The Searchers – Collection [1963-1966] (2003)
SACD ISO (Stereo): 1.64 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 809 MB | Full Artwork | 3% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Audio Fildelity # AFZ 018 | Country/Year: US 2003
Genre: Rock, Pop | Style: British Invasion
biography by Bruce Eder
Founded in 1957 by John McNally (guitar/vocals), the Searchers were originally one of thousands of skiffle groups formed in the wake of Lonnie Donegan’s success with “Rock Island Line.” the Searchers’ immediate competitors included bands such as the Wreckers and the Confederates, both led by Michael Pender (guitar, vocals), and the Martinis, led by Tony Jackson (guitar/vocals). By 1959, McNally and Pender were working together as a duet; later in the year, Jackson joined as the lead vocalist. After drummer Norman McGarry left the Searchers he was replaced by Chris Crummy, who quickly renamed himself Chris Curtis. Other changes were in the works as Jackson built and learned to play a customized bass guitar. Learning his new job on the four-stringed instrument proved too difficult to permit him to continue singing lead, and McNally and Pender brought in a fifth member, Johnny Sandon (born Billy Beck). Johnny Sandon & the Searchers lasted from 1960 through February of 1962, and were extremely popular on the dance hall and club circuit in Liverpool. Sandon cut out for a career on his own, with another band called the Remo Four in early 1962.