The Searchers at Glastonbury 2025 – stage and time as Liverpool band end 68 years of touring
The group is long-standing and has existed for decades, after first finding success in the 1960s. The Searchers will take to the Acoustic Stage today. Their stage time is scheduled to be from 8pm to 9pm. Singer in the group John McNally told the BBC: "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."
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Bassist and singer Frank Allen, 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 had the first of three UK number ones in 1963 with their version of The Drifters' hit Sweets For My Sweet. They were a part of the Merseybeat scene, flourishing during the British Invasion of the 1960s.
They also topped the UK charts twice in 1964 with Needles and Pins and Don't Throw Your Love Away and had other hits in the decade with When You Walk In The Room, Goodbye My Love, and Sugar and Spice.
Mike Pender, real name Michael Prendergast, was part of the original line-up, he left the group in 1985 to pursue a solo career and received an MBE for services to music in 2020. He took the lead vocals on a number of their big hits. The current members of The Searchers are:
John McNally – lead guitar, backing vocals (1959–present)
Frank Allen – bass, backing and lead vocals (1964–present)
Spencer James – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, guitar synthesizer (1985–present)
Richie Burns – drums, backing vocals (2023–present)
The Final Farewell Tour runs from June 14 and will end with the band playing the Acoustic Stage at Glastonbury on June 27.
The Scouse artists join a line-up of other performers from Liverpool playing at Glastonbury this year. Liverpool DJ Lauren Lo Sung played The Glade yesterday, June 26, between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Lauren's parents gifted her her first set of decks at 11. Three years later, the Scouse musician was sneaking into local clubs with her older sister, who played a pivotal role in introducing Lauren to dance music.
Also taking to the stage yesterday was Walton-based band The Cheap Thrills. Their performance attracted hundreds of people from Liverpool who packed out the surrounding area of the stage to show their support.
Fans of the local band praised their incredible achievement. One fan posted on social media: "Absolute madness reading something like this being from Walton Vale as well, good luck guys", to which The Cheap Thrills replied "L9 forever". They played the Bread and Roses.
This weekend will be a huge moment for The Sway, who have started headlining their own shows after being the support acts the likes of Jamie Webster and Red Rum Club. Both Jamie and Red Rum Club are on the Glastonbury bill.
Jamie will perform at Left Field on Sunday as part of a 'radical round up' alongside musical icon Billy Bragg. It's not Jamie's first time at the festival, having performed to huge crowds in the past. The Liverpool singer-songwriter performed on the Other Stage last year.
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