The Searchers 1965
The Searchers – a rival Liverpool group to The Beatles – are to stop touring after nearly 70 years on stage.
The Merseyside band – the longest running group in British pop history – will play its last gig at Glastonbury in June.
The band was formed in 1957 by Mike Pender and John McNally.
It had three number one UK hits.
The first in 1963 was a cover version of The Drifters’ hit, Sweets For My Sweet.
McNally said:
“A Glastonbury debut at 83, can anyone top that?
“I don’t think life gets any better, does it?
“There will be a few nerves, but in a good way, and we’ll be nicely warmed up from our shows in June.
“We can’t wait to see our fans again for this incredible final farewell.
“One final blast.”
Bass player Frank Allen – he joined in 1964 – said:
“I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now.
“The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all.
“What a way to round off a tour and a career.
“I can’t wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast.”
The Searchers topped the UK charts twice in 1964 with Needles And Pins and Don’t Throw Your Love Away.
The group has sold more than 50 million records.
