The Searchers Take Their Final Bow After 68 Years
It's the end of an era for one of the longest-running bands in pop history. The Searchers, a band that has captivated audiences for nearly seven decades, is finally bringing their remarkable journey to a close. This legendary Merseybeat group, who stood alongside The Beatles during the British Invasion, has announced that they will play their last-ever show at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Following their ongoing farewell tour, this final performance will mark the end of an extraordinary 68-year career that has seen them sell tens of millions of records and perform all over the world.
John McNally, the band’s founding guitarist, and Frank Allen, the bassist and singer who joined in 1964, have decided that the time has come to retire. At 83 and 81 years old, respectively, they acknowledge that age has caught up with them, but it’s not the performances that are the challenge—it’s the travel. “Driving up and down the motorways is the hard part because the traffic is so much heavier than it ever was,” Allen remarked. “Performing is what keeps you going. It’s the thing that brings you to life.”
McNally, who was just 16 when he formed The Searchers in 1957, reflected on the difficulties of modern touring, saying, “The traffic is now an absolute nightmare.” Despite the challenges, their love for the stage and their fans never wavered. Their fans have been incredibly loyal, selling out tours year after year, and even bringing some to tears during previous farewell attempts that were eventually reversed. But this time, the farewell is final.
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The Searchers first gained fame playing in Liverpool and Hamburg clubs, and their breakthrough came in 1963 with their No. 1 hit, Sweets for My Sweet . This was followed by other chart-toppers like Needles and Pins and Don’t Throw Your Love Away , cementing their place as a global sensation. Yet, despite their illustrious career, they had never been invited to play at Glastonbury—until now. “The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all,” Allen said. “What a way to round off a tour and a career.”
For McNally, the moment is even more surreal. “A Glastonbury debut at 83! Can anyone top that? We can’t wait to see our fans again for this incredible final farewell.” Their performance at Glastonbury will see them take the stage alongside other music icons like Rod Stewart and Neil Young, both proving that age is no barrier to rock and roll.
The music industry was not always kind to The Searchers, particularly in their early years. McNally reflected on how musicians of their time were often taken advantage of, saying, “In the 1960s, no one had a rulebook to follow, no person to look after them. We just went through the motions and got ripped off.” Despite their success, financial rewards were limited. “We did our first tour of America in 1964, and when we got back, it was like: ‘tuppence for you and tuppence for you’… We didn’t make any money on that tour.”
Still, the magic of live performance was something money could never buy. “There’s something special about being on stage that keeps you young,” Allen said. “It’s just very addictive. People are cheering and telling you you’re wonderful.”
Though they have made previous attempts to retire, their fans have always found a way to bring them back. In 2023, their 43-date tour sold out entirely, as did their 2024 tour. But this time, it’s truly the end of the road. Their Final Farewell Tour runs from June 14 to June 27, concluding with what promises to be an unforgettable performance on the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury.
As they prepare for their final curtain call, The Searchers leave behind an enduring legacy, one that will continue to resonate with music lovers for generations to come. Their melodies, harmonies, and timeless hits have ensured their place in music history, and their farewell tour is a chance for fans to celebrate one last time. For The Searchers, the search may be over—but their music will live on forever.
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