GerryCross The Mersey

GERRY MARSDEN talks to Elliot Stephen Cohen

Forty-five years after The Pacemakers debut hit How Do You Do It? topped the charts Gerry Mardsen still has us pondering the answer to that exact same question as he takes time out to reminisce with Record Collector.

“I like to take the mickey, and have a good time,” says Gerry in his trademark Scouse accent. Indeed, the distinguished Liverpudlian’s personality comes across every bit as cheery as his famous hits, How Do You Do It? I Like It, and I’m The One.

No salacious scandals here, thank you very much. Married to the same woman for 42 years, father of two daughters, grandfather to a ten year-old he considers a future football star, and awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2003 for his philanthropic work.

Marsden even led a group of celebrities including Bruce Forsyth, Rolf Harris, and John Entwhistle in a remake of his signature hit You’ll Never Walk Alone raising £132,000 following the death of 56 people in a fire at the Bradford Football Club in 1985. Four years later, when 94 spectators were crushed to death (and another 800 injured) during the Hillsborough disaster, Marsden recruited fellow Liverpudlians Paul McCartney and Holly Johnson for a fundraising re-recording of Ferry Cross The Mersey.

Born September 24, 1942, at a time when Liverpool was being bombed, and named after his …

by Elliot Stephen Cohen
<< Back to Issue 349

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.