Gerry and The Pacemakers

Gerry and the Pacemakers were an English beat group prominent in the 1960s Merseybeat scene.

Gerry Marsden formed the group in 1959 with his brother Fred, Les Chadwick, and Arthur McMahon. They rivalled the Beatles early in their career, playing in the same areas of Hamburg, Germany and Liverpool. McMahon (known as Arthur Mack) was replaced on piano by Les Maguire around 1961.

In common with the Beatles, they came from Liverpool, were managed by Brian Epstein, and were recorded by George Martin
The band was the second to sign with Brian Epstein, who later signed them to Columbia Records.

They are most remembered for being the first act to reach number one in the UK Singles Chart with their first three single releases: “How Do You Do It?”, “I Like It” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. The group narrowly missed a fourth consecutive number one when “I’m the One” was kept off the top spot for two weeks in February 1964 by fellow Liverpudlians' The Searchers “Needles and Pins”.

Consequently, they stand as the second most successful pop group originating in Liverpool. Another of their most famous songs, “Ferry Cross the Mersey”, refers to the River Mersey that flows into Liverpool.