With the news of the passing of Gerry Marsden, the leader of the British Invasion era band Gerry and the Pacemakers, the singer was being mourned by the music world. Tributes to the popular Liverpool performer were led by Paul McCartney.
Marsden died at 78 on Jan. 3, 2021, of a heart infection. In 1963, Gerry and the Pacemakers scored three straight #1 singles in their native U.K. They earned numerous top 10 singles in the U.S. including the ballads “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” and “Ferry ’Cross the Mersey” and the rocker “How Do You Do It?,” the latter also recorded (but not released) by the Beatles.
“Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool,” wrote McCartney. “He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene.”
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
Ringo Starr wrote,”God bless Gerry Marsden; peace and love to all his family.”
Gerry and the Pacemakers’ recording of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” became a popular football anthem in the U.K., played at every home game at Liverpool’s Anfield ground. The football club paid tribute to their native son.
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
Thank you for everything Gerry Marsden.
We can’t wait until #LFC fans can sing at Anfield again for you 🔴 pic.twitter.com/qzF3B8M4ZB
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) January 3, 2021
Everyone at #CelticFC sends their deepest condolences to the family & friends of Gerry Marsden.
Gerry’s famous lyrics will live on at Celtic Park forever. You’ll Never Walk Alone 💚🍀 https://t.co/JlNIVglFO1
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 3, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/74HQZP4gio
— The Cavern Club (@cavernliverpool) January 3, 2021
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
The Raiders’ Mark Lindsay shared an anecdote: “I was so blown away when the Raiders actually played with an ENGLISH group…after Gerry & the Pacemakers cleared out of their dressing room, I happened to go by the open door, and saw that they’d left behind a bottle of hair tonic. ENGLISH hair tonic. Even though the bottle was basically empty, I was such a fan of ENGLISH groups, I had to keep it as a souvenir. Rest In Peace, Gerry…one of the frontline soldiers in the British Invasion.”
Gerry Marsden, frontman of the Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers has sadly passed away at the age of 78.
We’re honoured that Gerry and the band are part of the Abbey Road story, having recorded much of their material at the studios, including their first session in 1963. pic.twitter.com/j1K9ifLnnB
— Abbey Road Studios (@AbbeyRoad) January 4, 2021
Gerry Marsden was such a kind man…….always smiling and always up for new life and new music as well as celebrating the past. I feel very honoured to have known him .
— Rick Wakeman (@GrumpyOldRick) January 4, 2021
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationRip Gerry part of the British Invasion, never forget your great sounds