I was only 12 years late but last evening had the opportunity to listen to Mike D'Abo's 1989 interview with Mike Pender. Pender was asked a number of direct and somewhat awkward questions about his departure from the Searchers and he responded in some detail. I confess that D'Abo's knowledge of Searchers' history came into question at one point when he indicated that the group had recorded "Poison Ivy." In the balance, however, it was a good interview. While much needs to be said about this interview, I will focus on his motivation for leaving in this post.
Mike Pender mentioned that he had been thinking of leaving the Searchers for some time before he first mentioned it to John McNally and that he would stay on to the end of the year (1985) giving them three months or so to find a replacement. While Pender did not empahsize the most salient reason for his leaving, his comments did reveal that he was growing increasingly more frustrated with he Searchers' lack of success in the charts in spite of what he thought were good recordings. It would seem that he eventually came to consider that the efforts of the group were less likely to meet with success than his efforts alone. In fact at one point in the interview he indicated that The Searchers' were offered a recording contract if the label could have a solo album with Pender. So it would seem as if his departure was motivated by the perception that the group was holding him back from what might be a more successful career as a solo artist. Now 12 years down the road, one wonders as if he has accomplished his goal.
For me, this was an important interview, however, I was at the same time saddened as I thought about what was. I do agree with Pender, however, that the group was reaching the end of its success in the studio. I am afraid that the legal hassles that accompanied this split created a bitterness for all time.
Mike D'Abo's Mike Pender Interview (1989)
Mike D'Abo's Mike Pender Interview (1989)
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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Tim: Phew. Thanks for the correction. I was unsure of the pronunciation and spelling of the interviewer's name from the taped interview that I heard. I guess this is the reason that you are the moderator for the Searchers' Forum and I am not. To answer your question about the last song, the tape I heard played "Goodbye My Love' by the Searchers as Mike A'Abo wrapped up the interview and he announced that he was going to fade in a taped version so "Goodbye My Love" by Mike Penders' Searchers. Unfortunately, my taped verison of the interview ran out after the Searchers' version. So did Mike D'Abo play "Needles and Pins" by Mike Pender's Searchers instead?
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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As I recall the interview was intermingled with music but, again from memory only Goodbye my Love was played by MP'S Searchers. Sweets and Needles were played I seem to recall by The Searchers.
It is the actual interview that was salient in which no actual specfic conclusions were drawn.
In a further article headed "Why I left The Searchers" that was produced in the now defunct Beat Goes On magazine, same again, the reason stated was "Fuzzy"
I have always thought that the reasons were perhaps personnal to the band and not for public consumption, so to speak
It is the actual interview that was salient in which no actual specfic conclusions were drawn.
In a further article headed "Why I left The Searchers" that was produced in the now defunct Beat Goes On magazine, same again, the reason stated was "Fuzzy"
I have always thought that the reasons were perhaps personnal to the band and not for public consumption, so to speak
TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Roy: Pender's departure would seem to be a defining moment in the history of The Searchers as more than a few of us keep searching for the complete explanation of the central factors that were the motivation for Mike's decision. I am wondering if he hasn't touched upon all of them in some way. So what were the factors as expressed in the D'Abo interview and from other sources, including reading between the lines. I can think of four at this moment.
1.Greener Pastures Hypothesis:
To begin, Mike and the other members of the group must have become increasingly disillusioned about the failure to chart. This certainly would have increased stress for all and perhaps more than one thought by any or all group members that it was time to move on in search of greener pastures.
2. Black Cloud Hypothesis:
The groups last big hit was in 1965 and with each increasing year the likelihood of success was diminishing. Add to that the fact that the group had been touring together for more than 20 years after "When You Walk In The Room" and it only seems reasonable that the solidarity of the group may waver.
3. Sour Deal Hypothesis:
The group was offered a recording contract providing the label in question could produce a second album in which Pender would go solo. This caused dissention and resentment for Mike, in so far as the deal fell through because of group arguing, and resentment from the other members that Mike would think of recording without them and be offered a special deal. These dynamics can be expected to create conflict in the most cordial of relationships.
4. Fuzzy Wuzzy Hypothesis
Perhaps there was some other compelling reason that Pender or any other group member has refused to acknowledge. In the years of friction, court appearances, lawyers and tens of thousands of pounds does it seem reasonable that there would be any secrets left pertaining to the split up that have not surfaced. I for one think this last explanation is rather weak. Should there have been something bewteen group members that was so offensive or intollerable that Mike had to leave, surely this would likely have surfaced before it did.
1.Greener Pastures Hypothesis:
To begin, Mike and the other members of the group must have become increasingly disillusioned about the failure to chart. This certainly would have increased stress for all and perhaps more than one thought by any or all group members that it was time to move on in search of greener pastures.
2. Black Cloud Hypothesis:
The groups last big hit was in 1965 and with each increasing year the likelihood of success was diminishing. Add to that the fact that the group had been touring together for more than 20 years after "When You Walk In The Room" and it only seems reasonable that the solidarity of the group may waver.
3. Sour Deal Hypothesis:
The group was offered a recording contract providing the label in question could produce a second album in which Pender would go solo. This caused dissention and resentment for Mike, in so far as the deal fell through because of group arguing, and resentment from the other members that Mike would think of recording without them and be offered a special deal. These dynamics can be expected to create conflict in the most cordial of relationships.
4. Fuzzy Wuzzy Hypothesis
Perhaps there was some other compelling reason that Pender or any other group member has refused to acknowledge. In the years of friction, court appearances, lawyers and tens of thousands of pounds does it seem reasonable that there would be any secrets left pertaining to the split up that have not surfaced. I for one think this last explanation is rather weak. Should there have been something bewteen group members that was so offensive or intollerable that Mike had to leave, surely this would likely have surfaced before it did.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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Peter
Excellent hypothesis theories.
No's 3 and 4 in my view are favourite.
Mike's version of events leading up to his departure and Frank and John's version, as told to the Appreciation Society ( posh word for fan club)convention in 1994 are different.
Cetainly if and I know this is conjecture, one looks at the facts, MP's solo single "It's Over" was released only 3 months after his departure, so it is possible he had been approached to do a solo single prior to his departure.
In a local radio interview in April 86, Mike actually stated he had recorded tracks towards an album provisionally entitled "Back On My Feet Again". It is my view that the songs Broken Hearts, Red Ferrari, Blue Mondays , Two Hearts and possibly Needles and Pins slow version were the songs recorded for that album, which never materilised and was probably dependent on the success of the single.
I also think he perhaps thought he was holding all the cards, to use a analogy, could The Searchers survive without the "voice" of the group.
I feel that musical differences, an oft overused phrase had crept in, I believe Mike wanted to do certain numbers and John probably disagreed.
Excellent hypothesis theories.
No's 3 and 4 in my view are favourite.
Mike's version of events leading up to his departure and Frank and John's version, as told to the Appreciation Society ( posh word for fan club)convention in 1994 are different.
Cetainly if and I know this is conjecture, one looks at the facts, MP's solo single "It's Over" was released only 3 months after his departure, so it is possible he had been approached to do a solo single prior to his departure.
In a local radio interview in April 86, Mike actually stated he had recorded tracks towards an album provisionally entitled "Back On My Feet Again". It is my view that the songs Broken Hearts, Red Ferrari, Blue Mondays , Two Hearts and possibly Needles and Pins slow version were the songs recorded for that album, which never materilised and was probably dependent on the success of the single.
I also think he perhaps thought he was holding all the cards, to use a analogy, could The Searchers survive without the "voice" of the group.
I feel that musical differences, an oft overused phrase had crept in, I believe Mike wanted to do certain numbers and John probably disagreed.
TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Conjecture though it may be Roy, I am inclined to agree with you that Mike's recording of "It's Over" was released too quickly after his departure to ignore the distinct possibility that a recording deal was already in the works. He certainly made mention of an earlier opportunity to record a solo album in the D'Abo interview.I think that the "Sour Deal" was perhaps the impetus or the "straw that broke the camel's back" for Mike.
"It's Over" was a solid effort and certainly highlights Pender's vocal range and interpretive skills. Mike was left on this occasion to face the lack of success in the charts on his own, however, A sobering outcome so soon after the promise of greater things to come.
While I would loved for the Searchers' recordings to carry on forever, perhaps Mike was correct in his view expressed in the D'Abo interview that The Searchers' days as recording artists had reached its end. In retrospect, he probably would have been able to record the songs he wished had he remained with them. Certainly the band has taken a direction with Spencer James that I would not have anticipated and the new material that they have introduced into their act bends the limits as much as Mike Pender's post Searchers' songs.
"It's Over" was a solid effort and certainly highlights Pender's vocal range and interpretive skills. Mike was left on this occasion to face the lack of success in the charts on his own, however, A sobering outcome so soon after the promise of greater things to come.
While I would loved for the Searchers' recordings to carry on forever, perhaps Mike was correct in his view expressed in the D'Abo interview that The Searchers' days as recording artists had reached its end. In retrospect, he probably would have been able to record the songs he wished had he remained with them. Certainly the band has taken a direction with Spencer James that I would not have anticipated and the new material that they have introduced into their act bends the limits as much as Mike Pender's post Searchers' songs.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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