Iconic 60s Group The Searchers Take the Stage at Suncoast Showroom September 6-7
Legendary English beat group The Searchers will bring their classic hits to the Suncoast Showroom September 6 and 7.
The current band members (as pictured above) are Scott Ottaway (drums and percussion – he has been with the band for four years), Frank Allen (bass player, front man and vocals – he has been with the band for 50 years now, having INSERT d Tony Jackson in 1964), John McNally (lead guitar, vocals – the remaining founding member of the group, dating back to the very beginning of the 60s, and still leading the group today) and Spencer James (lead vocals and guitar – he has been with the band for almost 30 years now).
Founded in 1957 by John McNally, The Searchers joined the 1960s British Beat scene along with groups like the Beatles and the Hollies, quickly topping the British charts with hits like “Sweets for My Sweet,” “Needles and Pins,” “Don’t Throw Your Love Away” and “Sugar and Spice.” The Searchers went on to chart 14 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including their version of “Love Potion No. 9,” which peaked at #3.
While the group achieved its widest success in the early 1960s, they continued recording and touring well into the ‘80s, producing later hits “He’s Got No Love” and “Have You Ever Loved Somebody.” Their late ‘70s albums “The Searchers” and “Loves Melodies” were touted by critics as their best work, acclaimed for their catchy hooks, vibrant sound and memorable melodies.
The Searcher’s distinctive sound was built around a crisp, 12-string guitar, later popularized by The Byrds, who borrowed The Searcher’s “Needles and Pins” riff for their hit, “Feel a Whole Lot Better.”
Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available from $15.95, plus tax and fees. Tickets can be purchased at any Boyd Gaming box office, by calling 702.636.7075, or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.