Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden dies aged 78

Gerry And The Pacemakers singer Gerry Marsden – whose hits included You’ll Never Walk Alone – has died aged 78.

His agent, Robert Pratt, said in a statement that Marsden passed away at Arrow Park Hospital on the Wirral on Sunday morning.

Mr Pratt added: “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, who was born in the Toxteth area of Liverpool in 1942, is perhaps best known for covering the Rogers and Hammerstein song You’ll Never Walk Alone with his band – leading Liverpool FC to adopt it as its official motto and anthem.

He re-recorded the track in April last year, in tribute to the NHS during the pandemic.

The Scouser also penned 60s hits such as Ferry Cross the Mersey and Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying.

Gerry and the Pacemakers followed The Beatles into chart success, starting a local Merseybeat music scene in Liverpool – but the original group later split up in 1967, after seeing a decline in popularity.

Marsden reformed the group with a new line-up a few years later and, up until 2018, continued to tour venues.

Tributes for the singer were led by Liverpool FC, which tweeted to say: “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”.

Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC shared a video online of Marsden on the Anfield terraces singing You’ll Never Walk Alone in 2018, calling the news of his death “tragic”.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson added his tributes, saying: “So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden what a Liverpool Legend. So glad I met him.”

Legendary Liverpool venue The Cavern Club, which Marsden performed at more than 200 times, called the Liverpudlian a “legend” and a “very good friend”.

The club tweeted that it was “devastated” to learn of his death.

Broadcaster Piers Morgan called Marsden a “great singer, great character”, while former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson said “he and his anthem will be forever in our hearts.”

Radio presenter Tony Blackburn tweeted to say: “So sad to hear Gerry Marsden has passed away. I did a couple of gigs with him and he was great.”

Liverpool Mayor Steve Rotherham has also paid tribute, saying: “Lost too many good friends in 2020, so was glad to see the back of it. Was notified of the death of another of my great friends this morning. Devastated.”

Another local politician, MP for Wallasey Angela Eagle, added her tributes, saying: “I worked with him to save the Seacombe ferry – can’t ‘ferry across the Mersey’ without somewhere to land – He was a fun generous & lovely man”.

Marsden is survived by his wife, Pauline, who he was married to for 55 years, and his two daughters Yvette and Victoria.

(c) Sky News 2021: Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden dies aged 78