With the success of retrospective films and radio programs such as Little Steven's Underground Garage, music of the 1960’s is still a major attraction. All too often, finding the genuine and authentic article to perform the music is a much bigger problem.
Mike Pender was an original founding member of The Searchers. He performed on all the hit records and was the actual lead singer on most of the big hits. Mike was entirely responsible for the unique 12 string guitar sound, which some say inspired Roger McGuinn and The Byrds.
After singles such as SWEETS FOR MY SWEET and SUGAR AND SPICE, Mike took over lead vocals from Tony Jackson and fronted THE SEARCHERS on chart-topping hits such as WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO THE RAIN, GOODBYE MY LOVE, TAKE ME FOR WHAT I’M WORTH, TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, DON’T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY, WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM, NEEDLES AND PINS plus many more.
Mike left THE SEARCHERS in 1985 to pursue a career of his own. Selecting a group of talented musicians, he sought to re–create the unique sound that earned THE SEARCHERS a legendary status in the world of rock and roll. MIKE PENDER’S SEARCHERS is the result. Mike has recorded new material and still plays the hits from his many years in The Searchers. MIKE PENDER'S SEARCHERS have stayed active, recording new material and releasing CDs in numerous countries around the world.
Not to mention, Mike Pender's Searchers have literally travelled the world performing in Australia, U.S.A., Holland, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, The United Arab Emirates as well as the length and breadth of Britain.
In 1994 Mike Pender's Searchers were the very first 60's band to be invited to play on board the QE2 as part of the world famous liner's 25th anniversary celebrations. Mike Pender's Searchers have performed with a variety of other artists including Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Troggs, Dave Berry, Freddie And The Dreamers, Gerry Marsden of Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Hollies, The Ivy League, PJ Proby, Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders, Brian Poole & The Tremeloes and Roy Wood of The Move.
Despite the fact that Mike Pender has remained loyal to his musical roots, he still lives in Liverpool. He is well aware that Mike Pender's Searchers have to present a show that is up to date with the 21st Century. Their hugely impressive custom built lighting and sound equipment (the envy of a great many other 60’s groups) is ample proof of this.
Hits from Mike's recordings with The Searchers include:
* SWEETS FOR MY SWEET 16 Weeks in Charts – 1
* NEEDLES AND PINS 15 Weeks in Charts – 1
* DON’T THROW YOUR LOVE AWAY 11 Weeks in Charts – 1
* SUGAR AND SPICE 13 Weeks in Charts – 2
* WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM 12 Weeks in Charts – 3
* GOODBYE MY LOVE 11 Weeks in Charts – 4
