The Searchers. One of the most influential groups to rise from the 60's. The Searchers emerged as part of the 1960s Merseybeat scene along with The Beatles, The Fourmost, The Merseybeats, The Swinging Blue Jeans, and Gerry & The Pacemakers. The Searchers played at the La-Strada night spot Sunderland in December 1969. They are still collecting awards, and recruiting new fans from all age groups. The Searchers were originally formed in Liverpool in 1960 as a backing group for Johnny Sandon, The Searchers took their name from a John Wayne film.
The founder members were John McNally, Mike Pender, Tony Jackson and Chris Curtis. In the summer of 1964, at the peak of their success Tony Jackson, vocalist and bass guitarist, decided to leave and form his own group The Vibrations. From what could have been a disaster came the arrival of Frank Allen,. Biggest hits included Needles and Pins, Sweets for my Sweet, and Don't throw your love away.
Below is the Sunderland top ten for the 26th April 1966
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Dusty Springfield
