Working Out with The Searchers The Ashburton Trust Event Centre was almost at full seating capacity on Friday evening with those present settling in very quickly for a night of rollicking good music and reminiscing. The Searchers, under the leadership of founder John McNally, took us through five decades of songs that were either hit titles for the group or ‘B sides’ taken from other singers and turned into a success by this band. A punishing tour itinerary for the group may well have been the reason for a rather sluggish start to the show but an enthusiastic audience certainly helped them to gain momentum and after interval, everyone on stage and in the audience was in fine fettle and giving it their all. Hit songs such as Sweets for my Sweet, Sugar and Spice, Love Potion Number Nine and Needles and Pins, had many audience members singing and clapping heartily. John, Frank Allan( 50 years with The Searchers) and Spencer James ( a member for 28 years), sang harmonies we well remembered and were still every bit as agile with their guitar playing. During the performance, Frank eluded to several career highlights for the group, naming Buddy Holly as an idol, Roy Orbison as a gentleman and the best person they ever toured with. Performances in Las Vegas involved twelve hour stints in the company of very well known artists. Touring with Del Shannon in 1964 and the Rolling Stones in 1966 remain fond memories for The Searchers. The band, attired as always in their signature suits drew the evening to a close with a medley of their most well known hits and with everyone up on their feet, singing and waving arms in the air, the words of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rang throughout the theatre. It was an evening for warm fuzzies and as people exited the venue, there was much chat about remembering the good old days. Moyra
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:33:51 +0000
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