Gerry And The Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden has died aged 78 after a short illness.
Marsden was best-known for the hits You'll Never Walk Alone and Ferry Across The Mersey.
His friend, broadcaster Pete Price, confirmed the news. Writing on Instagram he said: "It's with a very heavy heart after speaking to the family that I have to tell you the legendary Gerry Marsden MBE, after a short illness which was an infection in his heart, has sadly passed away.
"I'm sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family. You'll Never Walk Alone."
Gerry and the Pacemakers enjoyed sell-out tours around the world.
In 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed up the band and their first three releases reached number one in 1963 - How Do You Do It, I Like It and You'll Never Walk Alone.
The group split in 1967 and Marsden pursued a solo career before the band reformed in 1974 to tour the world - a tour they later repeated.
Paying tribute, The Beatles' Paul McCartney said: "Gerry was a mate from our early days in Liverpool. He and his group were our biggest rivals on the local scene."
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... pic.twitter.com/t1COAIwZVM
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) January 3, 2021
Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, who is from Liverpool and covered Gerry Marsden's song Ferry Across The Mersey, tweeted: "So sorry to hear about the passing of Gerry Marsden what a Liverpool Legend. So glad I met him. #ferryacrossthemersey #youllneverwalkalone"
Marsden's hit You'll Never Walk Alone has become one of the most famous football anthems in the world, sung regularly by fans at Liverpool FC's Anfield.
The club tweeted: "It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden's passing.
"Gerry's words will live on forever with us. You'll Never Walk Alone."
It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden's passing.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 3, 2021
Gerry’s words will live on forever with us. You’ll Never Walk Alone ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5W4yspmLRV
Broadcaster Piers Morgan called Marsden a "great singer, great character", while former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson said "he and his anthem will be forever in our hearts."
DJ Tony Blackburn tweeted: "So sad to hear Gerry Marsden has passed away. I did a couple of gigs with him and he was great.
"RIP Gerry."
He married wife Pauline in 1965 and the couple had two daughters.
