Liverpool Grieves, Gerry Marsden, The Singer Of You'll Never Walk Alone, Dies

Gerry Marsden (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Gerry Marsden, lead singer of the British group in the 1960s, Gerry and the Pacemakers with the hits Ferry Cross the Mersey and Liverpool Football Club chant song, You'll Never Walk Alone, died at the age of 78.

His family said that Marsden died on Sunday, January 3 local time after a brief illness that had nothing to do with COVID-19.

His friend, Pete Price, said on Instagram after speaking with the Marsden family that the singer died of a heart infection.

"I send all the love in the world to (his wife) Pauline and her family," said Pete as quoted by Antara from The Hollywood Reporter, Monday.

Marsden was the lead singer of a band that was popular on the Merseybeat scene in the 1960s. Even though other Liverpool bands, like The Beatles became superstars, Gerry and the Pacemakers will always have a place because of You'll Never Walk Alone.

"I thought it was a beautiful song. I would tell my band we were going to play that song," Marsden told The Associated Press in 2018 recalling the first time he heard the song in theaters.

"So I came back and told my friends that we were performing a ballad called You'll Never Walk Alone," he continued.

Marsden is best known for performing songs from Carousel with his band, which was a 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that became a 1956 feature film.

The Pacemakers version of the song was later released in October 1963 and became the band's third number one hit on the UK charts.

It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden's passing. Gerry's words will live on forever with us. You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5W4yspmLRV

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2021

The song was later adopted by fans of Liverpool football club and sung with gusto at every home game of the 19-time British champions.

"I am saddened by the passing of Gerry Marsden. His voice will always lead at Anfield, at a time of celebration or mourning," said singer Elvis Costello, referring to Liverpool's stadium.

The song was also adopted by Celtic supporters Scotland and Borussia Dortmund from Germany.

Gerry's voice accompanied our biggest nights. His anthem bonded players, staff and fans around the world, helping create something truly special ❤️You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KE0tjClfqL

- Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2021

Liverpool tweeted with the fan's video in full voice that Marsden's voice "accompanied our biggest night" and that "the national anthem is binding on players, staff and fans around the world, helping to create something truly special.

The Cavern Club in Liverpool, the music venue that hosted many of The Beatles' early performances, describes Marsden as a legend and a very good friend.

Gerry and the Pacemakers separated in 1967 and Marsden pursued a solo career. Marsden left his wife Pauline, whom he married in 1965. The couple have two daughters.