IT WAS in 1964 that Gerry and the Pacemakers landed at New York to a hero’s welcome and headlined the now-legendary Ed Sullivan Show.

They were part of the British invasion that swept across the Atlantic and took the United States pop charts by storm.

The band, who had three consecutive number ones including You’ll Never Walk Alone, were the second group signed by Beatles boss Brian Epstein.

The Pacemakers personnel may have changed over the years, but their 71-year-old leader, Gerry Marsden, is still singing those Mersey-sound hits that made him a household name.

Gerry and his band are heading towards the south coast for a date at the Lighthouse in Poole this Friday.

The ’60s-spangled bill includes The Searchers, PJ Proby, Brian Poole and Chip Hawkes and The Fortunes.

It is Gerry’s sixth golden ’60s tour and he loves every minute.

“As soon as I get on stage I get a buzz.

“I just love singing,” said the star who also has a home in Spain where this livewire pensioner enjoys jet-skiing.

Asked how he would like to be remembered, Gerry says: “As somebody who tried to make people happy through his music.”

Gerry and the Pace-makers’ first hit, How Do You Do It? had originally been part of The Beatles’ portfolio, but Lennon said: “Give it to Gerry.”

And it is something that Gerry has never forgotten.

So much so that he makes a point of mentioning it in his act.

As he introduces How Do You Do It?, he says: “I thank John every night and I will see him in heaven.”