Gerry Marsden has sadly died.
The frontman of Gerry and the Pacemakers and singer of Liverpool Football Club anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” passed away at the age of 78, according to the BBC.
His friend and journalist Pete Price broke the news via Twitter on Sunday (January 3): “It’s with a very heavy heart after speaking to the family that I have to tell you the Legendary Gerry Marsden MBE after a short illness which was an infection in his heart has sadly passed away. Sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family. You’ll Never Walk Alone,” he wrote.
Gerry formed his troupe back in 1959, and the group was the second act to sign with Beatles manager Brian Epstein, later signing to Columbia Records. Their debut, “How Do You Do It?” hit No. 1 on the U.K. charts, as did their singles “I Like It” and a cover of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” which became the anthem of Liverpool Football Club.
He was the writer behind many of the band’s songs, including “I’m the One”, “It’s Gonna Be All Right” and “Ferry Cross the Mersey.” Their song “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying” was their biggest U.S. hit, hitting No. 4. The group disbanded in 1967, and Gerry went on to become a TV personality and starred on stage, including the West End’s Charlie Girl.
The group would go on to reunite with different lineups. He was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 2003 for his charity services after the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, and he retired in 2018.
Our thoughts are with Gerry Marsden‘s loved ones at this difficult time.
It’s with a very heavy heart after speaking to the family that I have to tell you the Legendary Gerry Marsden MBE after a short illness which was an infection in his heart has sadly passed away. Sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family. You’ll Never Walk Alone pic.twitter.com/Ezd9WcdeQK
— Pete Price (@PeteCityPrice) January 3, 2021
