Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Kevin: Should you be able to read this and respond, I am wondering what your favourite Searchers' recording is and which Searchers' hit do you most enjoy playing on stage. Also, I am interested in knowing what MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS' song gets the greatest response from the fans.

Hi Peter
thanks for the questions, I hope you don't mind but I think It would be easier to answer them in reverse order.
The most popular song we play on stage with MPS? is actually the easiest of all the questions, I am sure it will come as no surprise to find out that this has to be "Needles and Pins", by both request and response, I personally think that if ever the term "Evergreen" applied to any Searchers song, it has to be this one.
Which Searchers song do I enjoy playing most on stage? hmmm, that is actually quite a difficult one, as I can honestly say I enjoy playing them all for different reasons, but if I had to narrow it down to one I suppose it would have to be "Love Potion No9", it's a little rockier than the rest, sort of Searchers meets Motorhead (only joking) I just like the feel of it, a foot-tapping, sing-a-long type song, I think it's great live.
And last but by no means least, my favourite recording? I would have to go with the flow on this one I'm afraid "Needles and Pins" again! I would love to come out with some strange choice or other just to be different, but I am afraid honesty must prevail, it was the Searchers biggest hit for one very simple reason in my opinion, it was their best song, you can't get simpler than that.
I hope this answers your questions Peter, what would your choices be, where applicable? and why?
I hope you will forgive me if I sometimes take a while to respond, but look forward to reading your reply.
all the best and congratulations from all the band on running such an exellent site, Kevin

I have really enjoyed reading your responses Kevin and I trust that others have as well. I can certainly see why Needles and Pins is a favourite of yours. It certainly rocked the world and how can you knock any tune that pushed The Beatles out of first place.

Love Potion Number 9 is a fine choice for a live performance. I love the changes that have taken place in this song over the years. The jangly debut followed by the blues riffs in the Tony Jackson and the Vibrations version and the ballad version recorded by MPS introducing the keyboard in concert with the dynamite background harmonies. I am wondering if you play the blues lead riff version with MPS.

I have not had the good fortune to hear either The Searchers or MPS live but from a North American fan's point of view, I consider that "When You Walk In The Room" is well out front in the recording category.

My favourite Searchers' recording varies from one period to the next, however, "Someday We're Gonna Love Again" is most often at the top of my list due to the tight harmonies and great vocal by Pender. As far as MPS goes I favour the ballad version of "Needles and Pins" and "It's Over" which really highlights Penders vocal strength.

I am hoping that the other fans participating in this Forum will take the time to include their favourite recording and live performances.