"You'll Never Walk Alone" singer dies at 78

2021-01-04 02:35:57 GMT2021-01-04 10:35:57(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

LONDON, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Singer Gerry Marsden, famed for his version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" adopted by Liverpool FC, has died, it was announced Sunday.

Marsden and his band, the Pacemakers, were top performers in the 1960s during the Mersey Beat scene which saw the Beatles rise to world fame.

Marsden's version of the hit song from the American musical Carousel became a favorite for generations of Kopites who packed onto the famous terrace at Anfield to cheer on Liverpool.

It became one of the most recognized football anthems in the world, and is still played at Anfield at the start of every home match.

News of Marsden's death was announced by family friend, local broadcaster Peter Price.

Price said on his social media site, "It's with a very heavy heart, after speaking to the family, that I have to tell you the legendary Gerry Marsden, after a short illness which was an infection in his heart, has sadly passed away."

Born in an inner city suburb of Liverpool, Marsden led the band on sell-out tours across the world in the 1960s.

Tributes poured in for the singer from the famous Cavern Club where he often played in the 1960s, as well as from Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram. In 2009, Marsden was granted the freedom of the city for his charity work.

In a tribute from Anfield, Liverpool FC said the club was deeply saddened by Marsden's passing.

"A Scouser and lifelong Liverpool fan, Marsden was the lead singer of 1960s Merseybeat band Gerry and the Pacemakers, whose rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone was adopted by the Kop in 1963," read the statement.

"The group's third number one single - a cover of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic - became famous throughout the world as Liverpool FC's anthem and is played moments before kick-off of every home game at Anfield."

"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." 

| PRINT | RSS