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Gerry and the Pacemakers frontman Gerry Marsden dies at 78

Gerry Marsden, the lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers, known for hits You'll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey, has died at 78.

The singer's friend, journalist Pete Price, shared the news on Twitter, writing: "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."

Gerry Marsden performs
Gerry Marsden, the lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers, has died at 78 following a short illness. Photo: Getty

The Pacemakers played regularly with The Beatles and topped the British charts with their first three singles How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone, which would later become the anthem for Liverpool Football Club.

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"Gerry's voice accompanied our biggest nights. His anthem bonded players, staff and fans around the world, helping create something truly special," the club tweeted.

Pete Price confirms Gerry Marsden's death
The singer's friend journalist Pete Price confirmed the news on Twitter. Photo: Twitter

Gerry formed the band in 1959 with his brother Fred, Les Chadwick and Arthur McMahon.

The singer began his music career at just 14 in a band called the Red Mountain Boys, who later renamed themselves to the Mars Bars but were forced to change their name by the chocolate company.

They soon renamed and became the Pacemakers after getting signed with Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Gerry Marsden awarded Most Excellent Order of the British Empire
In 2003, the singer was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his charity services following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Photo: Getty

In 1967, the band broke up and Gerry became a TV personality, appearing in the children's series The Sooty Show, he also starred in the West End musical Charlie Girl in 1968.

Gerry later reformed the Pacemakers in 1972 with Jose McLaughlin, Billy Kinsley and Pete Clarke.

In 2003, the singer was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his charity services following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. He announced his retirement in 2018.

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