MUSIC lovers across East Lancashire have been saddened by the news that Gerry Marsden, singer with Gerry and the Pacemakers has died at the age of 78.

The band were at the forefront of the Merseybeat scene in the early Sixties and frequently played the clubs across the area.

Famed for iconic anthems such as You’ll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Across the Mersey, Gerry Marsden will forever be associated with Liverpool - the band were regulars at the famous Cavern Club and were contemporaries of The Beatles. Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed the band in 1962 and their first three singles topped the charts a year later.

Former Lancashire Evening Telegraph journalist Alan Noble remembers one show when Gerry and the Pacemakers played ‘The Imp’ Nelson’s famous Imperial Ballroom.

He said: “Many years ago I was a young journalist on the Evening Telegraph. One of my tasks was to cover local popular music events. It was a God given job to a young twenty something year old.

“One night at the Imperial Ballroom in Nelson the band was Gerry and the Pacemakers. Between appearances on stage I chatted with Gerry Marsden while my photographer, who will remain nameless, took pictures.

“A young lady joined us. Gerry brushed me aside as he went to chat-up this local beauty queen,at which point the photographer grabbed him, pushed him against a wall, lifted him by his lapels (Gerry wasn’t very big) and said ‘If you chat-up to my girlfriend again I’ll break your legs’.”

Sir Paul McCartney paid tribute to his long-time friend. He said: “Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene.

“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…

“Gerry. I’ll always remember you with a smile.”

Fellow Beatle Sir Ringo Starr tweeted: “God bless Gerry Marsden peace and love to all his family.”

Gerry retired in 2003 after 60 years of live performances.

Do you have any memories or photos of Gerry and the Pacemakers in East Lancashire? Email bygones@nqnw.co.uk