I’ll still never walk alone...Gerry retires after 60 years of touring
SIXTIES pop legend Gerry Marsden, famous for his version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, is hanging up his guitar after almost 60 years of touring.
The 76-year-old lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers announced his retirement on his website, telling fans he wants to spend more time with his family.
The post read: “Gerry would like to say a special thank you to all his fans for the unconditional support down the years, and will sadly miss them all. He looks forward to this new chapter in his life.” An insider close to Gerry said the star, who has had two heart operations, was not retiring because of health reasons.
The friend said: “He properly retired months ago. He’s decided it’s time to hang the guitars up.”
Gerry has been married to Pauline for 53 years and they have two daughters, Yvette and Victoria.
The band, who were the second group to sign to manager Brian Epstein after The Beatles, were the first to have their initial three singles – How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone – reach No 1.
The feat was not equalled until the 1980s, when fellow Scousers Frankie Goes To Hollywood managed it. Gerry’s hits also included Ferry Cross The Mersey.
The band split in 1966 but was reformed by Gerry in 1974.
Last year he was forced to cancel two shows after he collapsed on stage in Newport.
Gerry and the Pacemakers performed for the last time together in Portsmouth in March.