Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

While it is difficult to determine which Searchers' recording was the "most popular", surely "When You Walk In The Room" ranks highly in the views of most Searchers' fans that I have polled. First, do you agree that this song is near the top of the heap and if so, why?

This up tempo tune has a wonderful 12-String riff (on a Rickenbacker I hasten to add) which is a powerful signature to be sure. Pender's great voice and tight harmonies don't hurt either. The song's popularity is based on many factors I am sure. For me, I have always loved the theme which reminds us that the mere presence of one we love, long for, or admire is a great antedote for all that may trouble us. This theme, in concert with a vibrant and melodic presentation, is a potion that is hard to resist.

I've always loved the song. It,"Needles and Pins" and "Goodbye My Love" are the three most emotional leads Mike did, and I think it's no coincidence they stand out. Someone wrote (liner notes?) that the song opened with "that wounded voice", an excellent description. Additionally, it was very innovative. While the twelve string sticks out, the song actually opens with a bass/ drum duet. And, I think, it is the first single that had the prototypical "Searchers Sound" we identify with the group- the 12 string, and the "jangling" fills, as well as harmony lead all the way through.Finally, noone did it better. I've heard DeShannon's, Billy J. Kramer's, and several others. At best they remind you of the original. At worst (and most are), they're pale imitations.

I consider your analysis to be right on John. It is easy to be swept away by this number. Frank Allen must have been thrilled to have this recording success, so soon after he joined the group.

Peter: The 12-string lead guitar is excellent, but check out that astonishing rhythm guitar, a signature sound by John McNally. Was that on a 12-string Rick as well? It sounds like it could have been. I also like the use of maracas, which enchance the folk-rock sound of this record.

I've mentioned before that I prefer The Searchers' version to Jackie DeShannon's original. The B-side of her version was the original "Till You Say You'll Be Mine," which I was just listening to last night. I love Jackie DeShannon, but I have to say The Searchers did that one better as well. Jackie's version was very good, but nowhere near the heartwrenching rendition that The Searchers put across. John, I don't know what you think of that recording, with your preference for simple backgrounds, but you've got to admit that Mike's lead vocal on "Till You Say..." ranks right up there as one of his most powerfully emotional leads.

S.J. Without question, the amazing rhythm guitar work by John McNally has been a standout for The Searchers since the very beginning. Thanks for reminding us of this talent so that we may revisit our observations. I would very much like to hear from those who have watched him closely during live performances over the years. There is an article on McNally's Club 60 and his rhythm style here.

The opening of "When You Walk in the Room" is the second most thrilling for a pop-rock song, the first being that of "A Hard Day's Night" (okay, this one's a bit abrupt; still...). But I speak not as a guitarist or any other kind of musician; I speak as one who survived junior and senior high mainly by owning a transistor radio. Thus, when I hear the Searchers, Beatles, DC5, Hollies, Mindbenders, Yardbirds, Manfred Mann, Pet Clark, Freddy and the Dreamers, Peter and Gordon, Chad and Jeremy, ETC.!, I instantly am transported to a time and place of reverie.

Truer words were never spoken Denise. You have described a magical time in the history of rock and roll. The special "British touch" forever transformed the forumla for both writing and performing rock music. The signature riff for "When You Walk in The Room" is indeed classic and captivates and completely wins over the listener before a single note is sung by Mike Pender and Frank Allen. You have to love the Rickenbacker 12 string on this one.

All the music aside, the lyrics of this song are equally captivating. The whole idea that a special person can enter a room and completely change one's life and mood adds a romantic flare to this number that stimulates even calm hearts to beat faster than cupid!

"When You Walk In The Room" was a hit around the time of my 16th birthday. I still remember the girl who I thought the words were about.

I saw the Searchers sing "When You Walk In The Room" on the STEVE ALLEN show. I remember two things. ALLEN was reading liner notes off the KAPP LP, "This is Us", which still listed Tony in the group, and Chris' wisecracks about his absence. And, Mike didn't have the Rickenbacker on the show.

I took my family to a Searchers concert a couple of years ago in Hamiton New Zealand (They tour here regularly). I should say I dragged them there as they had not heard any Searchers songs before the show (knowingly).
We ALL had a great time. The music was fantastic, the jokes funny, just one big party.
The standout songs, to me, are "Walk in the room" and "Needles and pins".

Philip: Yes The Searchers seem to have a fondness for Australia and New Zealand. Their music appeals to a wide age range and is very upbeat. Did you take any photos of their performance?

No Peter, sadly, I didn't take any pictures. Actually for some strange reason I have never taken a camera to any concert I've been to

For those who might be interested I did take some photos of the 'Down Under Tours' (sadly because of problems with bookings and exchange rates they are no longer visiting) Anyone who would like copies is welcome to them. Just let me know and I will email them to you. Pam

Hi Pam,
I would love some pictures. As you note the NZ dollar has climbed almost 50% against the Greenback in the last 2 years but I would have thought that would increase their returns, not diminish them. Its also making Ric's cheaper!!!

I'd love to have some photo's, please email them to [email protected]

I guess the reasons I don't take cameras is,
-Sometimes they aren't allowed
-I have ****** camera's that wouldn't bring things close enough anyway
-I can't take photo's to save myself
-It's one more thing to juggle (and lose) in a crowd along with programme, souveneirs, hotdog, drink, jacket, rug, phone, wallet, car keys
-have the world record for carrying a camera the most miles and taking the least number of shots

Hi Pam,
I would love some pictures. As you note the NZ dollar has climbed almost 50% against the Greenback in the last 2 years but I would have thought that would increase their returns, not diminish them. Its also making Ric's cheaper!!!

I'd love to have some photo's, please email them to [email protected]

I guess the reasons I don't take cameras is,
-Sometimes they aren't allowed
-I have ****** camera's that wouldn't bring things close enough anyway
-I can't take photo's to save myself
-It's one more thing to juggle (and lose) in a crowd along with programme, souveneirs, hotdog, drink, jacket, rug, phone, wallet, car keys
-have the world record for carrying a camera the most miles and taking the least number of shots