MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS
and Tony Jackson

Although Tony Jackson passed up on an opportunity to perform with MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS in 1986 he eventually did perform with Mike Pender on stage on four separate occasions over the period 1992 to 1995.

The first, a surprise appearance from Jackson too place on May 2, 1992 at the Birmingham Tow Hall. The artists appearing on the bill included: MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS; The Troggs; Cliff Bennett; Billie Davis; and Love Affair. Tony Jackson, who happened to be in the audience this evening, was persuaded to perform two of The Searchers' hits - "Sweets For My Sweet" and "Needles and Pins."

Jackson's encore performance with Mike Pender took place on November 1, 1992 at the Civic Hall, Guilford at the Mersey Reunion 30th Anniversary Show. The bill this evening was comprised of MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS, The Merseybeats, Tony Jackson and the Vibrations and Michael McCartney of Scaffold. Tony joined Mike Pender for "Sugar and Spice", "Sweets For My Sweet", "Needles and Pins" and "Love Potion Number Nine." While Jackson did not play bass this evening, he did strap on his "Hofner" violin bass for the occasion.

Tony Jackson's third appearance with Mike Pender was at the Parr Hall, Warrington on November 22, 1992. Two acts were on the bill at this show, namely MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS and Tony Jackson and The Vibrations. Avaialble information suggests that Tony Jackson performed the same numbers with Mike Pender on this occasion as he did on November 1, 1992.

Tony's final performance with Pender was on September 9, 1995 at the Birmingham Town Hall. The bill indicated that "MIKE PENDER's SEARCHERS was reunited with original Searchers lead singer, Tony Jackson." Jackson took the stage with Mike Pender performing for "Sweets For My Sweet", "Sugar and Spice", "Farmer John" and "Needles and Pins." These two Rockers from 1960 thrilled a crowd of some 1200 enthusiastic fans that packed the Town Hall in Birmingham. The sell out show continued from 7:30 to 11:00 pm. and also included: The Merseybeats; The Four Pennies; Love Affair; Chip Hawkes (ex-Tremeloes); and Twinkle. Although Tony refused to wear a MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS' 'T' Shirt, he performed well and generated much excitement for an audience who were pleased to see them back together again.