Searchers find an audience

Liverpool’s legendary The Searchers, including original member John McNally, will reprise their greatest hits when they play Geelong Performing Arts Centre next month as part of a national tour.
Following in the footsteps of The Beatles, along with the parade of Merseybeat bands like Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Hollies, The Searchers found international fame.
No wonder with a string of hits including Sweets for My Sweet, Sugar and Spice, Needles and Pins, Love Potion Number 9, Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Someday We’re Gonna Love Again and When You Walk in the Room.
Along with Frank Allen, Spencer James and Scott Ottaway, The Searchers will ignite audiences with their trademark jangling 12-string guitar, rich harmonies and immaculate vocals.
The Searchers went from a 1950s skiffle group formed by McNally and a bunch of friends to the heady days of the ’60s as teenage idols. Along the way they notched up record sales well in excess of 45 million.
Unlike most of their contemporaries, who disbanded only to reunite for the nostalgia boom, The Searchers have clocked up 50 years of continuous performances, albeit with several line-up changes.
It was The Searchers who introduced the industry-busting move of solo concerts, performing for more than two hours without a support act.
Not only did the concept enthuse their fans – not to mention the band – it allowed them to play some of the cult favourites and B-sides that were rarely heard on stage.
Far from sliding into obscurity, The Searchers have been rewarded for their longevity with sell-out shows at Wembley Stadium, performing guests like Cliff Richard and Marky Ramone. The Ramones were huge Searchers fans and covered Needles and Pins on one album.
Just when fans might think The Searchers might be taking life at a more leisurely pace, the band is busier than ever and retirement is not an option.
Tours to USA, Canada, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden were interspersed with television and radio appearances, cruise shows, corporate events and private parties.
“If there is a venue to perform in, The Searchers want to play there and we are just waiting to be asked,” McNally says.
“A career that has lasted this long is not an exercise in survival. It is really about doing what you love and being a part of something you have pride in.”
The Searchers perform at the Playhouse at GPAC on Sunday 21 February. Bookings on 5225 1233.