MBE's

[edcal]

Here is a two-parter. What are the requirements for a British citizen receiving a MBE and have the Searchers ever been considered for such a honor.

Ed Califano

[admin]

Interesting question Ed. The current criteria for an MBE are as follows.

MBE
Service in and to the community of a responsible kind which is outstanding in its field; or very local “hands-on” service which stands out as an example to others. In both cases awards illuminate areas of dedicated service which merit public recognition.

The honours system recognises a diverse range of activity so generalised criteria are not a reliable guide to the level of award. However:


In terms of service the difference is determined by the extent of the person’s influence.


In terms of achievement the difference is determined by the significance of the person’s impact in their chosen profession.

I have not read that any of The Searchers have been recommended for this award, however, I should think that they would qualify. Incidently, you have to be living to qualify for this award, unless it was in the works at the time of your death.

A brief journey through the British Parliamentary site will convince you that the awards process is very complex and there are recommendations to revamp part of the system.

[sowhat]

"longest-working band"? Is this an achievement? Or a "diagnosis"?..

[admin]

Sheena: I think it could be safely argued that they have had a significant "impact on their chosen profession." While I suspect that they may not receive or indeed want such a distinction, they have and continue to influence avids worldwide for decades. I would rather they were put in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

[dbrandon]

From my way of thinking the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would be a much higher form of honor. The MBE
is a British honor but the hall of fame would be a world wide award. Are there any other British
Invasion bands other than THE BEATLES that have received MBE's ?.

[sowhat]

Peter: do you think they really need it, to be introduced in Rock'n'Roll hall of fame? A friend of mine used to say, "concidering who is in the Hall of fame, i think it's more honorable not to be in". I mean, it doesn't make anybody better or worse. We all know the Searchers are cute, and do we need this kind of proof?

[royclough]

The Shadows were given OBE's last year though Hank Marvin turned his down probably due to his religious belief. Cliff Richard like Paul McCartney became a knight i.e enables one to be called Sir.