Latest news with #TheSearchers
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
BBC addresses fury after legendary band's final gig wasn't filmed at Glastonbury
The BBC has responded to upset fans of The Searchers after at-home Glastonbury viewers were unable to stream their final ever gig. The Liverpool-based rock group, which grew to fame in the 60s with hits like their cover of Sweets for My Sweet and Goodbye My Love, wrapped up a successful seven-decade-long career at this year's Worthy Farm festival. Formed by Mike Pender and John McNally, the music group is known as the 'longest running band in pop history'. The band – also made up of Frank Allen, Spencer James, and Richie Burns – performed on the Acoustic Stage on June 27 with a packed audience, including Beatles legend Sir Paul McCartney. However, for longtime fans unable to make it to the five-day music event, many expressed their anger over the set not being available to livestream or catch up on via the BBC. 'Yesterday musical history was made at Glastonbury when the legendary Searchers played their final ever gig. They are pop aristocracy. Yet the BBC didn't record, show or stream it,' Gerry Hassan wrote on X. 'I spent 7 hrs scrolling through Glasto footage searching for the Searchers. Not shown after all the publicity,' pembox17 added. 'The Searchers were great but BBC didn't show them,' roy clough echoed. 'Gutted BBC couldn't be bothered to record or broadcast the Searchers at Glastonbury. They were top of my to see list!' Christine Monk said. 'BBC, so many fans are gutted we didn't get to see The Searchers' final ever performance at Glastonbury. Please air the Acoustic Stage set or let us know why it wasn't shown. A legendary farewell like this deserves to be seen,' Richard Brown added. A BBC spokesperson shared a statement explaining the absence of the highly-anticpated gig on iPlayer. 'We've celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately, the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven't been able to have cameras in throughout the years.' Ahead of their Glastonbury debut which also doubled as their farewell gig, McNally wrote: 'A Glastonbury debut at 83, can anyone top that? I don't think life gets any better, does it? 'There will be a few nerves, but in a good way, and we'll be nicely warmed up from our shows in June. We can't wait to see our fans again for this incredible final farewell.' Meanwhile, bassist and singer Allen added: 'I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now. 'The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. "We're saying goodbye to each other at the end, not just the crowd."The Searchers bassist and singer Frank Allen speaks to @katierazz ahead of their Glastonbury debut, which will end nearly 70 years of touring by the band.#BBCPM — BBC Radio 4 PM (@BBCPM) June 24, 2025 'What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast.' In an interview with BBC's Katie Razzall, Allen explained why the group had decided to finally retire. 'We've tried to stop four times so far… we tried to stop in 2019 basically because the fun had gone out of the whole thing and we all needed a rest, certainly from each other. 'We thought that was it but then after four years we'd all settled down and calmed ourselves and we were talking into doing a thank you tour which turned out to be one of the most joyous things we've ever done,' he explained. After being convinced to carry on touring for a while longer, they got ready to lay the mics down once more when an offer they couldn't refuse came in – playing Glastonbury. Reflecting on the 'emotional' end to their 68-year-long career, Allen added: 'We're saying goodbye to each other at the end, not just the crowd.' This year's BBC Glastonbury coverage has been under scrutiny for more than one reason. More Trending Earlier this week, the national broadcaster released a statement after it failed to pull the livestream for group Bob Vylan who ended their set with a series of chants including 'free Palestine' and 'death to the IDF'. The duo's performance was just ahead of Irish rap group Kneecap whose set was pre-emptively pulled from the BBC livestream but an edited version is available to watch on catch-up. Both performances are now under UK police investigation. Glastonbury 2025 performances are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: 80s music icon almost cancelled long-overdue Glastonbury debut over hearing fears MORE: BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86 MORE: Women's Euro 2025 TV channel schedule: How to watch every game in the UK
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Glastonbury fans FUMING as legendary band's final ever festival performance isn't filmed by BBC
It was soon revealed why the BBC did not broadcast their performance lost gig Glastonbury fans FUMING as legendary band's final ever festival performance isn't filmed by BBC GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance. Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe. 3 The Searchers played their final ever gig on Fridat at Glastonbury Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 But it wasn't filmed or aired by the BBC Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country's biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close. However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC. The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm. But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage. Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: "Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show." Before another questioned: "Will the BBC show The Searchers set??" The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group's final ever gig in a statement. A BBC spokesperson said: "We've celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven't been able to have cameras in throughout the years." Sir Paul McCartney was one of the revellers who was spotted in the crowd for the band's final gig. The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club - the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry. Rod Stewart surprises Glastonbury fans with THREE huge guests during hit-packed legends slot Ahead of the gig, one of the band's members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career. He said: "I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now. "The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. "What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast." Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan.
The Irish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Glastonbury fans FUMING as legendary band's final ever festival performance isn't filmed by BBC
GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance. Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe. Advertisement 3 The Searchers played their final ever gig on Fridat at Glastonbury Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 But it wasn't filmed or aired by the BBC Credit: Shutterstock Editorial It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country's biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close. However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC. The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm. But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage. Advertisement Read More on Glastonbury Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: "Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show." Before another questioned: "Will the BBC show The Searchers set??" The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group's final ever gig in a statement. A BBC spokesperson said: "We've celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven't been able to have cameras in throughout the years." Advertisement Most read in TV The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club - the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry. Rod Stewart surprises Glastonbury fans with THREE huge guests during hit-packed legends slot Ahead of the gig, one of the band's members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career. He said: "I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now. Advertisement "The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. "What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast." Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. 3 The iconic band have had a six-decade long career Credit: Getty
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Glastonbury fans FUMING as legendary band's final ever festival performance isn't filmed by BBC
GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance. Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe. 3 3 It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country's biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close. However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC. The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm. But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage. Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: "Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show." Before another questioned: "Will the BBC show The Searchers set??" The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group's final ever gig in a statement. A BBC spokesperson said: "We've celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven't been able to have cameras in throughout the years." Sir Paul McCartney was one of the revellers who was spotted in the crowd for the band's final gig. The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club - the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry. Rod Stewart surprises Glastonbury fans with THREE huge guests during hit-packed legends slot Ahead of the gig, one of the band's members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career. He said: "I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now. "The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. "What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast." Glastonbury 2025 - confirmed acts so far TICKETS to the 2025 festival sold out in just minutes before some of the acts were even confirmed. Here is who has been confirmed so far. Confirmed headliners: The 1975 will take to the Pyramid Stage on Friday. Neil Young will headline the festival for the second time after his last set in 2009 on Saturday after RAYE makes her return. Charli xcx will headline the Other Stage on Saturday night. On Sunday, Olivia Rodrigo is due to belt out her hits for her first appearance while Rod Stewart will perform in the legends slot. More acts to appear on the Other Stage include Loyle Carner and The Prodigy. Doechii will make her Glastonbury debut on the West Holts Stage on Saturday night. Other names confirmed include Noah Kahan, Alanis Morissette, Gracie Abrams, Busta Rhymes, Lola Young, Brandi Carlile, Myles Smith, En Vogue, Amaarae, Cymande, Shaboozey, Osees and Gary Numan. 3
Khaleej Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
The Searchers, 60s chart toppers, bow out at Glastonbury
The Searchers, the Liverpool band that topped the charts in the 1960s with Sweets for My Sweet, Needles and Pins and Don't Throw Your Love Away, played their final show at Glastonbury Festival after 66 years of touring. Formed in 1959 by John McNally and Mike Pender, the group was part of the Merseybeat scene alongside Gerry and the Pacemakers and the Beatles that broke through in the early 1960s before finding success in the US. Bass player and singer Frank Allen, who joined in 1964, said The Searchers had played "final" gigs before but decided to come back one last time after an invitation from the festival in southwestern England. "We had said that was it, unless something comes up that we really couldn't turn down," Allen, 81, said. "If there was going to be a bigger one to end on, then that's the one." "It will be mostly the hits, a few little things, tributes maybe to some of the other people that we've toured with over the years." The band has shared bills with the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and Cliff Richard, as well as Motown artists in the US, he said. After playing to screaming fans in the 1960s, tastes changed in the 1970s and the band moved to the club circuit. "We survived and we came out the other side bigger and better," Allen said. "And as we hit the end of the 70s, everything took off again and there was a new respect for everything we'd done in the past." Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty are among those who said they were influenced by the group's sound, he said. Other performers at Worthy Farm this year include Neil Young, 79, and Rod Stewart, 80.
