MERSEYBEAT legend Gerry Marsden last night paid tribute to the respected music producer behind his biggest hits.

Ron Richards, who briefly worked with The Beatles before teaming up with Gerry And The Pacemakers, died recently aged 80.

His career in the music industry, which included a lengthy spell working with the Fab Four’s legendary producer Sir George Martin, spanned almost three decades.

Richards played a key role in The Beatles early recording sessions for record label Parlophone, including the decision to jettison original drummer Pete Best, before working with Gerry And The Pacemakers.

He produced their 1963 hit You’ll Never Walk Alone which spent four weeks at number one and famously went on to become the Liverpool FC anthem.

Last night Marsden said: "He was a lovely man, a lovely person. He never complained and was lovely to work with.

"He let us get on with recording – he never interfered. He was a good old man – God bless him."

Born in London Richards started out in 1952 as a song plugger for music publishers based in Denmark Street.

Two years later, in 1954, he married Ellen Fraser and started a family.