Globe columnist Peter Grant pays tribute to a man truly deserving of the title 'Liverpool legend.'

I was hopng that one day I would read the news 'Gerry Marsden to be knighted.'

Sadly with this Liverpool star's passing it cannot be.

Quite simply he deserved it.

Granted he had been awarded an MBE and Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2009, but Gerry never really received acknowledgement for the vast millions he helped raise in his charity work Like Ken Dodd, he gave his time freely and, like Doddy, he had a permanent grin.

He loved life.

His contribution and legacy to music is well sealed and secured from his Merseybeat days to the many years as a musical star, actor and touring rocker.

He was a gifted, versatile musician and singer-songwriter.

In the many times I interviewed him over the years he always had a tale to tell and and his '60s anecdotes were fresh and laughter filled from the Cavern to Hamburg as well as being the leading light of 'Scousers Down Under.'

Wirral Globe:

At the 50th anniversary of the Cavern a 'sweaty raw but fantastic place' Gerry took part in a question and answer session: Left to right-  Peter Grant, Denny Laine of Wings, broadcaster Spencer Leigh. GERRY and Billy Kinsley of the Merseybeats.

Gerry was a home-grown talent from Liverpool 8 who became an international star - yet he never forgot his roots.

He called me simply 'P' - a Scouse trait of shortening names.

The first thing he would say to me when we met up back stage at a concert was : "How's Sadie? (my mum)." 

He even sent her Christmas cards.

Liike Paul McCartney he made you feel like he was the lad next door.

My favourite memory of the Dingle Dynamo was when I was co-ordinating a concert at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall in 2005 for the Tsunami tragedy.

I wanted Gerry to headline the gig which featured stars such as The Scaffold and Alan Bleasdale.

I rang him on his mobile phone and asked if was free.

He was in Spain on holiday with wife Pauline sunning himself on a beach.

Without hesitation he said in that gravelly voice: "Yes, I'll be there for that."

I put the phone down and smiled then realised I hadn't told him the date.

I rang him straight back and he laughed and said: "I said I'll be there and I will."

He was as good as his word.

He always was and brought the house down that night helping raise £50k in the process.

Gerry raised money for The Bradford Fire Disaster and the afternath of Hillsborough too.

You could always count on generous Gerry.

Wirral Globe:

Collectable memorabilia Item: A Merseybeat poster featuring Gerry at New Brighton tower

I last saw him perform at New Brighton Pavilion where he belted out Ferry Cross the Mersey and You'll Never Walk Alone.

He was a true showman.

Signing autographs after the show with a glass of red wine on the table and a smile as wide as the Mersey.

Gerry Marsden will forever be associated in the city be loved.

A city that loved him back.

Sail on into the golden sky, Gerry.

Peter Grant