The Searchers, formed in 1957, have sold over 50 million records and had three No 1 hits in the UK. Photo / Getty Images
The Searchers, formed in 1957, have sold over 50 million records and had three No 1 hits in the UK. Photo / Getty Images
The Searchers, the longest-running band in British pop history, are retiring after nearly 70 years.
Their final performance will be at Glastonbury in June, marking their debut at the festival.
The band, formed in 1957, has sold over 50 million records and had three No 1 hits in the UK.
For nearly 70 years, The Searchers have toured the country’s clubs, pubs and music festivals, making them the longest-running band in British pop history.
But now the Merseybeat band have announced their retirement, culminating with a final gig at Glastonbury – their first appearance at the festival – in June.
The Liverpool group, formed by Mike Pender and John McNally in 1957, have been playing with line-up changes continuously for 68 years, ever since becoming established as contemporaries of The Beatles.
Known as the “longest-running band in pop history”, The Searchers had the first of three UK No 1 hits in 1963 with their version of The Drifters’ hit Sweets for My Sweet.
We begin our Glastonbury 2025 stage & area line-up announcements with the brilliant Acoustic Stage, the Festival’s home of blues, folk, contemporary and country music
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FRIDAY Ani DiFranco The Searchers Dhani Harrison Billie Marten Skerryvore Hugh Cornwell Gabrielle Aplin Tift… pic.twitter.com/1pKVNTA8LD
Ahead of their final shows, 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.”
Frank Allen, the bassist and singer who joined the group 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 were formed in 1957 by Mike Pender and John McNally, here seen with Chris Curtis and Tony Jackson. Photo / Getty Images
The Searchers also topped the UK charts twice in 1964 with Needles and Pins and Don’t Throw Your Love Away. Other hits have included When You Walk in the Room, Goodbye My Love and Sugar and Spice.
In the late 1970s and 1980s, the band were signed to Sire Records, which also represented Talking Heads, The Cure, Madonna and the Ramones.
The group have sold more than 50 million records and performed around the world while drawing praise from artists such as The Byrds, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.
Their website says: “You might recall that last year, after having done three ‘final’ tours, we stated that we were at last retiring – unless something that we simply could not say no to was offered.”
“And of course, we certainly could not say no to this one. The Searchers end their career at Glastonbury. What a great way to go out. And I really do think this will be the last hurrah.”
However, it adds that they would consider reforming if King Charles “asks us to do another Royal Variety Show”.
The Final Farewell Tour is to run from June 14 and will end with the band playing the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury on June 27.
