Honouring our friend Gerry Marsden MBE
Published on
Friday, May 13, 2022
Pier Head Ferry Terminal has officially been renamed ‘The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal’ in honour of our dear friend and Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden MBE.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and members of Gerry’s family gathered at the terminal building on Wednesday 11 May for a special renaming ceremony and watched as the Mayor and Gerry’s widow Pauline unveiled a plaque dedicated to Gerry, after a performance by the Liverpool Welsh Choral choir.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, 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.”
Gerry, who sadly passed away in January 2021, will forever be associated with Mersey Ferries for his song ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’, the world famous anthem recorded with his group Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1964. The song is still heard by visitors and local people alike every day as it is played on our River Explorer Cruises.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, alongside Gerry's daughter Yvette, widow Pauline and daughter Victoria.
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.”
This is the second honour that Gerry has received from Mersey Ferries as he was given an honorary Freedom of the Ferries award in 1985 in recognition of this special connection.
A new 12ft high mural to commemorate Gerry’s life and incredible career is also on display at the terminal building. The mural was designed and created by local sculptor and artist Rick Myers.
Smaller versions of the mural will be made available for people to buy to raise funds for Wirral Holistic Care Services. Gerry was the lead patron of the charity, and his daughter Yvette is one of their trustees.
We miss you Gerry but will never forget you. The terminal will be forever linked to you, to recognise and celebrate your amazing contribution to the history and international profile of Mersey Ferries.
