THE Searchers emerged as part of the 1960s Merseybeat scene along with the Beatles, the Hollies, the Merseybeats, the Swinging Blue Jeans, and Gerry and the Pacemakers.

Now, more than 55 years after they originally formed they are set to play Christchurch Regent Centre next Friday August 21.

The band's hits include a remake of the Drifters' 1961 hit, "Sweets for My Sweet"; remakes of Jackie DeShannon's "Needles and Pins" and "When You Walk In The Room"; an original song written for them, "Sugar and Spice"; a cover of the Orlons' "Don't Throw Your Love Away"; and a cover of the Clovers' "Love Potion No. 9".

They were the second group from Liverpool, after the Beatles, to have a hit in the United States when "Needles and Pins" charted during the first week of March 1964.

There is no doubt that the decade that gave us The Beatles as well as The Searchers and many others will go down in history as being the most imaginative period of music creativity and expression.

With total record sales well in excess of 50 million, The Searchers still have great appeal to audiences of all ages. They tour the globe as much today as they have done throughout a career spanning five decades.

Their special ‘solo’ concert is a highly entertaining show and has been enthusiastically and warmly received throughout the world. Combined with anecdotes and reminiscences, this fully self-contained concert includes all their famous hits, plus many album recordings, B-sides and a selection of other collector and well known favourites.

The Searchers consist of John McNally, Frank Allen, Spencer James and Scott Ottaway.

Tickets: Regent, Christchurch. Tel:01202 499199