Hungry Hearts Again
'...I doubt it would happen ever'...
Sounds a bit too pessimistic, though...
well, let's try to 'collect' some information. It seems like the main point is not Mike Pender's leaving itself. Tony Jackson has also left the band but he didn't seem to be so angry as not to talk with his ex-bandmates any more. Chris Curtis has left the band, too, but it seems there's still at least SOME communication between him and his ex-pals... The main problem is some circumstances... According to John McNally/Frank Allen, they are the following (if i'm not mistaken):
1) "It was all organized behind our backs" (JM). It seems that MP was so unlucky that his mates somehow learned about his preparations for a solo career before he decided to announce his leave himself...
2) "...but the sheer arrogance and effrontery..." I guess, 'sheer arrogance and effrontery' means that he contracted under the band's name without letting his ex-bandmates know it, as stated by Frank Allen. (maybe he thought the Searchers wouldn't exist without him or he had some other reasons, i don't know).
In any case, what i really do like about Mike Pender is that he doesn't really cast any stones. Which probably makes his positions more solid and trustworthy (IMHO!!!!NOM!!!!).
So to say, the 'bridge' was 'set on fire' from both ends and burned to ashes. But in any case, i wouldn't like to be so pessimistic. Where there's no bridge there can be a ford. And people only get mellower (and, to some extent, better) with age. So good luck to all...
Sounds a bit too pessimistic, though...
well, let's try to 'collect' some information. It seems like the main point is not Mike Pender's leaving itself. Tony Jackson has also left the band but he didn't seem to be so angry as not to talk with his ex-bandmates any more. Chris Curtis has left the band, too, but it seems there's still at least SOME communication between him and his ex-pals... The main problem is some circumstances... According to John McNally/Frank Allen, they are the following (if i'm not mistaken):
1) "It was all organized behind our backs" (JM). It seems that MP was so unlucky that his mates somehow learned about his preparations for a solo career before he decided to announce his leave himself...
2) "...but the sheer arrogance and effrontery..." I guess, 'sheer arrogance and effrontery' means that he contracted under the band's name without letting his ex-bandmates know it, as stated by Frank Allen. (maybe he thought the Searchers wouldn't exist without him or he had some other reasons, i don't know).
In any case, what i really do like about Mike Pender is that he doesn't really cast any stones. Which probably makes his positions more solid and trustworthy (IMHO!!!!NOM!!!!).
So to say, the 'bridge' was 'set on fire' from both ends and burned to ashes. But in any case, i wouldn't like to be so pessimistic. Where there's no bridge there can be a ford. And people only get mellower (and, to some extent, better) with age. So good luck to all...
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.
I agree with Roy on this one. I have no inside information and like most of us on The Searchers' Forum I am on the outside looking in.
Nevertheless, everything I have read and listened to over many years leads me to conclude that the likelihood of Pender and the Searchers resolving their differences is essentially zero.
It seems to me that there is such a sense of betrayal here for John and Frank that neither one of them will allow the door open for Mike Pender.
It would also appear that Mike's departure came with little or no warning for them and without a doubt challenged their self-preservation. Patching things up seems to be impossible.
Also, as an aside, I spoke to Tony Jackson shortly before his death and while gracious, I certainly did not get the impression that he was pleased to leave the Searchers at the peak of their success.
I can appreciate Mike becoming disillusioned over the years as releases failed to make it on the charts. It was not predicted by any of the group members that Mike would leave as far as I can tell. It would seem that he may have considered that his last chance at a hit record could only be attained from a fresh start.
Mike gave it a good run with "It's Over" however, it was not in the cards and in the end one might have to question the wisdom of his decision.
Nonetheless, we certainly cannot take Mike Pender's successes away from him during his time as a Searcher. Many lead singers leave groups to go out on their own for the purpose of artistic freedom. Some are successful and others not. To me, Mike and the Searchers would have had a better success on the charts had they remained together.
Nevertheless, everything I have read and listened to over many years leads me to conclude that the likelihood of Pender and the Searchers resolving their differences is essentially zero.
It seems to me that there is such a sense of betrayal here for John and Frank that neither one of them will allow the door open for Mike Pender.
It would also appear that Mike's departure came with little or no warning for them and without a doubt challenged their self-preservation. Patching things up seems to be impossible.
Also, as an aside, I spoke to Tony Jackson shortly before his death and while gracious, I certainly did not get the impression that he was pleased to leave the Searchers at the peak of their success.
I can appreciate Mike becoming disillusioned over the years as releases failed to make it on the charts. It was not predicted by any of the group members that Mike would leave as far as I can tell. It would seem that he may have considered that his last chance at a hit record could only be attained from a fresh start.
Mike gave it a good run with "It's Over" however, it was not in the cards and in the end one might have to question the wisdom of his decision.
Nonetheless, we certainly cannot take Mike Pender's successes away from him during his time as a Searcher. Many lead singers leave groups to go out on their own for the purpose of artistic freedom. Some are successful and others not. To me, Mike and the Searchers would have had a better success on the charts had they remained together.
Life, as with music, often requires one to let go of the melody and listen to the rhythm
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jeff_zang
While reading some of the posts on the idea of a possible Pender/McNally/Allen reunion (and I basicly agree with Peter that this is probably not going to happen), I did have an idea that might possibly work.
If anyone here is familiar with Fairport Convention, they have an annual reunion show in the UK. Anyone who was a member of the group is invited to the show and the various incarnations of Fairport (and they are many) almost always at least play a few songs together. Now the Searchers have a fan convention every year; what if at one of these all the present and past surviving members of the group were to show up and play a song or two?
I would be interested if some of the members of the newsgroup whom have some contact with the Searchers would be willing to put such a proposal forward. Would it be shot down at once or is there even a small chance that something like this could actually come off? Perhaps either Tim or Roy might have some insight here. Again, this is simply an idea I had and it may be the one way we might actually get everyone together. Perhaps for one night at least the hatchet could be buried.
Jeff
If anyone here is familiar with Fairport Convention, they have an annual reunion show in the UK. Anyone who was a member of the group is invited to the show and the various incarnations of Fairport (and they are many) almost always at least play a few songs together. Now the Searchers have a fan convention every year; what if at one of these all the present and past surviving members of the group were to show up and play a song or two?
I would be interested if some of the members of the newsgroup whom have some contact with the Searchers would be willing to put such a proposal forward. Would it be shot down at once or is there even a small chance that something like this could actually come off? Perhaps either Tim or Roy might have some insight here. Again, this is simply an idea I had and it may be the one way we might actually get everyone together. Perhaps for one night at least the hatchet could be buried.
Jeff
However much people may want it to happen, it will never come to pass! It was John's and Frank's idea to invite Tony Jackson along to our last Convention. There is no way I could invite Mike Pender and expect John and Frank to agree to it. The Searchers play a full show at our conventions and their appearance is the high spot of the day. Mike Pender has his own fan club which is totally seperate to The Searchers Appreciation Society.
The Searchers are the best!
Yes I agree Tim but it would be nice if perhaps at the last ever convention, if it happens, for the fan's sake differences could be put aside for one final show. But we both know it won't happen. I sometimes wonder what would happen if Spencer James called it a day, would that be the end of the band, would John and Frank wish to carry on, as I say in the article "Take It Or Leave It" unashamed plug I know, only person who could in my view fill that void would be Mike Pender. How long they will continue is anybody's guess, John I am sure carries on because he probably would not know what to do if he retired. Frank of course has never really been in it by his own admission for the music, he would probably turn to writing I'm sure or try and use contacts to get some sort of radio presenter's gig.
TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Ehm... now let's get back to the actual topic...
Just got "Hungry hearts" CD (thanks Einar alot) and guess what? Yeah, i did like it! Maybe i'm not conservative enough or whatever, but i don't think there's too much of "modern technology" and i didn't actually get the impression the drums were all programmed (i dunno maybe it was but then the engineers were so professional they programmed them in a beat-by-beat Billy Adamson's style). I'm not very much into balladry-type songs but for a balladry-type album this one is pretty good!
As far as the songs go, the only flop imno is "Another lonely weekend". Gee who needs the Searchers being a compromise between ELO, Yes and Modern Talking?! I dunno. Maybe somebody does, but not me. All in all, i think the cover material is rather weak, with the exception of "Forever in love" - the chorus is just a killer! Well, "Somebody told me" is okay but... just okay.
Here comes the most interesting part (for me). One of my main interests for this album was the fact that there are more originals than on any other album, and i wasn't disappointed! Spencer's only original (Fooled myself, or am i wrong?) is okay. Frank Allen is being Frank Allen, and it's not bad at all. 'Every little tear' is so naive and boyish i cannot resist it (and the chorus is just a kick), while 'Baby I do' somehow makes me (and my daughter) sing along 'Ten o'clock postman, bring me a letter...' well no problem. "This boy" sounds a bit repetitive and the lyrics are a bit too silly but no problem again. "Love lies bleeding" is cute, maybe a bit too pathetic but truthfully speaking could you name a song written by John McNally which isn't a bit pathetic? While "Push push"... just a masterpiece imho, no less. A bit reminding of Cat Stevens' "Baby it's a wild world" but not the worst reminiscence i think. No use in saying more words.
And in conclusion, want to add something about Spencer's vocals. I wasn't really aware of what he sounds like (i've only heard a couple of tracks sent to me by Roy (thanks him alot) which weren't representative imho). And he's cute. I may be talking heresy but i don't really think the Searchers lost everything with Mike Pender's departure. Spencer is a vocalist of Chris Curtis' level, imho. And all the best to him.
Just got "Hungry hearts" CD (thanks Einar alot) and guess what? Yeah, i did like it! Maybe i'm not conservative enough or whatever, but i don't think there's too much of "modern technology" and i didn't actually get the impression the drums were all programmed (i dunno maybe it was but then the engineers were so professional they programmed them in a beat-by-beat Billy Adamson's style). I'm not very much into balladry-type songs but for a balladry-type album this one is pretty good!
As far as the songs go, the only flop imno is "Another lonely weekend". Gee who needs the Searchers being a compromise between ELO, Yes and Modern Talking?! I dunno. Maybe somebody does, but not me. All in all, i think the cover material is rather weak, with the exception of "Forever in love" - the chorus is just a killer! Well, "Somebody told me" is okay but... just okay.
Here comes the most interesting part (for me). One of my main interests for this album was the fact that there are more originals than on any other album, and i wasn't disappointed! Spencer's only original (Fooled myself, or am i wrong?) is okay. Frank Allen is being Frank Allen, and it's not bad at all. 'Every little tear' is so naive and boyish i cannot resist it (and the chorus is just a kick), while 'Baby I do' somehow makes me (and my daughter) sing along 'Ten o'clock postman, bring me a letter...' well no problem. "This boy" sounds a bit repetitive and the lyrics are a bit too silly but no problem again. "Love lies bleeding" is cute, maybe a bit too pathetic but truthfully speaking could you name a song written by John McNally which isn't a bit pathetic? While "Push push"... just a masterpiece imho, no less. A bit reminding of Cat Stevens' "Baby it's a wild world" but not the worst reminiscence i think. No use in saying more words.
And in conclusion, want to add something about Spencer's vocals. I wasn't really aware of what he sounds like (i've only heard a couple of tracks sent to me by Roy (thanks him alot) which weren't representative imho). And he's cute. I may be talking heresy but i don't really think the Searchers lost everything with Mike Pender's departure. Spencer is a vocalist of Chris Curtis' level, imho. And all the best to him.
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.
Can't agree with your comments Sheena in particular the John McNally songs being pathetis, unless I misintepret your point. I think Push Push is worst track on the album.
oF course what The Searchers lost with departure of Mike Pender was their vocal sound that had been so distinctive for 21 years and to some degree their "jangly" guitar sound. SJ is a good singer and he gave them a new sound vocally and instrumentally with introduction of a synth guitar.It is on non Searchers numbers he comes into his own. I also like Another Lonely Weekend actually
oF course what The Searchers lost with departure of Mike Pender was their vocal sound that had been so distinctive for 21 years and to some degree their "jangly" guitar sound. SJ is a good singer and he gave them a new sound vocally and instrumentally with introduction of a synth guitar.It is on non Searchers numbers he comes into his own. I also like Another Lonely Weekend actually
TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
The Searchers live show gained a lot when Spencer joined. He can sing everything from 'power ballads' to outright Rock'n'Roll. He is also willing to learn new numbers so that the set can be varied when required. My favourite tracks on "Hungry Hearts" were the simpler songs "Baby I Do" and "This Boy's In Love" and I quite like "Love Lies Bleeding" too! (Incidentally John wrote this song after PRT used the title for a 10" Searchers' compilation album in the 80s).
The Searchers are the best!
That you disagree Roy is one of the main reasons why i love this forum! If all agreed, that'd be dull and die out very soon. (but still, Push Push is the BEST track on the album! ))
As far as pathetics go, that's not an insult as i see it, not at all. Let me put it this way: a lovesong naturally implies this kind of thing, and that's fine cause it's natural. It's hard to write a lovesong with no pathetics at all, unless you try to consciously avoid it which is a dead end imho. And of course it all depends on what you call pathetic. "Memories deep down in my soul fighting so hard to explode" (if i got the words right), i find it a bit pathetic. "I always knew why the sun was shining and why the clouds passed by", too. What's wrong with it? Nothing's wrong. It's beautiful cause it's natural.
"Weekend" is a nice song in its own rights and guess i'd been too cruel with it but it just was the rain that spoiled the party for me, no offence meant actually.
And of course the sound has changed alot, there's no more Searchers of the 60s, and of course a big part of that 'good ol' sound' was actually 'made' by Mike Pender, but life goes on, you know... And i do believe Timothy that the live show gained a lot because a 'young spirit' takes you and brings in a sort of new life...
)) As far as pathetics go, that's not an insult as i see it, not at all. Let me put it this way: a lovesong naturally implies this kind of thing, and that's fine cause it's natural. It's hard to write a lovesong with no pathetics at all, unless you try to consciously avoid it which is a dead end imho. And of course it all depends on what you call pathetic. "Memories deep down in my soul fighting so hard to explode" (if i got the words right), i find it a bit pathetic. "I always knew why the sun was shining and why the clouds passed by", too. What's wrong with it? Nothing's wrong. It's beautiful cause it's natural.
"Weekend" is a nice song in its own rights and guess i'd been too cruel with it but it just was the rain that spoiled the party for me, no offence meant actually.
And of course the sound has changed alot, there's no more Searchers of the 60s, and of course a big part of that 'good ol' sound' was actually 'made' by Mike Pender, but life goes on, you know... And i do believe Timothy that the live show gained a lot because a 'young spirit' takes you and brings in a sort of new life...
Nothing will get you dead quicker than being deadly serious about yourself.