the world for its connection to the heyday of Merseybeat – also remembered Marsden on its official social media channels, tweeting: “Devastated to hear of the passing of Gerry Marsden…the word legend is often overused but Gerry was not only a legend, but also a very good friend of The Cavern. Gerry and the Pacemakers played the Cavern Club nearly 200 times and Gerry returned to perform numerous times over the years. Always a great show, always good fun and a fantastic story teller.”
Oliver’s Army troubadour Elvis Costello was among a host of other musicians paying tribute. The singer, who has roots in Liverpool and nearby Birkenhead, tweeted: “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.” Meanwhile one of Merseyside’s latest up-and-coming music stars, folk-rocker Jamie Webster, described Marsden as “a voice of the city of Liverpool“.
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
Elsewhere, there were warm tributes from leading Scouse lights in the worlds of entertainment and sport. Comedian John Bishop took to Twitter to hail Marsden as a “gentleman” who left behind “a brilliant catalogue of songs“; while footballer John Aldridge was one of a number of former Reds stars to pay tribute to the singer on social media. The ex-Liverpool, Newport County, Real Sociedad and Republic of Ireland star tweeted that Marsden was a “a lovely bloke” whose “voice will live on forever at Anfield“.
I first met Gerry Marsden in 1992 when he came to show support for a charity cycle ride I did. He was always a gentleman and kind with his talent and his time. He leaves a brilliant catalogue of songs and an anthem that will out live us all . RIP Gerry YNWA pic.twitter.com/p3q1bXnq12 — John Bishop (@JohnBishop100) January 3, 2021
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
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
