THE Searchers came on the scene in the 1960s at the same time The Beatles were creating hysteria in Merseyside. The band clocked up an impressive run of catchy hits including Sweets For My Sweet, Sugar & Spice, and Needles & Pins in their glory days from 1964 to 1966. Since then, while other bands of their era have had break-ups and bust-ups the band are still going strong, playing 200-plus shows a year in a career that has exceeded five decades. The Searchers was founded by guitarist John McNally, along with bassist/frontman Frank Allen. The departure of vocalist Mike Pender in 1986 led the band into legal wrangles over their right to the name but McNally and Allen were successful and remain owners of The Searchers title. McNally says you’d “never guess” his Irish roots with a name like McNally. His father is from near Newry and the Newry connection is there on his wife’s side of the family too. “My wife’s mother’s name is Hollywood, she was from Newry as well — small world.”
What are you up to right now?
I’m just back from the dentist! I have to go back in a couple of hours just for a tooth-fitting. Not a clever thing when you have to gig at night and try and sing and play with a numb mouth as I did last night!
Who are your heroes?
My heroes are all from the 1950s — the likes of Buddy Holly, Elvis, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and I would have to say one from the ’60s because I appeared with them many a time — The Beatles.
What record/song sends a shiver down your spine?
Be Bop A Lula by Gene Vincent followed by any Buddy Holly track.
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Dublin. It’s a great city and I have played there many times and seen the changes since the ’60s. Mind you it’s becoming a little expensive.
What makes you angry?
Motorways! I have been on the road with the band for 52 years and the roads have become a nightmare with congestion and closures. It takes longer now to get to gigs than it did 50 odd years ago.
What is your favourite film and why?
I have always loved Western movies. The prime example is The Searchers. We started the band in the late ’50s when The Searchers movie was out and we needed a band name. Buddy Holly got inspiration from it too, he wrote That’ll be the Day after seeing the movie and hearing John Wayne say it.
What book influenced you most?
Bert Weedon’s Play in a Day Guide to Modern Guitar Playing. It was the choice of most young lads in the ’60s who wanted to play and that included The Beatles.
What was the worst moment of your life?
I think I’ve been very lucky except for a few medical operations for TB in the ’50s and my prostate in the ’80s and ’90s. I don’t think I’ve had a day I could say was the worst day.
Can you recommend an interesting website?
No idea on websites except The Searchers one… I very rarely use them.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
Watch and learn from your elders because you can learn something every day. I do tell my five granddaughters this but I suppose they take no notice!
Where do you live and what are the best and worst things about that place?
Liverpool. I have lived here all my life and have no intention of leaving. Like every other city it has good and bad, but the main thing for me is family and my memories here.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
Education. I wish I could have received a better standard and been better advised.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Being too fussy and a bit of a pain in neck for getting things right.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
I must admit I do tell a few white lies to the kids if I’m trying to put over a point to them! What’s the saying? Don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story!
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
The Planet Earth.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Chocolate.
Who is the love of your life?
I think it goes with out saying — my family. It’s great being on the road making music and seeing the world but it’s great to come home to the family and of course your own bed.
See The Searchers on tour throughout Britain from May 14 at Dorking Halls to December 20 at Hull City Hall. See the-searchers.co.uk for details
