The story behind The Searchers, Britain’s most enduring pop group

13 days ago

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The Searchers, the pop band with the longest standing career in Britain, have shared their plans to return from retirement and embark on a fresh tour. This upcoming tour may very well be their final one.

Becoming popular as a member of the Merseybeat movement in Liverpool in the beginning of the 1960s, The Searchers had successful tracks including their rendition of Jackie DeShannon's "When You Walk in the Room", and their second-place hit "Sugar and Spice".

First established as a skiffle band in 1957 (pre-dating The Beatles and The Rolling Stones), this group was brought together by John McNally - originally from Liverpool - and Mike Pender. They have been going strong ever since. The current members include McNally, Frank Allen, Spencer James, and Richie Burns.

According to The Independent, Allen stated that The Searchers made the decision to disband in 2019 due to their exhaustion from constant touring.

"I believed that it was... we concluded to put an end to it in the year of 2019," he explained, "however, during that point in time the enjoyment had dissipated to some extent."

We contemplated that it was about time to take a break. After all, we had been performing for sixty years and we were getting older. We had exceeded the age of retirement and we had been doing approximately 200 shows annually up to that period.

Following a period of five years away from the music scene, the band's previously humorous comments regarding a return to touring became a legitimate plan. The resulting performances were thoroughly enjoyed and deemed highly entertaining.

"At the conclusion of our trip, we had an unforgettable night in Liverpool at the Philharmonic. It was undoubtedly the pinnacle of our professional lives," Allen happily declared. "We were filled with a feeling of extreme elation."

After bumping into The Searchers in Hamburg's recently launched Star-Club in 1964, Allen was recruited into the band. Back then, he was busy playing with Cliff Bennett and the Rabble Rousers. His trip to Hamburg lined up with The Beatles' last stint at the same venue.

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"We had come across rumors about them, despite their unknown status at the time- they had a minor success with 'Love Me Do'," Allen mentioned. "However, in the clubs, people couldn't stop talking about them, indicating that they were a remarkable act."

Remembering a meeting with John Lennon behind the scenes of the club, just before they were scheduled to depart, Allen stated that he made himself known and expressed his anticipation of the upcoming album by the Fab Four.

Allen remembered how the person stared at him, similar to a snake prior to devouring a rabbit.

Lennon supposedly informed Allen that his harmonies were "absolutely ridiculous." This left Allen to question whether it was meant as an insult or if it was simply a case of "Liverpool humor."

In 2008, Allen met May Pang, who used to be Yoko Ono's secretary and had been in a relationship with Lennon for 18 months.

According to his theory, Lennon appeared tough and forceful, but deep down, he was just as uncertain as anyone else. He had a need to attack others before they could attack him.

He recollected the moment when May expressed, "You've perfectly described John." This meant the person was spot on about John.

When inquired about how The Searchers have been able to continue for so long, he responded that it all came down to being "a key member during one of the most significant eras in popular music."

He stated that if an individual was able to establish themselves during that era, they will be remembered by many. He mentioned that they have had an impact on various American artists such as The Byrds, Tom Petty, Marshall Krenshaw, and Bruce Springsteen. He also mentioned that they have had a period of success.

The Searchers are currently touring around England, Wales, and Scotland until the 13th of June. You can buy tickets at the moment.