The Searchers are ending six decades years of touring at Glastonbury
20:52, 27 Jun 2025Updated 20:52, 27 Jun 2025
Glastonbury festival started on Wednesday and lasts until Sunday, June 29
BBC viewers were disappointed to find out that The Searchers’ live performance was not broadcast on TV. The Liverpool band ended nearly 70 years of touring with their debut at Glastonbury Festival today.
The Worthy Farm festival started on Wednesday, June 25, and lasts until Sunday, June 29, with some of the biggest names in music set to perform. This year’s headliners include The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young. Other acts to feature on the line-up this year include Charli XCX, Grammy-winner Doechii, Rod Stewart and The Prodigy.
Sir Paul McCartney was spotted alongside John McNally and Frank Allen from The Searchers ahead of their last performance. The band took to the Acoustic Stage from 8pm to 9pm on Friday evening but there was no sign of the performance on BBC iPlayer.
The channel had several offerings of live content on the streaming platform, including the Pyramid Stage, Woodsies Stage, The Other Stage, West Holts Stage and Park Stage.
But viewers were not best pleased to discover that the Acoustic Stage was nowhere to be seen. Taking to X, one fan said: “Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show.” A second fan asked: “Will the BBC show The Searchers set??”
The Searchers first found success in the 1960s and their final performance marked their outstanding career and enduring influence. The band’s journey began at The Cavern Club alongside regulars like The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, and The Swinging Blue Jeans.
The Cavern Club shared a “bittersweet farewell” to the group that has flown the flag for Liverpool for over six decades. In a statement shared on The Cavern Club’s website, they said: “We know they’ll take the same energy, warmth, and timeless tunes to the Glastonbury stage as they have to every gig over the years — from the cellar of The Cavern Club to the bright lights of international fame.
“While this may be their final show, their legacy will echo on — in their records, in the countless musicians they’ve influenced, and of course, here at The Cavern Club, where it all began. We’ll be cheering them on at Glastonbury — and we know the whole of Liverpool will be too.”
The Liverpool pop group had three number one hits including a cover of Sweets For My Sweet in 1963(Image: PA)
Singer in the group John McNally told the BBC: “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.”
Bassist and singer Frank Allen, who joined the group in 1964, 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.”