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Gerry and the Pacemakers

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Gerry and the Pacemakers
The band in 1964: Les Maguire (top), Freddie Marsden, Gerry Marsden, and Les Chadwick
The band in 1964:Les Maguire(top),
Freddie Marsden,Gerry Marsden,
and Les Chadwick
Background information
Also known asGerry Marsden and the Mars Bars (1956–1959); Gerry's Pacemakers (2021–present)
OriginLiverpool,England
Genres
Years active
  • 1956–1966
  • 1972–2018
  • 2021–present (as Gerry's Pacemakers)
Labels
MembersGerry's Pacemakers:
Darren Tingey
Jimmy Stanley
Dean Hilborne
John Meaney
Past members
Websitegerryandthepacemakers.co.uk

Gerry and the Pacemakerswere an Englishbeatgroup prominent in the 1960sMerseybeatscene. In common withthe Beatles,they came fromLiverpool,were managed byBrian Epstein,and were recorded byGeorge Martin.[1]Their early successes alongside the Beatles were instrumental in popularizing the Merseybeat sound and launching the wider British beat boom of the mid-1960s.

They were the first act to reach number one in theUK Singles Chartwith their first three single releases: "How Do You Do It?","I Like It"and"You'll Never Walk Alone".[2]This record was not equalled for 20 years,[2]until the mid-1980s success of fellow Liverpool bandFrankie Goes to Hollywood.Another of their most famous songs, "Ferry Cross the Mersey",refers to theRiver Mersey,which flows past Liverpool, and was the title song for thefilm of the same name.The group also enjoyed some success inNorth Americaas part of theBritish Invasionwith seven of their singles reaching the US top 40, the most popular being "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying".

Gerry Marsdenled the group on and off through the years, until his retirement in 2018. Since his death in 2021 (at his request before his retirement), his bandmates (from his final lineup of the band) returned to touring asGerry's Pacemakers.[3]

History[edit]

Marsden formed the group in 1956 with his brother Fred, Les Chadwick, and Arthur McMahon.[1]At the time, Gerry had been working forBritish Railas a deliveryman.[4]They rivalledthe Beatlesearly in their career, playing in the same areas of Liverpool.[1]McMahon (known as Arthur Mack) was replaced on piano byLes Maguirearound 1961.[1]The group's original name wasGerry Marsden and the Mars Bars,[5]but they were forced to change this when theMars Company,producers of the chocolateMars bar,complained.[6]

The band was the second to sign with Brian Epstein (becoming one of his favourite artists.[citation needed]Epstein later signed them toColumbia Records(a sister label to the Beatles' labelParlophoneunderEMI).[1]They began recording in January 1963 with "How Do You Do It?",a song written byMitch Murray.[7]The song was produced byGeorge Martinand became a number one hit in the UK, the first by an Epstein-managed Liverpool group to achieve this on all charts.[8]"How Do You Do It?" was also reluctantly recorded by the Beatles (they eventually convinced Martin to let them release their song "Love Me Do"[9]as a single instead). Both the Pacemakers' and Beatles' versions of "How Do You Do It?" were recorded atAbbey Road Studios.[10]

Gerry Marsden was quoted as saying:

The Beatles and ourselves (The Pacemakers)—we let go, when we get on-stage. I'm not being detrimental, but in the south, I think the groups have let themselves get a bit too formal. On Merseyside, it's beat, beat, beat all the way. We go on and really have a ball.[11]

The 'Shankly Gates' entrance to Liverpool's home stadiumAnfield.The anthem ofLiverpool F.C.,"You'll Never Walk Alone" is sung by its fans before the start of each home game, with the Gerry and the Pacemakers version played over thePA system.

Gerry and the Pacemakers' next two singles, Murray's "I Like It"andRodgers and Hammerstein's "You'll Never Walk Alone",both also reached number one in the UK Singles Chart,[12]the latter recorded instead of the Beatles' "Hello Little Girl"."You'll Never Walk Alone "had been a favourite of Marsden's since seeingCarouselwhen he was growing up. It quickly became the signature tune ofLiverpool Football Cluband, later, other sports teams around the world.[13][14]The song remains a football anthem.[15]The group narrowly missed a fourth consecutive number one when "I'm the One"was kept off the top spot for two weeks in February 1964 by fellow LiverpudliansThe Searchers' "Needles and Pins".

Gerry and the Pacemakers had the distinction of being the first act to have their first three recordings go to number 1 in the UK charts.[16]Although they never had a number 1 in the United States, they were the second-most successful group from Liverpool, afterthe Beatles,to have hits on theUnited States Billboard pop charts.

The group's New York arrival in 1964.

Despite this early success, Gerry and the Pacemakers never had another number one single in the UK. Marsden began writing most of their songs, including "I'm the One", "It's Gonna Be All Right" and "Ferry Cross the Mersey", as well as their first and biggest UShit,"Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying"(Laurie 3251), which peaked at No. 4.[1]

The band also starred in the early 1965 film,Ferry Cross the Merseyfor which Marsden wrote much of the soundtrack.[1]The film was co-written byCoronation Streetcreator and writerTony Warrenand is considered to be their version of the Beatles'A Hard Day's Night.[17]

The title song was revived in 1989 as a charity single for an appeal in response to theHillsborough football crowd disaster,giving Marsden – in association with other Liverpool stars, includingPaul McCartney,Ringo StarrandFrankie Goes to Hollywood'sHolly Johnson– another British number one.[1][18]

In the US, their recordings were released by the small New York City record labelLauriein 1963, with which they issued four singles without success. When the Beatles broke through in January 1964, Laurie's next regular single release of "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" (Laurie 3284) became a big hit and, during 1964, Laurie coupled "How Do You Do It?" with "You'll Never Walk Alone" (Laurie 3261), and "I Like It" with "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)"(Laurie 3271), with some success. They appeared in the landmarkconcert filmT.A.M.I. Show,released in December 1964, performing alongsideChuck Berry,The Beach Boys,James BrownandThe Rolling Stones.

By late 1965, their popularity was rapidly declining on both sides of the Atlantic.[1]They disbanded either in October 1966 or sometime in early-to-mid-1967,[1](or perhaps in 1969[4]) with much of their later recorded material never released in the UK. Gerry Marsden maintained a low-key (but popular) career on television,[10]including on TV variety shows and as a regular slot on children's television inThe Sooty Show.[19][4]He also starred in theWest EndmusicalCharlie GirlalongsideDerek NimmoandAnna Neagle.[20][21][4]

While working as a solo artist, Gerry Marsden began working with pianist and musical director Jose McLaughlin in 1970. In 1972, Gerry Marsden and McLaughlin reformed the Pacemakers in 1972 with fellowLiverpoolmusicians Billy Kinsley (bass) and Pete Clarke (drums).[22]Kinsley had previously been a member ofThe Merseybeats,the Kinsleys, and Rockin' Horse. (Kinsley would later reunite Rockin' Horse after leaving the Pacemakers and rename his new groupLiverpool Express).[23]Clarke had previously been a member of a band called The Escorts. In April 1973, this second version of the group became the only Merseybeat band to ever record for theJohn Peel Showon BBC Radio. The tracks from that show have now been included on the albumGerry and the Pacemakers Live at the BBC,released on Parlophone Records in October 2018.[24][25][26]Since then, Marsden often toured with various lineups of the band on the oldies circuit. By the mid-1980s, Gerry and the Pacemakers toured nine months every year (in the words of David Fricke ofRolling Stone) "doing lucrative cabaret gigs and nostalgia rock shows in Europe, North America, and Australia."[4]

Gerry Marsden returned to #1 in the UK charts twice during the 1980s with re-recordings of two of his hits with the Pacemakers, with all profits going to charity. In 1985 after theBradford Football Club stadium tragedyin which 56 were killed,[27]he formed a group calledthe Crowd,which included other musicians, singers, and radio disc jockeys, to produce a new version of "You'll Never Walk Alone".[17]On 18 April 1989, three days after theHillsborough disasterin which 97 Liverpool F.C. fans died, he joined forces withPaul McCartney,theChristians,Holly Johnson,and the production trioStock, Aitken & Watermanon a new version of "Ferry Cross the Mersey".[17][28]

Drummer Freddie Marsden later opened the Pacemaker driving school inFormby[29]after having previously worked forBritish Telecomduring the 1980s.[4]He died on 9 December 2006 inSouthport,age 66.[30]

On 15 March 2017, Gerry Marsden collapsed onstage due to a sore knee while performing at a concert inNewport, Wales.After being helped offstage, Marsden did not return but was quoted as saying the incident was "nothing serious".[31]

Gerry Marsden announced his retirement on 29 November 2018, in order to spend more time with family,[32]but, on 6 June 2019, to commemorate Liverpool's win againstTottenhamin theChampions League,he surprisedTake Thatfans by singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" at their show atAnfield.[33][17]

Original bass player Les Chadwick died on 26 December 2019.[34](After the original lineup broke up during the 1960s, Chadwick moved to Australia.[4])

In 2020, during theCOVID-19 pandemic,Gerry Marsden released a new version of "You'll Never Walk Alone" in tribute to theNational Health Service.[35]

Marsden died on 3 January 2021 atArrowe Park HospitalinMerseyside,after being diagnosed with ablood infectionin his heart. He was 78 years old.[36][37]

Les Maguire, the last surviving member of the classic 1960s lineup, died on 25 November 2023.[38](Some time after the original lineup split during the 1960s, Maguire joined the British Navy, where he was still serving and employed during 1985.[4])

Members[edit]

This is a partial list of band members.[39][40][1][22][23]

Current members (Gerry's Pacemakers)

  • Darren Tingey - vocals, bass (2022–present)
  • Jimmy Stanley - guitar (2023–present)[41]
  • Dean Hilborne - drums (2023–present)[41]
  • John Meaney - keyboards, vocals (2024–present)[42]

Former members (Gerry and the Pacemakers)

The original lineup of "Gerry and the Pacemakers" are inbold

  • Gerry Marsden– lead vocals, guitar (1956–1966, 1972–2018; died 2021)
  • Les Chadwick– bass (1956–1966; died 2019)
  • Freddie Marsden– backing vocals, drums (1956–1966; died 2006)
  • Arthur (Mack) McMahon – piano (1956–1961)
  • Faron Ruffley– vocals (January–February 1961[43])
  • Les Maguire– harmony and backing vocals, piano (1961–1966, 1980s; died 2023)
  • Jose McLaughlin – piano, guitar, musical director (1972–1974)
  • Billy Kinsley– bass (1972–1975?)
  • Pete Clarke – drums (1972–1978)
  • Dave Burgess – drums (1978–1983)[44][45]
  • Neil Rhodes – bass (1981–1982)[46]
  • Alan Greenwood – piano (1981–1982)[46]
  • Keff McCulloch– backing vocals (1990s)[47]
  • Tracey McCulloch – backing vocals (1990s)[47]
  • Andy Taylor– guitar (1993)[47]
  • Tony Young - vocals, keyboards (1996–2018)[48]
  • Rick Medlock - drums (c. 2011?–2018)

Former members (Gerry's Pacemakers)

Members of Gerry's Pacemakers who were in Gerry and the Pacemaker's are inbold

  • Tee Green - vocals (2021–2022)[49]
  • John Summerton - vocals, lead guitar (2021–2023)
  • Mike Steed - bass (2021–2022)[49]
  • Tony Young- vocals, keyboards (2021–2023)
  • Andy Mapp - drums (2021–2022)[49]
  • Rick Medlock- drums (2022–2023)
  • Rob Linacre - lead vocals (2022–2023)[50]
  • Tony Hancox - vocals, keyboards (2023–2024)[41]

Gerry and the Pacemakers timeline (partially complete)[edit]

Gerry's Pacemakers timeline[edit]

Discography[edit]

Main article:Gerry and the Pacemakers discography

Studio albums

  • How Do You Like It?(1963) (UK) /I'm the One(1964) (Canada)
  • Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying(1964) (US)
  • Gerry and the Pacemakers' Second Album(1964) (US)
  • Gerry's Second Album(1965) (Canada)
  • Ferry Cross the Mersey(1965) (soundtrack album) (with various artists, includingThe Fourmost,TheGeorge MartinOrchestra, andCilla Black(UK release), as well as The Black Knights, Earl Royce and the Olympics, and The Blackwells (US release); both UK and US releases feature 3 (different) select tracks from other musicians featured in the movie)
  • I'll Be There(1965)
  • Girl on a Swing(1966) (US)
  • Gerry and the Pacemakers...Today!(1967) (Canada)
  • A Portrait of Gerry and the Pacemakers(1981) (mix of new songs and re-recorded hits)
  • 20 Year Anniversary Album(1983)

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^abcdefghijk"Biography by Richie Unterberger".Allmusic.Retrieved4 March2009.
  2. ^abRoberts, David (2001).British Hit Singles(14th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 35.ISBN0-85156-156-X.
  3. ^"Gerry's Pacemakers – continuing the legacy of Gerry & The Pacemakers".
  4. ^abcdefghFricke, David (11 September 1986)."Gerry and the Pacemakers: Where Are They Now?".RollingStone.Rolling Stone.Retrieved14 January2024.
  5. ^"Meet The Singer: Gerry Marsden – Mersey Beat".Retrieved23 January2016.
  6. ^"Freddie Marsden Remembered".Spectropop.Retrieved23 January2016.
  7. ^The Beatles Anthology:Episode 1, chapter 16 "Please Please Me" - "We're No.1"
  8. ^The Beatles Bible: How Do You Do ItRetrieved 22 August 2008
  9. ^Tune Inby Mark Lewisohn
  10. ^ab"Gerry & the Pacemakers".AllMusic.Retrieved3 January2021.
  11. ^Tobler, John (1992).NME Rock 'N' Roll Years(1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 123. CN 5585.
  12. ^Roberts, David (2006).British Hit Singles & Albums(19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 264.ISBN1-904994-10-5.
  13. ^Nik Brumsack.The story of 'You'll Never Walk Alone',Independent,April 14, 2014.
  14. ^Why Liverpool fans sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.Four Four Two. Retrieved 10 October 2016
  15. ^Rice, Jo (1982).The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits(1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 74.ISBN0-85112-250-7.
  16. ^Paul Gambaccini; Jo Rice (July 1991).British Hit Singles: Every Single Hit Since 1952.Random House Incorporated.ISBN978-0-8230-7572-0.
  17. ^abcdSweeting, Adam (3 January 2021)."Gerry Marsden obituary".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved3 January2021.
  18. ^Roberts, David (2006).British Hit Singles & Albums(19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 106.ISBN1-904994-10-5.
  19. ^Dafydd Rees; Luke Crampton (1999).Rock Stars Encyclopedia.DK Pub. p. 409.ISBN978-0-7894-4613-8.
  20. ^Kurt Gänzl; Andrew Lamb (1989).Gänzl's Book of the Musical Theatre.Schirmer Books. p. 207.ISBN978-0-02-871941-2.
  21. ^"Charlie Girl".East Surrey Operatic Society.Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2007.Retrieved3 January2021.
  22. ^ab"The University of Mersey Sound - Jose McLaughlin - Mersey Beat".Triumphpc.Retrieved3 December2018.
  23. ^abEder, Bruce."Billy Kinsley: Biography, Discography, Songs, and Credits".AllMusic.AllMusic.Retrieved12 January2024.
  24. ^Garner, Ken (2007).The Peel Sessions.London: BBC Books. pp. 80, 288.ISBN978-1-84607-326-7.
  25. ^"Gerry & The Pacemakers – Live At The BBC (2018, CD)".Discogs.Retrieved3 September2021.
  26. ^"BBC - Radio 1 - Keeping It Peel - 17/04/1973 Gerry And The Pacemakers".Bbc.co.uk.Retrieved8 December2018.
  27. ^Scrivener, Peter (11 May 2005)."Bradford remembers fire disaster".BBC.Retrieved3 January2021.
  28. ^"ferry cross the mersey | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company".officialcharts.
  29. ^"Freddie Marsden Remembered".spectropop.Retrieved18 November2021.
  30. ^"Merseybeat Drummer Fred Marsden Dies".Billboard.14 December 2019.Retrieved15 June2019.
  31. ^Deacon, Thomas (17 March 2017)."Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers collapses on stage in Newport".WalesOnline.co.uk.Retrieved15 June2019.
  32. ^Allen, Kelly (28 November 2018)."Pop icon famous for 'You'll Never Walk Alone' hit song retires".Mirror.Retrieved15 June2019.
  33. ^Dracott, Edd (7 June 2019)."Watch: Gerry Marsden joins Take That at Anfield to sing You'll Never Walk Alone".Independent.Retrieved23 June2019.
  34. ^Paddy Shennan, "Pacemaker Les, 76, loses battle with brain cancer",Liverpool Echo,2019. Retrieved 8 January 2020
  35. ^"Football: Liverpool salute Marsden after You'll Never Walk Alone singer dies aged 78".The Straits Times.4 January 2021.Retrieved4 January2021.
  36. ^"Musician Gerry Marsden dies aged 78".The Independent.3 January 2021.
  37. ^Robertson, Chris (3 January 2021)."Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden who sang You'll Never Walk Alone dies aged 78".Sky News.Retrieved3 January2021.
  38. ^Williams, Olivia (27 November 2023)."Merseybeat legend and 'devoted' dad and grandad dies".Liverpool Echo.Retrieved4 January2024.
  39. ^"Gerry Marsden Of Gerry & The Pacemakers Dead At 78".Owensbororadio.Retrieved3 September2021.
  40. ^"The Band".Gerry's Pacemakers.Retrieved30 November2023.
  41. ^abc"The Band – Gerry's Pacemakers".Retrieved13 March2024.
  42. ^"The Band – Gerry's Pacemakers".Retrieved26 April2024.
  43. ^"Sixties City - Bill Harry's Sixties - articles from the creator of iconic 60s music paper Mersey Beat".sixtiescity.net.Retrieved17 January2024.
  44. ^"Gerry & The Pacemakers - A Portrait Of Gerry & The Pacemakers (1981)".Discogs.Retrieved9 February2024.
  45. ^"Facebook".facebook.Retrieved9 February2024.
  46. ^ab"Gerry and The Pacemakers discography - RYM/Sonemic".Rate Your Music.Retrieved9 February2024.
  47. ^abc"Gerry & The Pacemakers - 50 Non Stop Party Hits | Discogs".Discogs.Retrieved10 February2024.
  48. ^Brad, Bad."60 Seconds with Tony Young of Gerry's Pacemakers".RingSide Report.Retrieved6 April2024.
  49. ^abc"The Band – Gerry's Pacemakers".web.archive.org.26 November 2021. Archived from the original on 26 November 2021.Retrieved11 May2024.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  50. ^"The Band – Gerry's Pacemakers".web.archive.org.24 December 2023. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023.Retrieved26 April2024.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

External links[edit]

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