Gerry Marsden: My Home Town

A fitting tribute to one of Liverpool’s greatest sons

Some voices become woven into the fabric of a city.

Gerry Marsden’s was one of them.

Long before football fans around the world adopted You’ll Never Walk Alone as their anthem, Gerry was helping to define the sound of Liverpool. Alongside Gerry and the Pacemakers, he became one of the first artists signed by Brian Epstein after The Beatles, and together they helped put Merseyside firmly on the musical map.

More than sixty years later, those songs still carry the same warmth, optimism and unmistakable Scouse spirit that made Gerry such a beloved figure.

Released in memory of Gerry, who sadly passed away in January 2021, My Home Town is a heartfelt collection that celebrates not only his music but also the man behind it.

The title couldn’t be more appropriate.

Liverpool wasn’t simply where Gerry came from.

It was part of who he was.

Awarded the Freedom of the City in 2009, he remained one of its greatest ambassadors throughout his life. As Sir Kenny Dalglish said following Gerry’s passing,

“I don’t think it should ever be underestimated how important Gerry has been to millions of Liverpool fans.”

The album brings together a collection of recordings that perfectly reflect Gerry’s distinctive voice and easy charm. While many listeners will naturally be drawn to the bonus track, the timeless You’ll Never Walk Alone, there’s plenty more to discover here.

The title track, My Home Town, was written by the legendary songwriter David Martin, alongside Chris Arnold and Geoff Morrow. Between them, the trio penned hits for artists including Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and Cilla Black, and wrote six of the songs featured on this collection. David also contributes the sleeve notes, offering a personal insight into both the songs and the man who sang them.

Two tracks, Lovely Lady and Girl What You Doin’, were written by Gerry himself, giving the album an even more personal feel, while Here I Go Again and Can’t You Hear the Song? demonstrate his gift for making other people’s songs sound entirely his own.

What strikes me most while listening isn’t just the quality of the music.

It’s Gerry’s warmth.

There was always something wonderfully reassuring about his voice.

It never tried too hard.

It simply invited you in.

Perhaps that’s why so many people felt they knew him, even if they’d never met him.

David Martin sums it up beautifully in the closing words of the sleeve notes:

“If ever there was a man who never walked alone, that man was Gerry Marsden.”

It’s difficult to argue with that.

My Home Town isn’t simply another compilation.

It’s a reminder of a remarkable career, an extraordinary voice and a man who became part of Liverpool’s identity.

Some artists leave behind songs.

Gerry Marsden left behind a legacy.

And for that, Liverpool will always be grateful.

Track Listing

My Home Town • Here I Go Again • Remember the Days of Rock ‘n’ Roll • Red White and Blue • Can’t You Hear the Song? • They Don’t Make Days Like That Any More • There’s Still Time • Lovely Lady • Girl What You Doin’ • You’ll Never Walk Alone (Bonus Track)

In memory of Gerry Marsden (1942–2021).