The Searchers

Liverpool based group that were originally the backing group for singer Johnny Sandon but decided to branch out on their own. When Pye Records recording manager Tony Hatch heard a demo they had made he was so impressed that they were immediately placed under contract. They recorded "Sweets For My Sweet" as their first song.

They performed what were intended to be their last shows in 2019, but returned for farewell tours of the UK in 2023 and 2024. They announced their retirement on 22nd March 2025.

Members history

1957 to 1959
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Big Ron: Vocals
Brian Dolan: Guitar
Joe West: Bass
Joe Kennedy: Drums

1960 to Feb 1962
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Chris Curtis: Drums, Vocals
Mike Pender: Guitar, Vocals
Tony Jackson: Bass, Vocals
Johnny Sandon: Vocals

Feb 1962 to July 1964
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Chris Curtis: Drums, Vocals
Mike Pender: Guitar, Vocals
Tony Jackson: Bass, Vocals

July 1964 to April 1966
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Chris Curtis: Drums, Vocals
Mike Pender: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals

May 1966 to December 1969
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
John Blunt: Drums
Mike Pender: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals

January 1970 to December 1985
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Billy Adamson: Drums
Mike Pender: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals

1986 to 1998
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Billy Adamson: Drums
Spencer James: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals

1998 to 2010
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Eddie Rothe: Drums, Vocals
Spencer James: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals

2010 to 2019
John McNally: Guitar, Vocals
Scott Ottoway: Drums, Vocals
Spencer James: Guitar, Vocals
Frank Allen: Bass, Vocals