Merseybeat musician Gerry Marsden has passed away at the age of 78.
Marsden rose to prominence in as front man of Gerry and the Pacemakers, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s with ‘I Like It’ and ‘Ferry Across The Mersey’.
However he won widespread acclaim for the band’s rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, which went on to become the official anthem of Liverpool FC.
The Pacemakers’ cover of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic song was first adopted by the Anfield club after supporters sang it before a match in 1963.
Liverpool said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by news of his death on Sunday.
“Sung in times of both celebration and commiseration, Gerry’s interpretation of You’ll Never Walk Alone will forever be inextricably linked to the club he loved”, read a club statement.
Marsden was an active fundraiser for various charities including to support those affected by the 1985 Bradford City fire and the Hillsborough tragedy.
He was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s 2003 Birthday Honours List for his services to charity and made a Freeman of his native Liverpool six years later.
Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney led the tributes to his hometown colleague.
“Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene,” he wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
The Cavern Club, where the Pacemakers played on almost 200 occasions, tweeted: “The word legend is often overused.
“But Gerry was not only a legend, but also a very good friend of The Cavern.”
George Sephton, Anfield’s long-serving match day DJ, said: “I’m beyond distraught.
“Gerry Marsden has been a huge part of Liverpool, the club and the city, for 60 years.
“He was a lovely man who won’t ever be forgotten in this city.”