Every artist has a story about touring. Tell me one of yours 

Some crazy things can happen when you are touring. I was gigging at Churchill, which is a small place near Melbourne, Australia, and I was late changing into all my stage gear. Eventually I got all my stuff on and rushed on stage in front of an enormous audience. Suddenly after three numbers one of my team called me over and informed me my flies were very noticeably undone. No wonder why they were screaming and laughing. 

Do you do anything else to offset the music ? 

I also need to have creative hobbies. I'm a bit of an outdoor man. I do clay pigeon shooting, archery, scuba diving and play a lot of tennis. I also love Jetski-ing. I like being outside and I get a good variety of landscape. I'm lucky enough to have a home in Spain, Anglesea and Chester. 

What about writing songs? 

Besides writing my own compositions for the next album the boys in the band are writing too. The Pacemakers are all different to the original line-up, but nevertheless they've all been with me for ten years. On bass: Andy Cairns, On keyboards: Kevin Jackson, On drums: Sean Fitzpatrick, and yours truly on guitar.  

How would you describe your music? 

Although we were a famous part of the Liverpool sound in the 60s, you can't pigeon hole our music as Liverpool any more, it's too varied. We're quite up to date with modern technology, using sequencers and the works on tour. The whole show is enormous. 

How do you remember the 60s? 

The 60s were an incredible time and people have asked me which musical act was the greatest of the 60s. It must have been John Lennon. He comes first. He had fantastic stage presence. He was also a great mate. Paul was number two but John was definitely number one. 

The star that would come next - even though not from the 60s - would have to be Phil Collins. A tremendous talent. Sometimes the public just don't recognise real talent to the extent it should be. 

(Gerry Marsden appeared with the Pacemakers at Hamilton Nightclub to a packed audience)