You may have read back in the Summer that The Searchers performance at the Glastonbury Festival would be their last show ever. After touring since the late 50s, founding member John McNally and Frank Allen, who joined the group in 1964, decided that enough was enough and finally called it a day. They had actually played a farewell tour in 2019. Then a further farewell tour in 2023 and another in 2024. (more here).

At the height of the bands popularity they appeared on a 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' Merseybeat special on December 21st 1963 (Saturday at 5:50 for those who maybe remember watching). Also appearing on the tv show were Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Cilla Black and of course The Beatles.

YouTube has The Searchers playing 'Sugar and Spice' from that programme. Naturally in black and white, we have bouncing around, drummer Chris Curtis, bassist Tony Jackson on vocals with Mike Pender also singing and on guitar along with John McNally. 

There are two videos: one with an intro and authentic 60s backing of screaming OR this one that has no screaming - 'Thank Your Lucky Stars' Track > 

However if you crave the authentic - then click here.

There is also a different video, in colour, in a recording studio setting. While 'Sugar and Spice' sounds to have sped up a little. Link here.