The Merseybeat legend died at the age of 78 in 2021Dan Haygarth Liverpool Daily Post Editor and Regeneration Reporter
04:00, 01 Aug 2025
Gerry Marsden pictured on the Pier Head in 2019(Image: Mirrorpix)
The final song recorded by Gerry Marsden has been suggested as an ‘anthem’ for the Liverpool City Region. Toxteth-born Gerry recorded ‘On Merseyside – The Pool of Life’ shortly before his death at the age of 78 in January 2021. The song, written by Gary Murphy, was recorded at Glass Studios, Birkenhead. Now, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram is among those who are calling for the Merseybeat legend’s final track to be adopted as the region’s official anthem.
The Mayor, who was a close friend of Gerry’s for many years, said: “If any city in the world deserves its own anthem, it’s Liverpool. Who better to sing that song than the late, great Gerry Marsden. His last recording is another song about Liverpool and it’s called ‘On Merseyside – The Pool of Life’.”
The singer recorded the track, also produced by Gary Murphy, shortly before he died four years ago. A video to promote the song has been produced by Alan Lewis of Glass Studios.
Gary said: “Gerry loved the song because it was all about the city he loved. It highlights all the great things we have here.
Gerry Marsden with his MBE in 2003(Image: Matthew Fearn/PA Wire)
“It turned out to be quite emotional for me, because at the time we didn’t know it would be the last time Gerry would record an original song. He added: “I hope you like Gerry Marsden’s final farewell.”
Former ECHO journalist Arthur Johnson, who is promoting the idea of the song as an anthem, said: “It reflects the city’s culture taking in music, humour, sport and architecture.
“We hope it will be used both at home and abroad to promote the region and attract tourists.”
Gerry, who was born in Toxteth in September 1942, rose to fame as the leader of Gerry and the Pacemakers.
Their first three recordings topped the British charts – they were the first band to achieve this feat.
‘How Do You Do It’, which was initially given to The Beatles, was the first hit. It was followed by ‘I Like It’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – which then became Liverpool FC’s anthem.
A collection of the region’s music and entertainment legends gathered to listen to ‘On Merseyside – The Pool of Life’ at the Cavern Club in April.
‘On Merseyside – The Pool of Life’ is available to stream online, along with the film of Gerry Marsden’s final live concert at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, a performance which Arthur described as “really emotional.”
The video promoting the song can be found here.