Tony Jackson Lives!

admin · Post by **admin** » Thu Mar 07, 2002 3:43 am

There was a rumour spread around the internet recently that indicated that Tony Jackson had passed away. This was a hoax and apologies go out to Tony Jackson for a post here that spoke of his passing in error. My apology to all of his fans for posting this inaccurate information. The feedback I have received would indicate that Tony took the comments in stride and his sense of humour came to the surface.

wendykburton · Post by **wendykburton** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 11:45 am

Hi, its Wendy Burton here, the Searchers Official Website Co-ordinator. I'm afraid that with all I do on the Searchers site, the things I write for the Appreciation Society magazine, and my involvement with the My-Generation mailing list - and my "real life" too -I just don't have time to get involved with Peter's forum too. However,I must just apologise for the incorrect information about Tony Jackson,which came originally from me. The hoaxer, who is another 60s performer known
to the Searchers, fooled me - and them - for a laugh, but its really not very funny. I have spoken to John McNally on the phone this evening, and he hasfortunately taken it in good spirits, and he's sure Tony Jackson will when he rings to tell him who the hoaxer is. As Mark Twain (I think) said "Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated"! Sorry, I can't tell you who it is,though - I don't want to start a war! With best wishes,
Wendy
([email protected])

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Fri Mar 08, 2002 2:27 pm

I for one like many I am sure , is more than pleased that the untimely demise of Black Jake turns out to be a distasteful stunt.

Whilst TJ has not been in the band since mid 64 he remains an integral part of The Searchers story and I feel a major factor in securing their early success. Mike Pender is often regarded as the voice of The Searchers . a mantle I feel he procured by default to some degree,although he still remains for me, the voice of The Searchers.

Whilst I would never be so bold as to describe myself as a friend of the band, I have felt somewhat of a affinity to them. The demise of one of them past or present would strike a chord and I am glad frankly, that this was nothing more than a falsehood in the worst possible taste

admin · Post by **admin** » Sat Mar 09, 2002 2:21 am

Roy: Well put! Tony Jackson was, without a doubt, central to the sucess of The Searchers. Tony's most distinctive voice and booming bass coupled with his popularity were key in unlocking the studio doors at Marble Arch. Perhaps this hoax might coax Black Jake to come out of retirement for a night or two. Let's hear it for the Black Jake Tour.

With regard to your final paragraph I am not sure that I could agree. Following a group through its ups and downs for more than 40 years, attending four decades of concerts, and passionately about their music certainly makes you a "friend" in my books!

wendykburton · Post by **wendykburton** » Tue Mar 12, 2002 1:25 pm

Despite all the renewed interest in Tony Jackson, caused by the hoax that he had passed on, unfortunately will not result in him making a comeback even for just a few shows. I don't know Tony at all (I only got to know the Searchers in the late 80s), but I understand that sadly he is not a well man, suffering not only from heart problems but also from severe arthritis which would prevent him from being able to do a stage show or even play a guitar. But he is still very much with us, and fortunately quite amused by the way the "news" spread like wildfire and resulted in radio stations all over the world playing Searchers songs. So every cloud does have a silver lining!

[email protected]

admin · Post by **admin** » Wed Mar 13, 2002 2:25 am

Wendy: I realize that Tony Jackson is not well, and I agree that the likelihood of him performing again is remote. I am still hoping, however, that he may do a vocal or two with either The Searchers or MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS, perhaps in relation to a benefit concert one day.

You are spot on when it comes to the silver lining. That the false rumors of Tony's passing spread so quickly and captured so much attention is, in my view, a tribute to his popularity as a Searcher and a musician. To have generated so much interest after all these years is remarkable.

wendykburton · Post by **wendykburton** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 12:30 pm

There is no likelihood, Peter, of Tony Jackson joining The Searchers on stage. You have to remember that he left them 37 years ago - that's a long time ago, and although they have no problems with each other (in fact John McNally still speaks to Tony occasionally) their current stage act is so tight and professional that they would not consider what would seem to be a gimmick by bringing Tony up on stage (even if he were well enough to do so, which he's not). However, Tony did appear with Mike Pender a few times in the early 90s.In fact - although I am most definitely not a Mike Pender fan, I saw them together once, at a show in Guildford. It was a "celebration of Merseybeat" - on the bill were Mike Pender's Searchers, Tony Jackson & the Vibrations, the Merseybeats (who are one of my favourite groups, that's why I was there), and the MC was Mike McCartney. Tony came on and did a duet with Mike during Mike's set.
Wendy Burton (The Searchers Official Website Co-ordinator)

admin · Post by **admin** » Tue Mar 26, 2002 12:47 pm

Wendy: The passage of time certainly can take its toll and often makes attempts to reclaim the past unlikely. Never say never though. While he may not perform formally with the Searchers, a less formal performace may be a possibility, albeit remote. Please follow this link to Tony Jackson and Mike Pender onstage in 1995.