GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS - MARSDEN UNDERGOES HEART OPERATION

GERRY AND THE PACEMAKERS star GERRY MARSDEN is undergoing a triple heart-bypass operation today (14SEP03) after routine tests showed up a major health problem.

The I LIKE IT singer, 61, has had to cancel around 60 concerts following the shock news, but the star - whose band rivaled the BEATLES massive popularity in the early sixties - hopes to hit the road again soon.

His agent DEREK FRANKS says, "He hasn't been ill or anything. He just had some routine tests. It is a serious operation but hopefully he will be back on stage during the early part of the year."