The Searchers, the famous band behind Sweets For My Sweet, are going on their final tour before retiring. The band, known as the longest-running group in pop music, will end their tour with a historic first performance at the Glastonbury Festival on 27 June.
John McNally, who started the band in 1957 when he was just 16, is thrilled about the big event. Now 83 years old, he told The Guardian, “A Glastonbury debut at 83—can anyone beat that? Life doesn’t get better than this!”
Bassist and singer Frank Allen, 81, who joined the band in 1964, is also excited. “I’ve performed all over the world for 60 years, but Glastonbury was always a dream we never achieved—until now,” he said. “This is the perfect way to end our journey, and I can’t wait to give our fans one last great performance!”
The band has decided to retire because of their age and the difficulties of traveling long distances. Frank explained, “We used to do up to 200 shows a year, but driving on today’s busy roads is exhausting. Performing is never the problem—it’s the travel that takes a toll.”
John agreed, saying, “The traffic these days is just terrible!”
The Sugar and Spice hitmakers also spoke about how musicians today earn much more money than they did in the 1960s. John shared, “Back then, no one guided us, and we got cheated. We toured America in 1964, but when we came back, we barely made any money. We paid for everything ourselves!”
As they prepare for their final shows, The Searchers are ready to give their fans an unforgettable farewell, closing their legendary career on a high note at Glastonbury.