This highly polished outfit have been treading the boards via various line-ups since 1959 (frighteningly the year I was born) – founding member John McNally (guitar, vocals) is the sole survivor of the original band. Current incumbents Frank Allen (bass, vocals) joined in 1964 and was followed in 1985 by Spencer James (guitar, vocals) when he replaced original singer Mike Pender.

Recent member Richie Burns excelled on drums forming a great rhythm section with Allen. The harmonies slide effortlessly into sublime territory, years on the circuit not wasted as the band honed their skills to create a package that makes for a great night’s entertainment.

Each of the front three take their turn on lead vocals, their differing styles providing a great contrast. Unbelievably the last of their three UK no 1 singles came in 1964, two of which open the show; 'Sweets for my Sweet' and the exquisite 'Don’t Throw Your Love Away'. The other major hit, 'Needles & Pins' comes closer to the end of the show and shifts the tempo up again until the great medley encore.

A combination of their own songs and covers forms the rest of the show with only 'Young Girl' failing in my humble opinion. 'What Have They Done To The Rain' is sublime, 'Goodbye My Love' is excellent and a duet of Buddy Holly covers are beautifully delivered. In the second half 'All my Sorrows' enters American Trilogy territory and 'Sugar & Spice', 'Somebody Told Me You Were Crying' and 'Love Potion Number 9' are all fantastic.

The band, mainly in the form of Frank, tell stories and jokes and the casual banter is infectious. Overall it’s a great and recommended show full of great songs and The Searchers are still on top form 64 years on.

‘The Ultimate Collection’ (3CD) is out now on BMG with The Searchers Thank You Tour running until Saturday 17th June with dates all across England. For tickets, dates and info visit www.the-searchers.co.uk

Les Linyard


SET LIST:

1ST HALF

SWEETS FOR MY SWEET

DON`T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY

MISTER TAMBOURINE MAN

TAKE ME FOR WHAT I`M WORTH

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO THE RAIN

GOODBYE MY LOVE

RUNAWAY

HEARTS IN HER EYES

FARMER JOHN

SOMEDAY WE`RE GONNA LOVE AGAIN

BUMBLE BEE

PEGGY SUE

OH BOY

RUNNING SCARED

SEVEN NIGHTS TO ROCK


2ND HALF

SEVEN NIGHTS TO ROCK (REPRISE)

AIN`T GONNA KISS YA

ALL MY SORROWS

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE

SUGAR & SPICE

SOMEBODY TOLD ME YOU WERE CRYING

LOVE POTION NUMBER NINE

FOUR STRONG WINDS

HAVE YOU EVER LOVED SOMEBODY

THE ROSE

YOUNG GIRL

NEEDLES & PINS

WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM

TWIST & SHOUT

HITS MEDLEY