Scouser to continue Gerry Marsden's legacy and find next generation of stars

A Scouser is continuing Gerry Marsden's legacy by unearthing the city’s next generation of musical stars.

Arthur Johnson, a 78 year-old from Formby, was close friends with Gerry before his passing in 2021. Now, Arthur is launching a competition to find the next great Scouse musician while also raising money for a cause that was close to Gerry’s heart.

The Greatest Scouse Busker Hunt will invite applications from local buskers to perform at the Celebrating Castle Street and Celebrating Bold Street event next month. Six of the best will be selected for the final taking place at the legendary Cavern Club later this year, where they will face a panel of six judges.

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The winner will be given their own unique Liver Bird, similar to the one presented to Sir Paul McCartney by his brother Mike. All proceeds from the competition will go to The Holistic Cancer Centre in Birkenhead, which Gerry was a great supporter of.

Arthur said: “I was great mates with Gerry Marsden. He was a patron of the charity, I’d helped with them a little bit. After he died, I was asked to carry on supporting them.”

He added: “I come from the ‘60s era so I’ve always been interested in continue to get involved in the music side of things. Not that I’m musical myself. It just seemed like a nice way to promote the charity.”

Arthur believes the charity deserves more attention. He said: “It makes life better for people who are suffering with cancer. It’s been going for 30 years, it's unique in the country and it doesn’t have a high profile, but it does do great work.”

Arthur also hopes the search to find the next generation of great musicians will be a continuation of the area’s modern musical