Searchers' Longevity

admin · Post by **admin** » Sun May 21, 2006 3:48 am

With The Searchers 40th Anniversary CD set released only a few years ago in 2003, avids were again reminded that this act has been on the road for decades longer that the original members might have thought. The only downside for some fans is that the Searchers have not had the recording success of other long-term groups, the Rolling Stones being one example.

With John McNally soon to be 64, we continue to treated to their live performances booked months ahead. But how long is it reasonable to expect the band to continue to play. My question is, what have John McNally and Frank Allen said about this? While their actions of continued touring speak louder than their words, how will they decide when it is time to go?

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Sun May 21, 2006 4:30 am

The longer the better!

To get serious for a moment - maybe it's like the bird which lives as long as it sings?..

mygeneration · Post by **mygeneration** » Sun May 21, 2006 4:59 am

Frank has repeatedly said on stage that they are going to go for the fifty years.
Of course that might be just stage talk, but providing their health is good, I can only imagine John being the only one to bring things to a halt - not that he has given any indication.

I suppose it is also important that it remains worthwhile financially, and I see no signs of bookings slowing down. You may have read in Frank Allen's latest news on the official site that they are booked to play yet another Solid Silver Sixties Tour in 2007

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sun May 21, 2006 6:29 am

I think as long as Mike Pender keeps playing so will The Searchers, John would never call it a day in my view before then. At the Q & A sessions I was fortunate to do with them, their response to the question how long will you keep going was "as long as there is an audience".

Both McNally and Allen have kept fit and don't look like men in their mid sixties, neither does Pender to be fair.

In fact John's retort was that he had been to see Scotty Moore perform, who he reckoned must be in his 70's,"If he can do it so can I" he said, perhaps slightly tongue in cheek.

Personally I believe that 2/3 more years is the maximum they will keep going.

But there are still a number of sixties artists performing besides The Searchers. I do note that they are scheduled to tour in 2007 but I just hope it is not the usual suspects on the bill.

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:20 am

With John McNally soon to be 64

I may be wrong, but i've seen a few reviews/liner notes which state he was born 1941, so 65 perhaps?..
As far as the longevity is concerned... a quote from liner notes for 30th Anniversary collection - JM says:

Yes, there are a lot of wonderful memories. But it doesn't stop there. How about the 50th? Frank, Billy, Spencer and myself are raring to go. There's life in the old dogs yet.

I do understand it was said 13 or 14 years ago, and Billy is no longer in the band, but... a Man always keeps his word, right?

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:50 am

Well spotted Sheena, John is indeed 65 in August not 64 as I stated, Mike Pender recently turned 64. Frank Allen is 63 in December though according to some sites and indeed album covers he will be a year younger but 63 will be his true age.

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:23 am

Speaking of Mike (and Frank): if i recall correctly, in his book, in the chapter which is dedicated to the infamous 1985 topic, Frank Allen says something like: "he [MP] was forty-five, that's indeed too late [to start fresh]" (do not remember the exact quote/page and don't have the book at hand at the moment - will check for). Could it be a mistake/approximation (like, 43 is closer to 45 than to 40) or could it be that MP was actually born 1940, not 1942?
(sorry for an offtopic, but i've had this question floating in my small head for about two years now...

)

webhead · Post by **webhead** » Sun May 21, 2006 11:36 am

I'd like to get a good Searchers collection on CD, can anyone recommend a title?

sowhat · Post by **sowhat** » Sun May 21, 2006 11:56 am

Don: personally, i'd recommend either 30th Anniversary Collection or 40th Anniversary collection. The latter contains more tracks from the 70s-80s, IIRC; the former - more rare, unreleased & live material (but only 2 CDs, while the 30th Ann Coll is 3). But i'd suggest you'd better rely on Roy's opinion. Roy?..

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:04 pm

If you want a overall career resume so to speak, yes Sheena I would agree the 40th anniversary collection is the one to have as it covers every era of their career. If you feel however that The Searchers golden period i.e the sixties is what you want then again Sheena I agree with you on the 30th anniversary

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Sun May 21, 2006 9:08 pm

Sheena you could be the next Miss Marples you are a bit of a detective and you may be nearer the truth then you think but I'm not saying.

ozmag · Post by **ozmag** » Mon May 22, 2006 3:32 pm

Back on topic of longevity...

It would be factual to say that very few entertainers actually retire, I've scratched my head and can only come up with Ronnie Barker (British Comedy Actor - 'Great') in the recent past. Sinatra retired and then had more comebacks than the Crazy gang so IMHO it will be with the Searchers.

John and Frank are both still healthy and fit, John still playing football (sorry can't call it Soccer!) and proves his fitness weekly. The group is a massive part of their lives and they probably can't remember doing anything else apart from performing on stage therefore as I've been told many times since 1971 - "probably another 5 years" will keep extending!

Ultimately the decision will be made by the audiences continuing to turn up and their reaction to the performance, while this remains positive the only other factor would be health not motivation!

I hoping to book them to play at my retirement party as long as I can get a decent deal from John....

admin · Post by **admin** » Mon May 22, 2006 3:38 pm

Great points Michael - fitness of the band and popularity.

I cannot see the Boomers ever giving up on this great band. Hence it comes down to when Frank and John feel they can no longer perform at an acceptable level.

As you point out, the extensions may continue for some time yet. I, for one, certainly hope so.

ozmag · Post by **ozmag** » Mon May 22, 2006 6:20 pm

Boomers and beyond Peter, as Frank often jokes the audience is made up of teenagers to those fast approaching death!

royclough · Post by **royclough** » Mon May 22, 2006 9:08 pm

G'Day Michael glad to see you finally made it here.