Paul McCartney and more react

Paul McCartney and more react

by

Stanley Bielecki / ASP / Getty Images

Liverpool legend Gerry Marsden, who was the lead singer of British 1960s band Gerry and the Pacemakers, died on Sunday, AP reported. He was 78 years old.

His family told the newspaper that Marsden’s death was unrelated to COVID-19, and his friend Pete Price said the rocker died after a short illness related to a heart infection.

Paul McCartney and others honored the musician’s legacy.

“Gerry has been a companion since our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene,” McCartney tweeted on Sunday. “His unforgettable performances of You Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey remain in the hearts of many people as reminders of a joyful time in British music …”

He also wrote, “My condolences go out to your wife Pauline and family. See you, Gerry. I will always remember you with a smile.”

Gerry and the Pacemakers were known for “You Never Walk Alone”, which was a version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical song Carousel. The group’s version became the anthem of the Liverpool Football Club, which shared a tribute to the singer on Sunday.

“It is with great sadness that we hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden. Gerry’s words will live with us forever. You will never walk alone ❤️”, tweeted the Liverpool FC official report.

“Gerry’s voice accompanied our biggest nights. His hymn brought together players, teams and fans around the world, helping to create something really special,” he said in another tweet.

In their early days, Gerry and the Pacemakers played with the Beatles and had the same manager, Brian Epstein. Although they are not as successful as their Liverpool counterparts, they still scored a good amount of hitting. They were the first act to reach number one on the UK singles chart with their first three singles: “How Do You Do It?”, “I Like It” and “You You Never Walk Alone”, all from 1963. The band also had hits such as “Ferry Cross the Mersey” and “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying”.

Marsden leaves his wife Pauline and his two daughters.

Elvis Costello and others also responded to Marsden’s passing:

Related Content:

Source