Gerry Marsden, leader of the Merseybeat quartet Gerry & the Pacemakers, died. Pete Price, Marsden’s friend – a Liverpool-based announcer –broke the news on social media earlier today (January 3), claiming that Marsden died after a short illness from a heart infection. Marsden’s death was later confirmed by the BBC. He was 78 years old.
Marsden formed Gerry & the Pacemakers in Liverpool in the late 1950s, although they first introduced themselves as Mars-Bars. In addition to vocals and guitars, Marsden wrote a good deal of Pacemakers material, including singles like “I’m the One” from 1963 and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”. The original line-up included Gerry’s brother, Fred Marsden on drums, Les Chadwick on bass and Arthur Mack on piano. In 1961, Les McGuire replaced Mack.
In 1962, the Pacemakers became the second band to be signed by Brian Epstein, after the Beatles. His studio debut, 1963 How do you like it?, was recorded under the direction of George Martin.
Despite their success on the UK charts, as well as a series of singles on the Billboard Hot 100, the Pacemakers split in 1966.
Marsden reformed the Pacemakers in the early 1970s, although his brother Fred did not return. The group toured its 30th anniversary in 1993. That same year, Marsden co-authored his autobiography I will never walk alone with Ray Coleman. Parts of the book were later adapted for the musical Cross the Mersey Ferry.
Marsden released a handful of solo singles, as well as a cover album by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, following the initial iteration of the Pacemakers. McCartney paid tribute to Marsden on social media after news of his death. “Gerry has been a companion since our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene, ”he wrote. “My condolences go out to your wife Pauline and family. See you, Gerry. I will always remember you with a smile. “
Later in life, he worked as a cabaret artist and children’s television presenter. In 2003, Marsden was appointed MBE for services to charities. His brother and fellow Pacemaker Fred died in 2006. The 1963 Pacemakers version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You Never Walk Alone” remains the football terrace anthem of the Marsden hometown club in Liverpool, which posted a tribute to the late singer on Twitter. “It is with great sadness that we hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden,” wrote Liverpool FC. “Gerry’s words will live with us forever.”