This interview features Jason Barnard speaking with Frank Allen of The Searchers for a podcast interview in August 2023.
Allen’s musical journey began in 1961 when he joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers as rhythm guitarist. The Rebel Rousers were signed to Parlophone before The Beatles, starting their recording career in 1961 with producer Joe Meek at Holloway Road studios, creating four singles before transitioning to John Burgess at EMI. Allen provides detailed recollections of working with Joe Meek, describing him as a sensitive soul who would leave the control room in tears when the working-class Rebel Rousers became unruly during recording sessions. The transition to John Burgess proved more beneficial, producing tracks like “You Really Got a Hold of Me.”
The Hamburg experiences feature prominently in Allen’s narrative, describing three seasons playing there starting in June/July 1962. He recounts the historic meeting with John Lennon during The Beatles’ final Hamburg performance, where Lennon delivered his characteristically sharp wit, telling Allen his harmonies were “f**king ridiculous” despite enjoying the show. Allen was present when Kingsize Taylor played back recordings of The Beatles’ Star Club performances.
“When You Walk in the Room” marked Allen’s successful debut with The Searchers where he sang dual lead vocals with Mike Pender. The Searchers’ song selection process was primarily handled by Chris Curtis, who chose hits like “Needles and Pins,” “Don’t Throw Your Love Away,” and “When You Walk in the Room.” Allen discusses “What Have They Done to the Rain,” noting its early ecological themes were unusual for 1964. Chris Curtis’s deteriorating condition becomes evident during the 1966 Philippines and Australia tour with the Rolling Stones. Allen describes finding Curtis sitting in a wardrobe writing songs and his collapse during a radio show, leading to hospitalization and the discovery of various pills. The band’s creative evolution included psychedelic influences with tracks like “Popcorn Double Feature.” and “Secondhand Dealer.”
The transition to cabaret venues, required developing hour-long shows with proper introductions and song arrangements. The Sire Records period in the late 1970s and early 1980s represented The Searchers’ creative renaissance. The resulting albums, particularly “Hearts in Their Eyes,” Allen considers their best recordings ever, superior even to their 1960s hits when accounting for technological advances. Mike Pender’s departure in 1985 created significant tension. However, Spencer James’s recruitment revitalised the band, leading to his most rewarding period.
