Entertainment

Tributes to ‘Liverpool legend’ Gerry Marsden

The Cavern Club said Gerry And The Pacemakers played at the venue nearly 200 times.
The Cavern Club said Gerry And The Pacemakers played at the venue nearly 200 times. The Cavern Club said Gerry And The Pacemakers played at the venue nearly 200 times.

Tributes have been paid to “pop royalty” and “Liverpool legend” Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden.

The lead singer of the 60s band, whose hits included Ferry Cross The Mersey and You’ll Never Walk Alone, died aged 78 after a short illness.

Shakin’ Stevens wrote on Twitter: “Rest In Peace, Gerry.

“Last time we met was over dinner in Denmark.

“Down-to-earth, and a true gent, you certainly made your mark, and became pop royalty. You will be greatly missed by us all. Shaky.”

The Cavern Club in Liverpool said Gerry And The Pacemakers played at the venue nearly 200 times.

“Devastated to hear of the passing of Gerry Marsden earlier today,” it said on Twitter.

“The word legend is often overused but Gerry was not only a legend, but also a very good friend of The Cavern.”

Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, who is from Liverpool and covered Marsden’s song Ferry Cross The Mersey, tweeted: “So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden, what a Liverpool Legend.

“So glad I met him.”

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

“RIP Gerry.”

Simply Red said in a tweet: “As teenagers, we were thrilled to take the Ferry in 1978.

“Beautiful song. RIP. Gerry Marsden.”

Marsden’s hit You’ll Never Walk Alone has become one of the most famous football anthems in the world, sung regularly by fans at Liverpool FC’s Anfield.

The club 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.

The Labour MP for Liverpool West Derby, Ian Byrne, shared a picture of the Anfield gates.

“RIP Gerry Marsden,” he tweeted. “YNWA.”

Ex-Liverpool player John Aldridge tweeted: “RIP Gerry Marsden.

“What a lovely bloke I was lucky to meet!

“He may have passed away but His voice will live on forever at Anfield!

“He will never walk alone!”

Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of the legend that is Gerry Marsden.

“He and his anthem will be forever in our hearts. YNWA Gerry.”