~ Mike Pender's Searchers'Performances 2000 ~

HORWICH, LANCASHIRE - ENGLAND

On the afternoon of New year's Eve, like much of the rest of the country. Lancashire was in the grip of strong winds and a severe snowstorm, and we were beginning to think that we would be unwise and possibly unable to attempt the journey to Horwich to spend the last hours of the year 2000 in the company of MPS. That is, assuming they could make it to the gig themselves, as they had even further to travel than we did. However, the fates were kind, and by early evening the weather was greatly improved, and a thaw had already set in.

We arrived soon after the doors opened at 8pm, having collected our friends en route (it was their first MPS gig!), and found ourselves four seats in a good vantage point by the side of the dance floor, midway between the stage and the bar.The room looked festive, with bunches of helium-filled balloons on long ribbons adorning every table, together with Christmas crackers and 'party poppers', and the room was colourful and sparkling with everyone wearing their best party attire!A disco got the proceedings underway, followed by comedienne Pauline Daniels, who did two spots, one before and one after the delicious buffet supper.

Just before 11pm came the highlight of the evening when Mike and the boys came on stage and went straight into their opening number "Walk In The Room". This was followed by the 1980's hit for Exile - "Kiss You All Over". Usually featured later in the set as a 10-minute long showcase for the band's talents, this time we got the standard shorter version - but no matter, the Searchers hits followed thick and fast. "Sweets For My Sweet", "Sugar and Spice", "'Love Potion #9", "Don't Throw Your Love Away", (complete with enthusiastic audience participation from the revellers on the now full-to-capacity dance floor), and of course, "Needles and Pins".

We were transported back to the 50's with the fabulous Buddy Holly medley, and interspersed throughout the set were other great favourites of the MPS fans - Roy Orbison's "You Got It", Ronan Keating's "When You Say Nothing At All", Steve's version of the Gerry Rafferty song "City To City", and Kevin's "Rockin' All Over The World". And a new song in the set Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" was a real treat, and brilliantly performed.

Midnight was fast approaching, and as he often does, Mike gave us a reprise of "Walk In The Room", much to everyone's delight. Still a few minutes to go to the end of the year - "Which song would you like to hear?" Mike called out. A lone voice requested "Farmer John", but was greatly outnumbered by the shouts for "Needles And Pins", "You want to hear it again?" Mike shouted back. The reply was deafening and so the boys obliged!

As the final notes of the Searcher's greatest hit faded away, the crowd erupted in a wave of applause and cheers, giving the boys a great ovation. Then chimes of Big Ben heralded in the start of the New Year, the balloons suspended in a huge net over the dance floor were released, and 2001 got under way in great style!

As always Mike and the boys had given us a great evening - but what did our friends think of their first MPS gig? "Fabulous!!!" they said - "and what a great atmosphere they created!" Just as we'd promised them!! ~ Sheila Disley ~