Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Has anyone written an in depth biography or history of the band? I got a questionnaire a few years back (I'm a member of S.A.S.) from a husband and wife I thought were writing a book, but never heard anything more.

I've read (and enjoyed) "Traveling Man", but that's not really the real deal. Concededly, the band, and the alumnae may not be forthcoming, but there's a lot of history here going to waste.

Laine & Jule Rawlinson are sisters who were writing a full biography of The Searchers (about 6 or 7 years ago now). They contacted a lot of fans and also had a number of interviews with John, Frank, Mike, etc. Then all went quiet. If one is going to be written, I would like it to be done by someone like Spencer Leigh. Now would be a good time to do it as all the original members (and Johnny Blunt & Billy Adamson) are still alive so it could be done and be a complete record.

Agreed Tim. It would be the right time to write this biography now while all the players are still alive. As to whether they would all be willing is, of course, another matter. It would also be important for the author to be someone who can get the inside story and perhaps Spencer Leigh would be the one. I can certainly tell you that trying to get detailed information from any of the Searchers is a difficult task without connections.

Perhaps a group history written by one of the early members of The Searchers may be more successful or appealing than a work by a non-Searcher. Could you imagine the controversy that would be created by a "Chris Curtis" or "Tony Jackson" tells all Searchers' history. While such a work may be more subjective, it is likely that it may also be more interesting.

Problem is getting a publisher, whether a group member or a full-time author writes it, although it would be easier if a member did-notoriety sells.

The alternative is to publish via a vanity publisher, and pay for the book, like producing your own CD, and distributing through S.A.S, and other entities. Too bad they can't bury the hatchet like the Beatles and collaborate on the damn thing.But I doubt anyone will risk the bucks to get it done- publisher or Searcher.

John: Sooner or later I believe that it will be written, however, I am going to go out on a limb and say that it will not be authored by a Searcher. There is too much conflict among them to collaborate and most of them are too busy performing. A third party may be able to get the ear of all the Searchers. Spencer Leigh's name has come up as perhaps the most likely candidate.

If it gets written, it'll be someone who has no connections with The Searchers (past or present).

Tim: I think that it should be written by someone who knows the Searchers and the times. I think that a prerequisite for this should be someone who knows them reasonably well so that fact can be sorted from friction, or should I say fiction.

It may be of interest to note and Tim will back me up I am sure, that 4 years , two women from my own neck of the woods had supposedly been given permission by either John , Mike or both to write a book and according to them at the time, they had a publisher.

I believe they conducted a number of inteviews but call me a cynic , I never thought it was a serious venture and it would appear I was right.

I doubt any book will ever be written unless more than one party collaberates on it, I am sure The Searchers and Mike would agree to a book in principle but it is doubtful if any publisher may think it would be a commercial success.

There again I would not have thought anyone would want to read Victoria Beckham

Roy is correct. Two Yorkshire ladies (sisters)had contact with John, Mike, Tony, Frank and John Blunt (not Chris though - as far as I now), as well as myself and other fans. They were given a lot of time by the various band members but no book has so far been forthcoming. It would, I believe, had a lot of the facts behind Tony, Chris and Mike leaving The Searchers. Their research would need updating but would definitely give someone a head start with writing the definitive "History of The Searchers".

Tim: Is there any chance that we might be able to talk with these women over the internet or through phone or snail mail?

Johnny Sandon (left) will have a place in any Searchers' Biography.

Hi all, just adding my bit since I haven't commented for some time now. I even have a new email address. About those two girls who are supposed to be writing or have written a biography. Don't hold your breath. I got the address for them and wrote to them and got no reply!!! Somehow I figure it must have been a big sham or one or both of them died. As for where Chris is now. About 18months ago I had a contact in Liverpool who told me Chris was living back in Bootle. Don't know if that is so now but I have a feeling he wouldn't venture too far from familiar surroundings these days. Yeh I know I'm crazy but I just have that feeling I am right. I too wish we could convince him we are all genuinely interested in his opinions and that he would join us here for discussions. Cheers, Pam P.S. Peter will email you separately a copy of something I read a couple of weeks ago, think you will find it quite interesting, I did. Need to type it up and send it as an attachment you can put it here for all to see if you like

The beginnings of an unofficial history may be seen here. If you have a story to tell, please tell it!

I have been made aware through an article by a fairly well respected musical journalist, that a forthcoming biography of The Searchers by Jule and Laine Rawlinson is on the horizon, so to speak and that it will contain distressing details( doesn't state distressing to who?)of why The Searchers spilt happened.

Perhaps my earlier comments were misplaced regarding the two ladies who were supposed to be writing this book, that Tim Viney concured with. Perhaps Tim has more detail, but I do find it strange that I have not seen these ladies at any gigs in the last few years. However if it is to materialise I wish them well with it and look forward to obtaining a copy.