Gerry & the Pacemakers

Gerry & the Pacemakers Artistfacts

  • 1950s-1966
    Gerry MarsdenGuitar/vocals
    Freddie MarsdenDrums
    Les MaguireKeyboards
    Les ChadwickBass
  • Gerry & the Pacemakers was a "beat group" from Liverpool, England. They had a number of hits in both Britain and the US before Beatlemania took hold. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Joshua - Twin Cities, MN
  • The band was managed by Brian Epstein, who also managed the Beatles.
  • In 1965, they starred in a movie named after their song "Ferry Cross The Mersey." The film documents the Merseybeat scene. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • They were originally named Gerry Marsden and the Mars Bars. The name was intended to get sponsorship from the confectionary company, who instead complained and insisted they change it.
  • Gerry & The Pacemmakers were the first act to reach #1 in the UK Singles Chart with their first three single releases. Their record was equaled by fellow Liverpool band Frankie Goes to Hollywood and beaten by the Spice Girls, whose first six singles all got to the top position.
  • In 2003, for his services supporting the victims of the Hillsborough disaster in which 96 football fans died, Gerry Marsden was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honors List.

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