The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
You’ll Never Walk Alone: Gerry Marsden, aged 78
Gerry and the Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden, singer of You’ ll Never Walk Alone, has died at the age of 78.
The lead singer of the 60s band, who found fame in the Merseybeat scene, died after a short illness.
T he band’s hits also included Ferry Cross The Mersey, while their version of You’ll Never Walk Alone became a football anthem for Marsden’s home club of Liverpool.
His friend, broadcaster Pete Price, wrote on Instagram: “It’s with a very heavy heart, after speaking to the family, that I have to tell you the legendary Gerry Marsden Mbe...has sadly passed away.
“I’m sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family. You’ ll Never Walk Alone.”
He said Marsden suffered “a short illness which was an infection in his heart”.
You’ll Never Walk Alone enjoyed a resurgence during the pandemic after a cover of the song, featuring Captain Sir Tom Moore, reached No 1 in the UK singles chart.
In April this year, Marsden recorded a new version of the band’s hit alongside a music video, which featured Marsden and a number of messages about the NHS.
In 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed up the band and their first three releases reached No 1 in 1963 – How Do You Do It, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Gerry and the Pacemakers split in 1967 and Marsden pursued a solo career before the band reformed in 1974 for a sell-out tour around the world – a tour they later repeated.
Liverpool FC tweeted: “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.”
Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, who is from Liverpool and covered Mars den’ s song Ferry Across The Mersey, was among those paying tribute.
“So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden,” he wrote on Twitter.
“What a Liverpool
Legend.
“So glad I me t him. #ferry across the mersey #you ll never walk alone”
Marsden was awarded an MBE for his charity work in 2003.
He married wife Pauline in 1965 and the couple had two daughters.