They were not a “hip” band. They rose to fame around the same time as fellow Liverpool natives the Beatles but did not have the staying power of the Fab Four or other contemporaries.
But from 1964-1967, Gerry & The Pacemakers were a musical force, both in America and the UK. Some fans may recall them for two or three hit songs but this medley, put together to honor Gerry Marsden on the news of his passing on January 3 at the age of 78, proves they were a lot more than “a couple of hits.”
The band’s cover of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” became a favorite of fans attending Liverpool Football Club games, and the track which closes this medley became the team’s official anthem and a massive #1 hit in England.
Marsden, the group’s lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, never left his native Liverpool. He was never involved in any type of rock and roll scandal. He remained married to his wife Pauline for 55 years and perhaps most importantly, he never lost his award-winning smile or his reputation as one of the most lovable musicians who ever walked the planet.
Listen and Remember
Memories … That’s What We’re All About
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Gerry & The Pacemakers Medley
This is wonderful Ray. Pure Pop, not complicated just the type of music that makes you feel happy. The special feeling of being in love and just being happy to revel in this new, unique feeling. No drama just unadulterated joy. Being with that person who lights up your life. Not really understanding what’s going on but not wanting to lose the magic. Jerry knew how to capture that magic and bottle it. Hearing “I like it”, “How do you do…” and his other tunes transports me right back to the mid 60s and meeting my wife. What a wonderful time of my life.
Thanks to both Jerry and you for reminding me how special that time was, “I like it”.
Thank you, Don. Your commentary absolutely nailed it. I have to say I found myself drifting back to the old days as I put this medley together. The songs were simple and pure pop with no sense of angst. Listening to Gerry and his band was a fun experience. No complicated song structures or confusing lyrics. If the Pacemakers couldn’t make you smile, no band ever could.
ROCK ON, BROTHER! … and don’t let the sun catch you crying.
You both said it all — happy music that reminds us of happy times in our youth ….. nice to read that he stayed in England and with his wife – means that fame (even for a brief time) didn’t alter his sense of who he was. Strength for sure …. thanks for making us smile as we listened to this medley …. a great group that was overshadowed by the Beatles rise to fame …hope you are Rocking Today Ray!
Thanks, Barbara 🙂
Gerry was a humble man who loved his native Liverpool. When the band was asked to move to London in 1964 (as many British bands did), he refused and said, “It won’t make us bigger or better and I love going down to the docks and watch people go by.” That sentiment inspired him to write Ferry Cross The Mersey, named for the waterway that flows by Liverpool.
He was wrong about furthering his success, I believe, by not moving to London. By staying in Liverpool, the band became lost in the shuffle and by 1967, when a lot of bands (including the Beatles, Stones, Small Faces and Animals) began tinkering with psychedelic music, Gerry refused and the band called it a day.
I’m very glad the medley made you smile because making people smile has always been my goal. 🙂
ROCK THE DAY!
Love all these, Ray. Been busy during the holidays, with no time(or privacy),to listen. “Never Walk Alone”, is a beautiful song and a favorite of mine. Look forward to more of your “Oldies”.
Thank you, Pat. 🙂
I agree on ‘Never Walk Alone’. It is such an inspirational song.
Happy New Year!
Nice tribute to Gerry 🙂 I’m proud to say I knew most of these! So familiar and wonderful! I really enjoyed this collection of songs and you ALWAYS make me smile. 🙂 XOXOXOXO 🙂
Thank you, Wendyl ❤️
Yes, Gerry was certainly a part of your musical “upbringing” 🙂
He deserved a tribute for making so many of us (regardless of age) happy!
By the way, YOU always make me smile, too! ❤️
XOXOXOXO
I loved this band! As you have said so well, they made us smile, dance and feel the giddiness of love. And the dreaminess of songs like Don’t Let the Sun, feel like a warm hug. Walk Alone is a favorite of mine and Gerry did a beautiful version…such a moving song. Sad they got lost in the switch to a very different kind of rock. I am glad they were around long enough to give us these great songs.
Thank you, Music Man!
Thanks, Donna 🙂
I was always a big fan of the Pacemakers. They didn’t have the personal charm of the Beatles, nor did they play music as complex as the Beatles and other bands. But they DID play music that was positive and put smiles on the faces of the listeners.