Britain's longest-running pop group announce final concert after 70 years

Telegraph

22-03-2025

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.
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.'
'One final blast'
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 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 was signed to Sire Records, which also represented Talking Heads, The Cure, Madonna and the Ramones.
The group has 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 re-forming if King Charles 'asks us to do another Royal Variety Show'.
The Final Farewell Tour runs from June 14 and will end with the band playing the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury on June 27.