GERRY and The Pacemakers are stars of a new photographic exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool.

Wirral-based singer songwriter Gerry Marsden is thrilled with the nostalgic exhibition, which opens on Friday and runs until January next year.

The 74-year-old music legend, currently on tour, says the collection not only brings back memories for him but he is sure they will spark happy times for his many fans.

He told the Globe: "To see the images takes me back to those incredible days.

"They give a glimpse of what an exciting time it was." 

There are more than 30 photographs from his 50-plus year career.

From 1963, onwards, the band had six top ten hits and were the first act to reach number one in UK chart with their first three releases.

The photographs were taken by leading local photographers of the time, Graham Spencer and Peter Kaye, who captured Merseybeat bands including The Beatles.

The exhibition illustrates their formative years and love of Merseyside through photos capturing their sense of fun on and off stage.

The display includes images from The Cavern and Gerry's memorable appearances there and at the famous Liverpool Locarno Ballroom.

There are also photographs from the set of the film Ferry 'Cross the Mersey.

Rare photo-shoot images from St George's Hall and Gerry and the band on tour also feature along with memories of his time with good pal Cilla Black.

Claire Hunter, assistant curator of Urban History said: "This exhibition is a great insight into a group who achieved incredible success.

"These photographs explore not only their significant accomplishments but also the group's enduring bond to Liverpool which more than, five decades later, still has a role in the global image of the city." 

Gerry added: "It is an honour to have the exhibition on display at the museum of Liverpool which celebrates Liverpool as a hotbed of outstanding talent and creativity." 

Gerry and The Pacemakers: Hit Makers and Record Breakers is at the Museum of Liverpool from July 14 until Jan 7, 2018.