The Searchers Early Recordings

tim · Post by **tim** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 9:16 am

In most Searchers' discographies I have seen, there is mention of a 'private pressing' made by The Searchers during their Iron Door days (this may also have been the 'demo' sent to PYE Records / Tony Hatch). I have a tape consisting of seven tracks:
1. Sweets For My Sweet
2. All My Sorrows
3. Jambalaya
4. Rosalie
5. I'll Be Missing You
6. Ain't That Just Like Me
7. Sweet Little Sixteen

I have two questions, they are:
1. Is this all there is?
2. Are the 'private pressing' and the 'demo' two different items?

jjr · Post by **jjr** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 7:08 pm

Tim,

I know this isn't exactly on point, but do the guys who did those great re-issues of the 5 LPs have any plans to re-do the "Star Club" sessions?

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:09 am

Tim: Oh, to know the answer to this question. In interviews that I have read and questions that I have asked pertaining to The Searchers, the subject of an acetate containing seven songs has come up and these are the songs that are mentioned. I can't imagine that there would be two, seven song tapes of these same tracks recorded at different times. While only those with inside information will know with certainty, I am betting that this IS all there is and that the private pressing and the demo are one in the same.

tim · Post by **tim** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 7:41 am

In answer to John Ribeiro's question. There is always a possibility that SEQUEL (Sanctuary Records Group) might issue The Searchers' Star-Club sessions. However, it has to be remembered that PHONOGRAM hold the rights to these tracks and might not be too willing to licence them to a rival.

mdenger · Post by **mdenger** » Wed Jan 16, 2002 12:19 am

Those 7 tracks Tim mentions are introduced in the first chapter of my home page at Geocities - called Pre Starclub Recordings. Just like Tim I can`t tell about any further. So we have to wait until March.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jan 16, 2002 2:59 am

Michael: You are quite right. While this is an empirical question, based on your research I would be interested in your best guess with regard to Tim's question. Are the private pressing and the demo the same? Thanks for your posting on the First Chapter of your highly informative page. Of particular interest to me, is your observation that Chris was a major player from the earliest times. I consider that the group changed its course following his departure and lost a great talent.

mdenger · Post by **mdenger** » Wed Jan 16, 2002 10:29 pm

I believe that the "demos" and the "private" pressing are the same. The Searchers paid for making acetates to get a record contract. Probabely they only went to a studio once. (By the way, Tony Jackson paid for it).

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Thu Jan 17, 2002 8:27 am

These tracks listed above according to my records were recorded in March 63 and probably sent to Pye then.

Mike Deneger mentions 62 but I doubt this is accurate, I don't believe record companies were interested in any groups until The Beatles success with Please Please me in Feb 63.

No doubt a number of Liverpool groups who had not been signed by Epstein, started to think "We're as good as them" and tapes acetates etc were probably sent by the barrowful

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 12:31 pm

I have today been informed of the following release, I tried to import the cover but sadly failed.

It is possible that if enough "avids " want this release a favourable price could possibly be negotiated, worth a try.

SEARCHERS PRORITY INFORMATION
Released on 25th March 02 is a previously unissued live demo session
Live At The Iron Door Club
This mythical release was recorded at Liverpool’s Iron Door Club, a rival to the legendary Cavern club, in 1962 prior to signing to Pye Records in 1963.

Tracklisting: Sweets For My Sweet/ All My Sorrows/ Jambalaya/ Rosalie/ I’ll Be Missing You/ Ain’t That Just Like Me/ Sweet Little Sixteen

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 12:45 pm

Further to last posting, Amazon are now advertising the CD, but no track listing.

Again CD is on Sequel label, Amazon are quoting a more expensive price than my info sent to me.

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 2:17 pm

Roy: Do you have the URL for "SEARCHERS PRIORITY INFORMATION" page?

russmanuel · Post by **russmanuel** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 3:35 pm

Peter,
Does this help?
http://www.keymailorder.com/searchers0102.htm
Russ

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Jan 23, 2002 5:02 pm

Thanks Russ, that is much better. Here you go Roy.

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Thu Jan 24, 2002 6:32 am

Thanks Peter, will master this thing one day

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Jan 24, 2002 7:44 am

Roy: An earlier proof perhaps?