Liverpool's main Mersey Ferry terminal has officially been renamed after legendary Merseybeat star Gerry Marsden.
The Pier Head site will now be called the Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal after the Gerry and the Pacemakers frontman, who died last January at the age of 78. The much-loved singer will always be associated with the ferry crossings because of his international hit Ferry Cross the Mersey, which is still played every day on the River Explorer Cruises.
Today, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who was a close friend of Gerry's joined the singer's family to unveil a plaque at the official renaming of the terminal. The plaque states: "In honour of Gerry Marsden MBE. A friend and freeman of the ferries. Ferry 'Cross the Mersey."
READ MORE: Gerry Marsden to be honoured by re-naming Pier Head ferry terminal
In 1962, Beatles manager Brian Epstein signed up Gerry and the Pacemakers and, a year later, they became the first band to have their first three songs top the charts - How Do You Do It, I Like It and You'll Never Walk Alone. Their version of You'll Never Walk Alone became a football terrace anthem for Marsden's hometown club of Liverpool.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority received more than 1,000 responses as part of a public consultation into renaming the site, with more than two thirds in favour of the proposal. Gerry also received the Freedom of the Ferries award back in 1985.
Mayor 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 have made our ferries world famous and immortalised them in the minds of so many.
“I was lucky enough to call Gerry a friend and I can think of no better way to honour his life and legacy than with The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal – ensuring that everyone who visits Liverpool will be reminded of the joy his music brought to so many.”
Speaking on behalf of the family, Gerry’s daughter Yvette Marbeck said: “We are extremely proud and honoured at this wonderful tribute to Dad. Along with his music, this will be a lasting legacy.
“Dad loved this city and its people, and he would be so proud having the ferry terminal renamed in his honour, as his song ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ states “cos this land’s the place I love, and here I’ll stay. Thank you to Mayor Steve Rotheram, Mersey Ferries, and the people of Merseyside for this wonderful accolade.”
