Gerry Marsden, singer-songwriter and frontman of Gerry and the Pacemakers, has died at the age of 78.
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According to the BBC, Marsden passed away on Sunday after a short illness not related to COVID-19.
Gerry and the Pacemakers made history in the UK as they became the first band to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart with their first three singles. “How Do You Do It?,” “I Like It,” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” were the debut singles by the band and all landed on the top of the charts.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” became one of the band’s more popular songs as it was adopted as the anthem for Liverpool F.C., Marsden’s hometown team.
Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Beatles enjoyed a friendly rivalry in the early 1960’s as they played many of the same venues in Hamburg and Liverpool early in their careers.
Despite the “rivalry,” both bands employed mutual personnel as legendary executive Brian Epstein managed the groups while George Martin served as producer on some of both bands biggest hits.
Paul McCartney took to Twitter to honor Marsden and pay tribute to the late musician.
"Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene," McCartney wrote. "His unforgettable performances of You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Cross the Mersey remain in many people’s hearts as reminders of a joyful time in British music..."
“My sympathies go to his wife Pauline and family. See ya, Gerry. I’ll always remember you with a smile. - Paul,” he added.
Tributes to Marsden continue to pour in as the official Liverpool F.C. Twitter account posted a touching video of a packed stadium singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
“Gerry’s voice accompanied our biggest nights. His anthem bonded players, staff and fans around the world, helping create something truly special,” the club wrote.”
Ringo Starr, Elvis Costello, Rick Wakeman, and UK music institutions like The Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios all honored Marsden on social media.
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