Anfield Weeps

MBE Gerry Marsden, lead singer of the 1960s British group Gerry and the Pacemakers that had hits such as ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ and ‘You'll Never Walk Alone’, or ‘YNWA’, has died at the age of 78.

His family said that Marsden died on Sunday after a serious blood infection that was not related to COVID-19.

Marsden was the lead singer of a band that found fame in the Merseybeat scene in the 1960s. Though another Liverpool band, The Beatles, reached popular acclaim, Gerry and the Pacemakers will always have a place in the city's consciousness because of ‘YNWA’. Sir Paul McCartney described Gerry and the Pacemakers as The Beatles’ "biggest rivals" on the Merseyside scene. "I'll always remember you with a smile," Sir Paul said in his tribute to Marsden.

Marsden is best known for his band's rendition of ‘YNWA’ from 'Carousel', a musical and feature film. The Pacemakers' cover version was released in October 1963 and became the band's third No. 1 hit on the British singles chart. It was adopted by fans of the football club Liverpool and is usually sung with electrifying passion before each home game of the 19-time English champion.

The song showcases unity and perseverance through adversity. The song's title is on the Liverpool club crest and the lyrics ‘When you walk through a storm, Hold your head up high, And don't be afraid of the dark’, have been a rallying cry for the Liverpool faithful.