British beat group The Searchers are returning to Rooty Hill RSL and the band says they will never again lose their formula for success. The band, from Liverpool, England, were one of the major British beat groups to break into the international market during the '60s.
Their hits such as Needles and Pins and Don't Throw Away your Love dominated the airwaves. But for a while they were forgotten, said bassist and vocalist, Frank Allen. "We went off the rails more than the Beatles," he said. "But they were still making excellent music. Sgt. Pepper was their highest point. We went out of fashion. We lost our minds."
The band replaced their signature black suits, smart ties and white shirts with casual clothing.
The Searchers had been known for their jangling 12-string guitars and vocal harmonies.
But then the band decided to change as their music became unfashionable. "We got into the bad habit of doing things people didn't like. We'd do five-minute guitar solos. Disastrous!"
The Searchers were always loved for a naive simplicity and enthusiasm, the bass player said.
When they tapped back into that energy, their fans returned in droves. "People loved us for our good music — the jangling guitars and the three-minute tunes.
"We still keep it fresh, but if we ever think we're getting beyond ourselves we can change it."
■ Details: $20, 8pm, February 28, Rooty Hill RSL, 55 Sherbrooke Street.
