Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

In the December 2001 MPS News, fan Paul C. writes Quote:Is Mike finally winding down ready to call it a day, I do hope not. Or is it due to lack of good management or agents that shows are few and far between. I know that we keep hearing that the 60's groups are having a lean time of things at the moment and venues are few and far between. However it seems that some of the 60's groups seem to have very regular shows going on, the 'Searchers' being a prime example.It appears that they hardly ever have a day off! A number of the other better 60's groups also appear to be kept busy with one type of show or another, so what is happening with MPS! They are definately to be included in the top five 60's groups still performing, as we fans would agree they are number 1.Mike Pender took the time to repond to Paul C's questions in the December 2001 MPS News and penned the following reply. Quote:There is no doubt that the 60's scene is slowing up. Having said that, there is and always will be a demand for Nostalgia Shows. The 60's of course is exactly that.

Both Theatres and Agents alike, throughout the U.K. and in other parts of the World, have very favourably received the Tour I start in January. We may well see this Tour extending beyond the current plans and perhaps even repeating in 2003.

With the cost of putting on professional productions on a touring basis you will naturally appreciate, I am sure, that it is impossible for each Artist to appear with their own Band/Musicians. I am very impressed with the complete production that is being prepared for the tour in terms of the special band, backing singers, lighting and sound etc. I am very hopeful that as many of possible of you will be able to get along to see the Show as it will be very different but indeed very exciting.

In May, normal gigs will return with the Band (MPS) and in fact as I write I see the calendar has already got two bookings, so watch out in Ayr and Guildford!

I now carry out the day-to-day management of the Band myself in conjunction with several well-known Agents. I suppose it is true to say that after all these years in the business, and at my time in life, I don't want or indeed need to be continuing travelling the length and breadth of the country from gig to gig day to day. All the Agents, most of whom have worked with me for many years, know the specific criteria on which I (The Band) will work. There is a specific fee which has to be met, and this now sometimes means we no longer appear at some of the Venues as in the past.

On the basis of Mike Penders response, and reading between the lines more than a little, it would seem that Pender is changing course somewhat at this stage of his career. The change would seem to be based on economics and as he moves into his 60s the need to make the greatest musical impact without the daily hassles and emotional complications associated with promotion and band management.

While I may be way off track, I am expecting to see a Mike Pender solo CD in his future. This has been a project that he has mentioned before in the Mike d'Abo interview. Again, whilst this is pure speculation, one wonders whether he might us the ReelinandaRockin' Tour 2002 as a springboard to solo status.

Mike Pender is still associated with the original Searchers' sound and, after 40 years of touring the world with a group, must be looking forward to a less complicated venture. Who can blame him?

Absolutley great that Mike has taken the trouble to reply, at least we know one of our hero's reads the stuff.

I personally am looking forward to the forthcoming tour, I have not seen Mike for a while so I hope the tour is a success. Still can't work out what The Nolans are doing on it though.

I personally think that there is little chance of seeing a MP solo CD, much as I would love one. Commercially it would be difficult to get a major label to take him on and unless someone puts up the money I doubt it will happen, clearly there is a demand for such a CD from ardent followers so we can live in hope.

I am of the opinion that most of the sixties artists still performing today will in 2/3 years have called it a day, so let's enjoy them while we can.

Roy: I would be very pleased if you could take a photo or two of the upcoming tour. Do you suppose that the Nolans are some of the backup voices of which Pender comments? I have recently heard that Mike has recorded two Cds with MPS and this is one of the reasons for my speculation that he will move one to one last solo CD at some point. It also seems to me that Mike has had a goal of recording a solo CD since the days of the Searchers and given his recent career move without MPS I think this behaviour is representative of his motivation to move on to something new. You may include me as a follower of the ardent type. I concur wholeheartedly, let's enjoy as much as we can as long as we are able.