The longest-running band in pop history is back for one final tour.

The Searchers will be calling into Weymouth Pavilion on Saturday, April 15 on their 'Thank You' tour.

This is a chance to experience a truly legendary band, promoters say, possibly for the last time.

Original members John McNally (guitar, vocals) and Frank Allen (bass, vocals) will be joined by Spencer James (guitar, vocals – Spencer has been part of the line-up for 37 years) and the newly recruited, highly rated Richie Burns (drums).

When John McNally formed The Searchers in 1957, aged just 16, he could never have imagined the phenomenal success that his band would enjoy: 50 million record sales, 13 UK chart hits - including three number ones - and a sound that inspired some of the greatest artists of all time, including The Byrds, Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

The band has chosen to call this the ‘Thank You Tour’ as a mark of respect and appreciation for the legions of fans who have supported them over the years.

Fans will be treated to a full set of The Searchers’ best-loved songs, including ‘When You Walk In The Room’, ‘Goodbye My Love’, ’Sugar & Spice’, ‘What Have They Done To The Rain’ as well as their three UK No.1 hits ‘Sweets for my Sweet’ (1963), ‘Needles and Pins’ (1964) and ‘Don’t Throw Your Love Away’ (1964).

Also included will be material from the 70s and 80s, when the Searchers were signed to Sire Records, becoming label-mates with some of the hippest acts around including Talking Heads, The Cure, Madonna and The Ramones – who covered ‘Needles and Pins’.

This was one of the band’s favourite creative periods and saw them recording at Rockfield Studios in Wales (famous for Queen’s recording of Bohemian Rhapsody). Keep an ear out for gems including ‘Hearts in Her Eyes’, ‘Love’s Melody’, ‘Infatuation’ and ‘It’s Too Late’.

The Searchers have clocked up even more years than The Rolling Stones in  pop history. They have been in constant demand for 66 years while the Rolling Stones have only been going for 61 years.

Contact the box office at Weymouth Pavilion for tickets on 01305 783225.