Gerry Marsden died in January this year and Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram proposes to rename the Pier Head ferry terminal after the Merseybeat icon. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s famous Pier Head ferry terminal is to be renamed in memory of Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden.
Gerry, who died in January this year, was the lead singer of Gerry and the Pacemakers. The band’s recording of Ferry Cross the Mersey is now part of Liverpool folklore and the song is regularly played on board the world famous ferries.
Their recording of Rogers and Hammerstein’s You’ll Never Walk Alone is also played at the beginning of every Liverpool FC match at Anfield. And Reds fans regularly sing the song at matches home and away.
Now Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor wants to rename the Pier Head terminal after the musical icon. Gerry was given the honorary Freedom of the Ferries award in 1985 in recognition of this special connection.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is welcoming people’s views on this proposal, which has been developed in discussion with Gerry’s family. Mr Rotheram said: “Gerry was an iconic figure whose music helped establish our region on a global scale.
“He was a proud champion of the Liverpool city region, and we are forever grateful to him the legacy he leaves. His words forever immortalised our famous Mersey Ferry in the minds of so many.
“I want to pay tribute to Gerry on behalf of the 1.6m people in our region and properly commemorate his contributions. I can think of no more fitting celebration than the ‘Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal’, where his name – like his music – will live on for generations to come.”
In a statement, Gerry’s family added: “was an amazing husband, dad and grandad and his loss has left a huge gap for the family. He was a larger than life character who touched so many hearts.
“He always had a special place in his heart for Mersey Ferries and was so proud to be associated with them. This seems such a fitting tribute to celebrate that relationship and create a legacy for the region.”
Anyone wishing to provide comments can visit the Combined Authority’s Commonplace website by clicking here. Alternatively, feedback postcards are also available from the Pier Head and Woodside Ferry Terminals.