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Friday 13th November 09, RAFA Club, Formby.
TOP GUNS
The signs were ominous, Friday 13th, dark cold and rainy night...at club less than half full. Fear not though, because this was one of Searchin's finest hours (well, 50 minutes and another hour I reckon). The audience of around 60 had braved the conditions for a good cause and helped the night go with a swing. From just three songs in, there were dancers -always a bonus to get dancers in the first (revamped) set. No Stevie sound dude tonight but another sound man stepped in to make it possible for the gig to happen. He came complete with a light show controlled by the excited Andy (easily pleased ha ha) with an impressive footy pedal controlling the lighting according to the mood of the song. Andy managed with some nifty footwork to match his front man charm used to win over the crowd. A lively first set finished with Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying to prove how versatile the band can be, they listened and applauded in anticipation of the "official" dance spot to follow. The dance floor was full for the whole of the second hour and from Some Other Guy to She Love's You Searchin' nailed a great performance. All went home (rather rapidly... I've never seen a club clear so quickly!) happy and looking forward to the next time that they get that TFI Friday feeling. CH ************************************************************************
Saturday 7th November 09, Blue Anchor Pub,Liverpool. How Soon Is Now...
Sooner than you think! "It's Saturday night...It's Liverpool...It's raining....It's perfect. These were Morrissey's opening words....7 minutes later he was gone! I was supposed to come here for the encore but ended up seeing the second set thanks to the dope who threw a bottle at Morrissey on stage at the Echo Arena. The gig lasted just one and a half songs before the incident that lead to Morrissey walking off before uttering "Goodbye" into the mic. As me and Paul left the arena in shock we headed straight to the Blue Anchor to fill the musical void left by the Manc one. This was my first chance to see the band since The Cavern gig and tonight it was business as usual. The sound was great, the songs sounded fresh and all were enjoying a great band at a good venue. Shame there weren't more punters there to catch the show, the Searchin' posse made up the majority of the crowd tonight. It was great to see the band happy and together on stage -on their day there is no one to match them. The small dance floor was packed for the whole of the set and they helped to make the atmosphere special. So, a night that started with This Charming Man and ended with She Love's You...Now you don't get that very often. CH ************************************************************************ Saturday 3rd Oct, Private Function, Liverpool. Take That!
Cliff is away in Athens so it is down to me to review the performance of Searchin’ and the band know I show no bias but I have to say that we were brilliant! The reference to Take That is two-fold as for Chris and Lisa’s Wedding dance we had the Take That version of the Bee Gee’s 1977 hit “How deep is your Love” and secondly the band proved that on their day they can really make people stand up and take notice of them as being an excellent Searchers and Merseybeat /60’s tribute act. The previous performance at the Cavern Club faded from my mind as the real Searchin turned up tonight to provide a full evening of live music and disco entertainment for a sizeable gathering in the Concert room at St Sylvester’s club. Professional, smart, entertaining, fantastic, true to the Merseybeat sound, Whisper was brilliant. Not my words folks but those of members of the audience some of those who had the credentials to know what they were talking about after seeing some of the bands who’s music we performed the first time around. I can only echo this and say that any errors were minimal as we all showed a bit of pride and maybe had something to prove, from the opening bars of Walk in the Room we had the attention of the crowd and soon had some early entrants to the sizeable dance floor. The first set was a bit shorter than usual to make way for an extended 2nd half dance spot. The two highlights from the first half being the couple dancing to “Whisper” with Andy’s usual introduction “This one is ours” the couple loved it and I duly got them both a drink at half time as I announced over the microphone. The other high being a great rendition of “Teenager in Love” with Andy cleverly inviting the happy couple to the Dance floor and everyone else to form a circle and sing to them, this was a real buzz as everyone got involved and was probably the best rendition I have heard since the response we had at St Georges Hall last year. After the interlude where Andy and Steve spun a few discs, well did something on the Laptop, the band produced over an hours worth of music covering 23 or more songs and the audience loved it. Some Other guy and sweets for my Sweet had them all up dancing and then the dance floor remained full for the rest of the night with the odd exception of when we played Money and everyone got off, I put that down to the economic downturn and people knowing that they don’t have any at the minute. Stuck in the middle, Brown eyed, C'est la vie were all received well as where the final few songs of the evening ending with Daydream believer. The people wanted more and after a thanks on the Mic from Chris to Searchin for the evenings entertainment we finished with rousing versions of I saw her standing there and finally She Loves you with me and Andy getting close up and personal on his mic for the authentic Cavern feeling for the full dance floor. The band finished but that was not the end of the night and here is where Andy and Steven deserve a lot of credit for playing tunes in to the early hours and having a very late finish, the punters appreciated it and the band did. They were a double act, well Andy did all the work and Steven stood and watched in awe, I did try and think of a catchy DJ name for both of them but I’m not clever enough, suggestions on a postcard please. Mike. ***********************************************
Friday 18th Sept, The Cavern Club, Liverpool. Words
I'll be brief, I hate this venue. I don't think the band should play here - they always get the bum deal with time slots...tonight was no exception. 10.30 became 11pm, 11pm became 12.00am. Graveyard slot. The club had a few enthusiastic party goers at the front (mostly drunk) and family who had to wait around for two hours to see the band. They didn't stay 'til the end due to the time and the fact that it was so loud. Sadly I did stay 'til the end. I thought it wasn't one of the best gigs the band have played (I'm being honest and choosing my words wisely here). I wish they would have ended the set four songs before they did because I don't think they did themselves justice. Searchin' set high standards and tonight they were not met. I just hope that they know it and learn from it. I hope that the charity made some money, ticket sales were not great from what I can gather, shame really.
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Saturday 12th Sept, The Blundell Golf Club. Rainhill. Andy-capped by Birdie on the 12th!
Sorry, couldn't resist the golf puns, ha ha. Andy was indeed almost seeing stars during the closing song to a great night at the Blundell Golf Club. An eager punter came dashing to the front of the stage as Andy was about to announce I Saw Her Standing There. She came hurtling into the microphone stand and it whacked Andy right in the mouth. The impact was enough to dent Ste's microphone...and leave Andy with a sore mouth (lucky not to lose his front teeth!). It had been a good night for the happy couple celebrating their wedding and the room and dance floor was a lively place to be. The set was pretty much as you were, minus Heartache. The arrival of someone's granddad in a bright green Borat style mankini (yes it was as bad as it sounds!) brought the crowd pleaser I'm Gonna Be (500 miles). It was a rousing version but as a fan of the Scottish duo I can see it needs a bit of work. The second half was a little loose by the bands' high standards but a mixture of alcohol and party spirits meant that the audience were non the wiser. Andy now has an appointment with the Dentist to look forward to. ....Is it safe?
CCH 2009 ******************************************* Saturday 5th Sept, The Royal Hotel Formby. Happy Hour Again!
No, the band haven't started to play the Housemartins classic song...yet. The happy hour is the second set played by the band tonight to a top audience at the Royal. This place is one of the band's favourite venues for audience reaction, tonight they were both on top form. The first set had it's teething problems with the feedback driving everyone mad but the second half was perfect. It was a night of celebrations, Beryl from Tempest / Merseycats was in with the rest of the band and was serenaded (a hem!) by Andy with Heartache -as she was on Thursday at the Cats night at the Legion. It was great to see Tempest at the Royal -as well as many other friends present to add their support. Alan Jones, Mike Prendergast and Paul to name but a few. It was also Nicola's (manageress) daughter's 15th birthday and Chloe joined the band on stage for Teenager In Love (very apt). Chloe overcome her initial shyness to do a great job on BV's -and later entertained the pub on the Karaoke. The second set went on for over an hour and could have easily carried on for another too, so was the great buzz around the place. Te dance floor was packed for most of the second set and especially on Daydream Believer when there must have been 20 odd in an arms waving circle in front of Andy. It was a great gig, Whisper and Walk In The room both got a second play. Do Wah Diddy, You Never Can Tell plus the Beatles trio of course had them baying for more...greedy sods! It was hot, sweaty, loud and great fun. Happy Hour again, again, again ...anyone? CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sunday 30th August 5PM: MSF, Hard Days Night Hotel
Hot Stuff
Hot stuff on stage for sure, but the temp in the room down in the basement for the second Merseycats gig was ridiculously hot. Where was the AC? It was Hot and Loud but good fun too. The band played for about half an hour and even managed to sneak an encore in not on the set list! We started with Walk In The Room and from that song the crowd were on our side. So Much In Love, Whisper, Money, all had them singing along and eventually (after me and Denise made our move) they danced too! I saw her standing there had the small dance floor as full as it could be. The sound was good and well balanced today (nice one Steven) The gig was over too soon but it was well worth the wait around town for. Next year....back to the Pierhead stage?
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sunday 30th August 11.25AM: MSF outdoor stage Exchange St East East Side Story
Early start for the MSF appearance today...9.30 train from Aintree and a short walk from the station to register for the days event. The Merseycats slot was to be at the Exchange Street east stage -a little off the beaten track but still -better than no stage! Last year there were no outdoor stages due to a council cock up and we were indoors at the Metro bar, so it's good to get outdoors again and with the crowds. The band were second on the bill following the Boogeymen. A 20 mins slot and a specially selected set was prepared with the time limitations in mind. Some Other Guy blasting out across the city centre was a joy to behold. The band looked every bit the part up there with the crowd of around 200 watching from the road. The sound was good for an outdoor event (although too loud for the video recording) and everyone enjoyed the 11.25am Searchin' matinee. The lads got changed and joined me in the doorway of an insurance company opposite the stage to see Tempest open with their version of Walk In The Room....meeow! As the song came to a close the lads held up score cards...cheeky (now who thought of that, he he). We then helped Tempest out with our backing vocals and dancing to Rock 'n' Roll is King....much to the amusement of the crowd. All good stuff and a great start to the day.
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Fri 28th August, The Clubmoor Cons Club. Double Tops!
Half a review is better than none, I missed the first half and a bit of Searchin's appearance at this darts presentation evening. My guess is that I caught the best bits though! A sizeable crowd (no pun intended) were there to collect their winners awards for their success in the local darts pub league. They were happy to sing along and dance to the songs too. They were left shouting for more and all seemed happy - band included. They even joined in the dance floor antics...see you tube Mr Gamble! Then the band were handed the mic for their sing a long version of 500 miles by the Proclaimers....all good fun too. Mike's new guitar made it's debut tonight and sounded great. Searchin' appear to be back on track and it's good to see.
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 15ht August, Tonge Ward Labour Club, Bolton. "Where's Denise When You Need Her?"
How can you not dance to You Never Can Tell....biggest surprise of the night the empty dance floor followed by the above quote form Mike. That apart, the crowd were quite responsive. They listened, clapped, sang the songs and danced to some songs. Last time we played here was before Christmas last year and we were welcomed by many of the same faces again. Remember the impromptu version of 500 miles? No set surprises tonight although Andy caused Steve to have a minor heart attack when he said the next song is a Gerry Marsden song...You'll Never Walk Alone! It was of course Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying. Searchin' were on fine form tonight and the sound was at it's best thanks to Ste at the desk making sure all were happy. Balancing the sound is a juggling act at times and sometimes goes un noticed but it is as important as playing the right chords and singing the right words. Talking of which, Andy came armed with the lyrics to Brown Eyed Girl Tonight and got through it much to Ste and Jenny's amusement. Tonight we saw the real Searchin', great stage presence, a few dropped notes, and good camaraderie throughout. They looked like they enjoyed it and that's what counts. CCH 2009 ******************************************* Sat 1st August, Railway Club Aintree. You Better You Bet...
Would they get up and dance.....I knew Denise would of course, the rest didn't look overly bothered to be honest but much to my surprise (and Mike's bet) they did. Took a while but certainly for Bad Moon and Keep on Running they were up. Then down again for Hard days night. Two sets again tonight, the first didn't sound great, unbalanced at times and not up to the usual standards. Pete was a bit loud in the mix for BVs, Mike a bit too low and the high pitched feedback was annoying. At the break, Mike dropped his guitar on stage during the tune up and it wasn't a good omen but the next 45 was spot on. Second half was back to normal, great sound, better balance and a very tight set. Quite a few did sing a long throughout to be fair, one guy did moan to me about the Beatles covers "Can't stand the Beatles" how can anyone not like the Beatles? CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 25th July, Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton Ant music!
"So unplug the jukebox"...as an invasion of flying ants descended upon the fort, Andy & The Ants...or Searchin' took to the (impressive) stage as warm up band for legendary singer Dean Friedman. The band followed on from their earlier appearance in Ormskirk with the same set list. Walk In The Room kicked us off and Some Other Guy closed the set. In between we were treated to 40 minutes of Searchin' sounding superb through the sound system in the marquee. We were introduced and a cloud of smoke drifted across the stage mixed with a dazzling light effect. It looked great and sounded great. The crowd of around 120 enjoyed the set and did their bit to Teenager In Love adding to the feel good atmosphere inside the fort. Andy even managed to get a Lucky Stars name check into the proceedings as the man himself sat down in the green room reading a book! There were some good highlights tonight, Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying was vocally spot on. The band did look a little nervous collectively, Andy name checked Mick Jagger of the Rolling Jones! Money went out of sync a little with Peter playing the intro back to front -or that's how it sounded. Over all a great experience. CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 25th July, Coronation Park, Ormskirk Friends Reunited...
I missed the previous gig here but today, in the afternoon sunshine, I saw the band play their first gig since the strained Blue Anchor episode. I'm glad to say all seemed to be back to normal and the band knocked out a 40 mins set tailored for the afternoon passing trade. There were a few interested on lookers who sat and watched it all, while others stopped on their way past to see what was going on. The set included So Much In Love, Teenager In Love, Needles and Pins, How Do You Do, Love Potion and Whisper. The sound wasn't the best -partly down to the wind carrying the sound from the system. It sounded different where ever you were standing. This was a good gig to play for many reasons, good cause, good PR, good to get a rehearsal in for the later show in New Brighton. Highlights included Mike running over a donation box with the trailer...then going over it again to make sure he had got it, ha ha! CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 11th July, The Blue Anchor Pub, Aintree
Louder Than Bombs
Glad to finally get the review done for this one, it was delayed for a few days as I had problems uploading the photos (never buy a 4gb memory card!) ...and there were a few other issues that will remain in the past now. This was a tale of two halves, the band played / sounded as good as I have heard them to date but the second half was far too loud to be enjoyed to be honest. The pub wasn't as busy as for past gigs but there were still a fair few in attendance. All seemed to enjoy the gig although a few did leave in the second half - presumably because they couldn't talk and listen. Make a note. Due to the early curfew at the BA the band finished bang on 11 with Daydream Believer. The band can learn a few things from this night, move on and get even better.
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 4th July, The St Helens Festival, Sherdley Park, St Helens.
Celebrate Summer.. What a down pour at 4! After a great morning sunshine, the heavens opened as I made my way towards the Merseycats tent, situated next to the massive performing arts tent and the Simpsons bouncy castle if you please. It poured down during Tempest's set. Then there was an appearance from ex Shaker Cosmic Bob -after amusing us all by sitting in the rain unperturbed by the downpour. Searchin' finally got underway at around 5.25pm -much later than scheduled to appear. Shame was most of the locals had wandered off home during the downpour and it was left to the Cats members + Searchin' posse to give the band someone to play to. A set including Walk In The Room, So Much in Love, Whisper, Keep On Rainin...I mean Runnin and Money amongst others. The sound was decent for an outdoor event and the band played well. Good practice and nice to play outdoors for a change. Fancy organizing a summer event in July though, tut tut.
CCH 2009 *******************************************
Sat 27th June, The MCA Club, Maghull. Don't Blame It On The Sunshine..
PHOTO (C) STE M 2009
Sorry! I was in Spain and missed it (2)!
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Sat 20th June, The Royal, Formby. Saturday Night Out...
PHOTO (C) STE M 2009
Sorry! I was in bury and missed it!
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Friday 12th June 09: Orrell Park Ballroom, Liverpool. Dedication Time...
The second time around for Searchin' at the re styled OPB, this time around the band weren't up against the Shakers though. The band were back to their usual line up with Steve back from hols - and edging a little closer to the front of the stage. Tonight's gig was a gig/buffet evening with an entrance fee of £7 per ticket, great value for good food and live entertainment but I can't help thinking that £5.00 might have brought a few more punters in. There were probably around 50 in the end and they got their moneys' worth tonight. The first set was tight and the band looked happy with the sound on stage. There were a few dropped notes, forgotten words, missed drum fills, fluffed guitar bits in the second set but, that's live music folks! Runaway with it's lead guitar bit sounded great and should defo be kept in. There were a few birthday and anniversary requests tonight -Happy birthday played at least twice from what I remember. One was to Andy's Joanne who looked splendid (with baby bump gamble!) but a little reluctant to share the spotlight. A great night out and I'm sure not the last time the band will be playing here. CCH 09 ***********************************************
Saturday 6th June 09: The Princess Suite, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool....
...Hello Princess
...The immortal line whispered by Den Watts on his comeback from the watery grave in an episode of Eastenders of course. Well, tonight in the Princess suite, Searchin' had their very own Den on stage filling in for Steve who was sunning himself in Benidorm. Dennis quickly settled in (complete with Steve's guitar and waist coat -but not his Deirdre specs!. Walk in the room opened the set that saw a few omissions but also a rather splendid addition too - Johnny Be Good rocked the place during the encore. After an very short 25 mins opening set the band stormed the second set with over an hour of dance floor fillers. The stage was just about big enough for the entourage of female backing singers for Mustang Sally, one very enthusiastic young lady decided to sing lead vocals, Liverpool girls eh. All things considered this was a great gig, strange without Steve hiding at the back but I'm sure he would have loved it. The band were challenged by a new face on stage and they seemed to rise to the occasion. A few songs were tweaked a bit by Dennis - Runaway in particular benefited by the lead riff and I saw her Standing There was extended with both Mike and Dennis showing off their lead guitar skills. I think the band could have played comfortably for an other half hour but the DJ was waiting patiently to spin his tunes. As the band exited the stage to a great applause and to the strains of Ballroom Blitz from 70's glam rockers The Sweet (...are you ready Steve? ) it was mission accomplished.
CCH 09 ********************************************************************
Sunday 24th May 09: The New Brighton Carnival....
Fairground Attraction...
A second time for Searchin' at the NBC, the crowds were out as was the sun -and Searchin' were on form. After the opening act had Gerry Sandon done his stuff (some good shadows riffs) the band gave us a first set that brought in the punters. After the opening numbers (good to see the return of the Rick Steve) more had stopped by to see the band in action, this time electing to stand outside in the sun to get the best of both worlds. The band were clearly enjoying the gig and I think that comes across well to the audience too. Alan and Colin from 7 Waves radio became Searchin' backing singers for Teenager In Love (reminded me of the young ones version of Living Doll ha ha). The crowd were loving it and Keep on Running and Bad Moon Rising had the toe tappers in full swing. You Never Can Tell complete with compulsory dance hit the spot too. Alan re joined the band on stage for A Hard Days Night, funny to see Peter stood at the back behind Ste and Jen watching instead of pounding the drums. Do Wah Diddy saw the return of the 7 Waves backing singers (to Mike's surprise- he thought it was the Woo). Always leave them wanting more, and the band duly finished off the day with I Saw Her Standing There (my turn to get up) and She Loves You. It was a great day, a brilliant performance and the band made it a great afternoon out for many I'm sure. CCH 09 ********************************************************************
Saturday 9th May 09: The Blue Anchor Pub Aintree.... The Sound Of Silence...
No, Searchin' are not delving into Simon & Garfunkels back catalogue just yet (although I think they would do a great fast version of Mrs Robinson). The silence was from Andy's microphone (bit like last night! ha ha) half way through Take Me For What I'm Worth the fuse blew and the Mics went down leaving the band to play on unaware for half a minute before finally halting the song. It took Stevie sound dude a few minutes of anxiety to fix the problem and we were back on track. The band always go down well here and the Searchin' followers helped to make it a great atmosphere once again. With an 11 o'clock curfew time was precious tonight and the band crammed in most of the set regulars to keep the small dance floor (more like line dancing I'd say) full for most of the second half. Andy gave his mate (the one who tried to sing Teenager In Love in the style of Vivian from the young ones ha ha) a rendition of Happy Birthday. The feedback on the night (not the one from Mike's Mic) was good, Keep on Running, You Never Can Tell, Stuck In The Middle, Please Please Me, I Saw Her Standing There all kept us on our feet. Great gig after the Palm House sound massacre, not sure about the cheesy intro though lads. CCH 09 ******************************************************************** Friday 8th May 09: The Palm House, Sefton Park, Liverpool....
Nark in The Park
Summer1982, Echo & The Bunnymen, Bow Wow Wow -Larks in the Park. That was the last time I was in Sefton Park. May 2009, Searchin' (with great support from Steve Malloney) - Nark in the Park. Yes, after all the build up to this great event in one of Liverpool's most historic landmarks- it was spoilt by a woman with a decibel reader. The setting was superb, great stage and a full arena for such a brilliant cause. This is no slight on Zoe's place, it's staff or even the crowd (somewhat subdued in my opinion) but if you are going to have a band playing -you need to hear them! I think this lady wanted some floaty background music so the corporate bods could hear themselves speak. This is live music, this is a band playing 60's rock 'n' roll classics. At one point I thought Andy was taking Whisper to the extremes -you couldn't hear him! Sorry for using the review to have a rant but what's the point in booking a band if its half hearted?. For the record, the band played for about an hour mixing both sets around to cover most of the better known songs. Towards the last half we had a fair few up dancing, but some obviously had to be home by 11. Ste and Jen did a great job trying to cope with Cruella with the sound meter, I tried to explain the situation to her but it was futile to be honest. Where is Basil when you need him.
CCH 09 ******************************************************************** Saturday 2nd May09: The Clubmoor Conservative Club.... On Broadway
You wait all week for a review and then two come along at once, typical. My apologies for the lack of updates of late, work commitments are keeping me away from the web duties - normal service has been resumed as soon as possible (to quote Basil Fawlty). To think that I lived just along the road from this club, situated just behind the famous Broadway shopping parade and never knew it existed. It's a friendly little place with the stage set up around the Lennon & Mc Cartney mural on the back wall. It seems they played there in 1957 with the Quarrymen. Nice atmosphere too, although I was slightly unhappy about the over long bingo session making the 9pm start actually 9.45 (I drove like The Stig to get there for 9pm!). We were promised that the band would still play the two sets as planned by Andy when he finally got on stage. The first set was respectfully appreciated by the locals, Denise sat patiently waiting to get up and dance -actually she didn't, she sat dancing and even danced on the way to the loo! Second half and she got her wish, dance floor fillers all the way. You never can tell now being our trade mark dance (must watch Pulp Fiction again to see how it's really done sometime I think). Don't let the Sun Catch You Crying slowed the pace down but I must say was delivered with some style, definitely one of the bands' stand out covers. The band were joined on stage for the first time by Jenny to sing backing vocals on Brown Eyed Girl, she looked shocked but I'm sure she enjoyed her moment with the band. Daydream Believer, I Saw Her Standing There, Do Wah Diddy and She Loves You brought the night to a close along with a second play for Walk In The Room. There were a few "live moments" tonight, no one was note perfect -but that's what you get with no backing tapes! Enjoy live music -you can't beat it.
CCH 09 ******************************************************************** Saturday 25th April 09: The United Services Club.... United We Stand
It's over 20 years since I was in Widnes, a place I used to have to come to for monthly meetings for a firm I worked for. It was not something I looked forward to, no offence to Widnesians of course. This time though it was for a very different kind of meeting - music and fun were the only items on the agenda and both were accomplished at the United Services Club. Firstly, what a great club to play in. Fantastic stage set up and a really nice set up. Shame was like most pubs and clubs these days, it was sparsely occupied. Those present were treated to two great sets as the band hit some form. Before the first set, we had to wait for the quiz (we took part of course) sadly, we scored badly but glad to say it didn't affect the performance on stage. No surprises tonight (to coin a phrase) apart from Stevie sound dude falling off the stage during the setting up. He went down like Drogba and sadly it wasn't caught on camera. Rumours of an agent being present were rife "There's someone sat in the corner wearing a suit". Oh, must be an agent then. If it was he left at the end of the first set (good sign?) hopefully the band will be asked back on a night when the re are more than 30 punters present. The band need an audience to bounce off and tonight they were missed. CCH 09 ********************************************************************
Sunday 12th April 09: Taxi Club, Liverpool....
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Sunday 12th April 09: Cockerham Country Park ...Who are you calling big nose?
Searchin' had to play support to the real stars today, Punch & Judy managed to fill the dance floor....albeit with under 10s who sat watching the police man with the truncheon very carefully as we all know what they are capable of. So, after the footy (see news) and Punch & Judy Searchin' came on to a fairly full room and they were politely interested without getting too excited at the same time. It's not easy doing day time gigs, it lacks the atmosphere of the evening shows but still the band gave them two good sets packed with sing a long hits of the 60's. Walk in the room got a second play in the encore and had a good sing a long second time around. Andy proved that it's not just me who gets the words wrong, Brown Eyed Girl was re started after Andy fluffed his lines and replayed word perfect. The band seemed relaxed (probably still out of breath ) and enjoyed themselves while giving the organizers value for money with a top performance. Don't let the sun catch you crying was a surprise inclusion as Peter's bass drum moved menacingly towards the front of the stage. Keep On Running sounded great and I Saw Her standing there as always rocked the place. This was a good day out if somewhat a little far to travel, the band had a quick turn around for their second gig of the day at the Taxi club, sadly I missed that one due to having already having bought tickets for Ian Mcnabb at Baby Blue, for once I think I made the wrong choice...
CCH 2009 ********************************************************************
Sat 28th March 09: Blue Anchor Pub, Aintree.
Second Helpings
Saturday 28th March was the date for the bands second outing at the Blue Anchor pub which is renowned for its fabulous food. Entertainment and friendly atmosphere (there’s my plug for the Good Pub guide book…)
England were on tonight so the band had to wait until gone 7pm before they could get the gear in but the staff kindly moved the tables and we managed to get set up in time to begin at 9pm. There was a good atmosphere tonight and we had a lot of friends and family who had come down especially to see us which is always pleasing for the band. A special mention to staff past and present representing the Walton Centre contingent great to see Lesley and the Bistro team there to see if we lived up to our billing, which of course we did!
The first set kicked off with four Searchers songs in a row complete with 12 string guitar from Steve providing that unmistakeable Searchers sound and I used the strat for a change as it seems to complement the sound so well. Those who were viewing us for the first time could see we could play, sing and enjoy ourselves on stage, it was a nice and relaxed tonight and that always makes it easier for the band as the music flows. Highlights from the first set for me were Oh Donna and Dream although the talking when performing the quieter songs can be a bit off putting ( I can see now why now why one of my heroes ,Hugh Cornwell, gets a cob on now!) Teenager in Love went down a storm; we didn’t even have to sing the first time around as Andy’s friend at the front took over from the outset (well done guys!) The band finished off the first half with a few tracks of Billy j Kramer; these songs always go down well. Yes Allan it was me who cocked up the beginning of Do you want to know a secret, you can’t get the staff these days….
After a short break we kicked off the second half and tried to cram as much as we could in before the 11pm curfew. Sweets for my Sweet kicked off this section and quite quickly we could see the crowd were clapping and singing and looking to get more involved. Once we were into Bad Moon Rising, Stuck in the Middle and Brown Eyed Girl the makeshift dance floor was busy, Nana Nellie making sure she would not miss out here, definitely our number 1 fan but then I suppose I would say that. On Mustang Sally Andy invited Sharon, who is my friend Sally’s partner, up to sing with the band and I have to Say she sounded great, I was a bit worried at first because earlier she told me she couldn’t sing. Time was beating us now but we got through Cest la Vie, Please Please Me, and she loves you before we finished. The crowd bayed for more so we finished the night off in style with a 1, 2,3,4 then into I saw her standing there, loads were still up dancing and singing and it brought to a conclusion another great night at the Blue Anchor which is fast becoming a favourite venue for the band. I think we are back on 9th May so hopefully anybody who enjoyed the show will come back for more…As we say in the song “keep searchin”
This review has been done by Mike as Cliff was far too busy getting up to sing with Ian McNabb at the Citadel in St Helens, getting brave Cliff but don’t for get it was Searchin’ who gave you your first bite at the big time…
MJH 2009 ********************************************************************
Sun 22nd March 09 : Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton
GO BUDDY GO...
Celebrating Buddy Holly week at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton, Searchin' managed to get through their Buddy set pretty much unscathed. By their own admission, they were out of their comfort zone playing songs that they had only learnt in the days leading up to this slot at the famous fort. The gig took place in the downstairs Elvis room, a small compact room with over 60 seats (all full) and standing room for a few at the back (me included). Wishing sounded better than it first airing at Thursday's M'cats appearance. Not Fade Away, Oh Boy (should be kept as a regular IMO) Maybe Baby and Well...Alright completing the Buddy song tribute. Andy entertained us with his quick wit and the audience appreciated the honesty from the band that they 'didn't know the songs that well'. Back to familiar territory, Walk In The Room complete with audience participation (drummer included in that!) kicked us off before Whisper, Needles and Pins, So Much In Love With You and Love Potion brought us to the end of the show and Searchin' / Runaway. The set closed with Gerry Marseden classic I Like It (or was it How Do You Do? ha ha (You would have had to be there on Thursday to get that!) The small and packed Elvis room showed their appreciation and it was only a tight schedule that prevented the band playing encores. It was a good gig to play, it helped to make the event a big success too. Rave On.
CCH 2009 ********************************************************************
Sat 14th March 09 : The Pacific Pub, Liverpool. BACK IN BLACK...
Searchin' stepped in as a favour on the last minute to play at the Pacific, it was the first gig for a few weeks and a chance to blow the cob webs off. It turned out to be useful, it gave the band some much missed gig practice. There were a few dropped notes and unexpected drum fills but it served a purpose. The band came on about 9.20 in a corner of the pub which was fairly full. The crowd was a mix of young and old and despite my first impressions it was a good place to play. When I came in and sat down a guy with a red tracksuit top on was having a conversation with himself. Denise had already been oggled and was a bit weary of the place too. The night flew by to be honest as the band ran through two sets with plenty to suit everyone. Keep On Running stood out from the crowd and The Beatles songs proved popular...but so was the boxing match on the screens around the pub. So the band had to compete with the fight, that didn't last too long and attention was soon focussed solely on the band. Me and Denise obliged with the teenage Wedding dance and it got a few others up too. Andy had a bit of running friendly banter with a couple of women near to the sound desk but it was good natured and ended in Andy presenting them with some signed cards (don't you know who I am? -ha ha). I'm sure the band will be back again if the punters reaction is anything to go by. CCH 200 ********************************************************************
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