As the music world mourns the loss of Gerry and the Pacemakers frontman Gerry Marsden, Paul McCartney has paid tribute to the late rocker and friendly rival.
Marsden passed away, aged 78, after suffering an infection in his heart. His family confirmed his death in a statement earlier today. “Gerry died earlier today after a short illness in no way connected with Covid-19. His wife, daughters and grandchildren are devastated.”
Marsden rose to the highest echelons of music fame in the 1960s, when the Liverpool scene dominated the musical landscape. The rocker fronted the Merseybeat band before forming The Pacemakers.
The Pacemakers were a tour-de-force, topping the British charts three times in 1963 with singles ‘How Do You Do It?’, ‘I Like It’, and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, the latter of which became the anthem of Football club Liverpool FC.
“It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden’s passing,” the club tweeted in tribute. “Gerry’s voice accompanied our biggest nights. His anthem bonded players, staff and fans around the world, helping create something truly special.
“Gerry’s words will live on forever with us. You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Beatles were intrinsically linked during the heyday of their respective careers. Both bands operated under Brian Epstein’s management.
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The band’s played together for the first time back in June 1960, when the Beatles were still performing under the Silver Beetles.
Upon hearing the news of the passing of Gerry Marsden, Paul McCartney shared a heartfelt tweet honouring his late friend.
“Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool,” McCartney wrote. “He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene. His unforgettable performances of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Across The Mersey remain in many people’s hearts as reminders of a joyful time in British music.”
He added: “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
“God bless Jerry Marsden peace and love to all his family,” added fellow Beatle Ringo Starr. “Gerry. Gerry.”
Check out ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by Gerry & The Pacemakers:
