It may be 50 years since The Searchers topped the charts, but as the band consisting of John McNally, Frank Allen, Spencer James and Scott Ottaway showed on Friday night they have lost none of their fun and energy.

Over two hours of excellent music featuring a mix of Searchers hits, album tracks, rarities and live favourites were performed including a rousing rendition of Twist and Shout and a warmly received impromptu performance of Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue.

The band also delivered a stunning version of Neil Sedaka’s Solitaire which was released as a single by the band over 40 years ago. The single didn't chart and it was Andy Williams that had the hit, but the audience were united in their mutual appreciation of The Searchers version. “Did you enjoy that?” asked Frank Allen when the band finished performing it, when everyone replied with a resounding “yes!” Frank jokingly responded “well, why didn’t you buy it then?”

Indeed the talent of The Searchers has extended well beyond their chart heyday, performances of such songs as Hearts In Her Eyes and Somebody Told Me You Were Crying show that the band still has the ability to find memorable and catchy material way and create great songs to sit alongside the classics.

There was a generous helping of Searchers hits too including Sweets For My Sweet, Needles and Pins, Don’t Throw Your Love Away and the ultimate in pop songs Everytime You Walk In The Room.

Thankfully The Searchers are showing no signs of slowing down and remain one of the greatest 60s acts still performing live, if you love your 60s music don’t miss them when they return to the area!