Celebrating Gerry Marsden, our Friend and Liverpool Icon
Published on
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
We have lots of special memories of Gerry Marsden over the years, so we wanted to share some of our favourite moments with you and celebrate the life and work of the beloved Liverpool icon.
Gerry was made a Freeman of the City of Liverpool in 2009. The honour is only bestowed on a few lucky citizens in recognition of the high esteem that the city and its residents hold the person in.
Gerry received the Freedom of the City of Liverpool on board the Royal Iris in front of a large group of family members, friends and guests. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo Gerry said:
“I’m thrilled, because, as the song says, ‘this land’s the place I love, and here I’ll stay’.”
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, then the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, phoned Gerry in 2009 to ask if he would accept the honour. Steve describes how Gerry was speechless by the recognition and said, “It was the greatest honour ever bestowed on him”.
#DidYouKnow Gerry was also given the honorary Freedom of the Ferries award in 1985 to recognise his special connection with the ferries, and celebrate his famous anthem, 'Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey'. Gerry is the only person we have ever given the award to.
Gerry made his last public appearance on the ferry in 2019, when he was invited as a special guest to the opening of the new Royal Liver Building 360 Tour. Gerry travelled from his home on the Wirral over to Liverpool on the Dazzle Ferry that day, for the celebration that brought three Mersey icons, the Mersey Ferry, Gerry and the Royal Liver Building, together for one memorable day.
Whilst crossing the River Mersey, Gerry met the Captain, spoke to passengers, and made everyone on the ferry smile with his warm and friendly personality.
Gerry achieved many things during his life including six UK top ten hits, anthemic songs and true legend status. He was a born and bred scouser who loved his hometown. He will be forever missed and remembered, not only for his many achievements including the Freedom of the Ferries and Freedom of the City of Liverpool honours, but for his generous, kind-hearted and bubbly personality.
Sleep tight old friend.