Burnley Welcomes
The Searchers

Learn about Gawthorpe Hall (1605) and Burnley, Lancashire

by Peter McCormack



The Searchers Play Burnley, Lancashire on 2001 Tour


On the evening of Wednesday May 2, 2001 The Searchers provided enthusiastic Burnley fans with a solid performance at Burnley Mechanics Arts and Entertainment Centre. This center is well known for its hosting of the Burnley Blues Festival.

Learn about Burnley Mechanics


Burnley, Lancashire, was first established around 800 AD in the basin of the Brun and Calder rivers. It was granted its market charter in 1294. It is only about 25 miles north of Manchester and 50 miles east of Liverpool. Based on its proximity to these two cities it is no stranger to top notch groups like The Searchers. John McNally, Frank Allen, Spencer James and Eddie Rothe always turn in a superlative effort and their captivating sound and personal warmth once again lived up to its reputation. Temperatures that were seasonably above normal and the beautiful countryside set the stage for glorious spring blossoms and an evening of celebration that will not soon be forgotten. The following article was compiled from information sent to "Needles and Pins" from fans who enjoyed the event and wish to share their experience. A very warm thank you goes out to them. The contributors have asked to remain anonymous.




Visit the Official Searchers' Website

"Live By Request"
The Searchers 2001 Concert Tour
James, Allen, Rothe and McNally



Four Decades of Performances in Burnley


The Searchers are no strangers to this area of England. Those who have been faithful followers have many fond memories of the groups' frequent performances in the 1960s. The region also holds a special place for Frank Allen who recalled a couple of venues from the old days that are no longer in operation. The show began at 8:00 pm and was almost a sell out with only a few seats remaining on the extreme outer edges of the rows in front of the stage. The audience loved every minute of the show and, encouraged by the masterful showman Frank Allen, clapped and sang along at every opportunity. Frank's outgoing personality and wit emerged as a standout. John McNally too was very 'lively' and quick with the repartee. The harmonies were exceedingly tight and the vocals and guitar of Spencer James a highlight. Eddie Rothe kept the beat and his added vocal harmonies were an exquisite touch.




Check Out 'Tides of Time'

"A Sterling Voice"
Spencer James provides a memorable evening



Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

"Dynamic Musical Duo"
Frank Allen and John McNally



The Searchers' 2001 Concert Tour Set List


For all those loyal fans who cannot sleep without knowingly the set list, dedicated fans who attended the event have made meticulous notes. Before the intermission the audience was treated to the following.

Sweets For My Sweet
Baby I Do
What Have They Done To The Rain
Sugar and Spice
Da Do Ron Ron
Beach Baby
Love Potion # 9
Till I Met You
In This Life
Take Me For What I'm Worth
Hearts In Her Eyes
Young Girl
Twist And Shout


A number of items went on sale during the intermission including polo-shirts and fleece jackets. Following the intermission things really heated up with the following songs performed:

Have You Ever Loved Somebody
Don't Throw Your Love Away
Medley - Some Day We're Gonna Love Again
            - Ain't Gonna Kiss Ya
            - Saturday Night Out
Goodbye My Love
Somebody Told Me You Were Crying
Wheelbarrow Song
Rock This Land
Runaway
Four Strong Winds
The Rose
Needles And Pins
When You Walk In The Room
Rocking All Over The World
You'll Never Walk Alone
Medley - Sweets For my Sweet
            - Don't Throw Your Love Away
            - Walk In The Room
            - Love Potion # 9
            - Sugar And Spice
            - Needles And Pins




So what is this wheelbarrow song?

"Rockin' and a Wheelbarrowing"
Frank Allen always a standout



Always Searchin' for rhythms

"Masterful Rhythms"
John McNally makes it look easy



The End of a Perfect Evening


The show ended at approximately 10:30 pm. with a well-deserved standing ovation. It is often difficult to mark when a show officially ends as true to form John, Frank, Spencer and Eddie take the time to visit with fans and talk music. The guys spent time in the bar after the show signing autographs and having photos taken with some of the fans. The Searchers' Live and Hungry Hearts CDs went on sale and Frank went on record that his favourite track off the Live album was 'The Rose'. A frequent comment expressed by fans was the opportunity to hear so many of the songs that they don't normally get to hear performed live. A remarkable evening with a remarkable group. May the Searchers' live forever!

Submitted May 23, 2001
© 2001 Peter McCormack. All rights reserved.




So what did you think of the show then?

"Well Deserved Rest"
Spencer James, Frank Allen, Eddie Rothe and John McNally




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