Gerry Marsden has died at the age of 78, having suffered a short illness which related to an infection in his heart.
The musician was the frontman for the group Gerry and the Pacemakers, famed for 60s hits such as You’ll Never Walk Alone, amongst others.
Radio personality Pete Price confirmed his death in a statement shared to social media on Sunday, revealing he had spoken with the Marsden family.
He said: “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 has died at the age of 78, having suffered a short illness (Image: Getty Images)
Since news of Marsden’s death broke, tributes have been flooding in from his fans, as well as from his peers in the British music industry.
One said: “Oh no. How very sad. Condolences to his family.”
“Very sorry to hear this. Gerry was a national Treasure for sure. I still regularly listen to Ferry across the Mersey – just one of his classics. RIP,” wrote another.
Gerry was awarded an MBE for services to Liverpudlian Charities at Buckingham Palace in 2003 (Image: Press Association)
Originating in Liverpool in 1959, Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers were pioneers of the music scene, rivalling the Beatles from the outset of their career.
Marsden formed the group, recruiting his brother Fred, Les Chadwick, and Arthur McMahon as the original band members.
Their first three single releases – How Do You Do It?, I Like It and You’ll Never Walk Alone – made history, each reaching number one on the charts.
Gerry Marsden announced his retirement from performing in November 2018 (Image: PA)
When he left the group, he made occasional appearances on TV, and eventually launched a solo career, enjoying success with re-recordings of his old hits.
Marsden wed his wife Pauline in 1965, with the sweethearts welcoming two daughters together – Yvette and Victoria.
Recent decades saw Marsden battle health troubles, undergoing triple bypass surgery in 2003 and later facing a second heart operation.
He retired from showbusiness in 2018, stepping down after almost 60 years of touring.
At the time, Marsden’s official statement said: “Gerry would like to say a special thank you to all his fans for the unconditional support down the years and will sadly miss them all.
“He looks forward to this new chapter in his life.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
