Guest Book & Fans' comments

Remembering Chris Black.

Apart from his own close family I doubt there is anyone, anywhere, who knew, and spent more time with Chris Black than me! I view it now, following his recent death, as a privilege! From the very beginning I loved his company, his wit, his great use of the English language, his knowledge of all things musical, and his ability to bounce back following any adversity in his life!

It was obvious from the very first time we met, back in the early 60's, that Chris was somebody special, and already showing signs of the great Musician that he became. Then he was a very young semi-pro - performing with a local Nottingham Band called Mosaic Sunset who were following in the tradition of the East Midlands top Harmony Group - Sons & Lovers - a Band, and its members, he would have a lot to do with later on his career!

One memorable night in 1963, as his equally young and enthusiastic Agent, we were out together- proposing to look at rival Groups playing in the area when we learned of John F. Kennedy's assassination! That's how far back we go together! One way or another, as his Agent, or his Manager - but more importantly as his Friend - we stayed together throughout his times with 'Mosaic', 'Highly Likely', the wonderful 'Fresh Aire' and lastly 'Mike Pender's Searchers'!

When Mike recruited him to the Group he knew that he wasn't employing a mere 'jobbing' musician - he was gaining a 'class' act! The original line-up of the Group - Chris, Steve Carlisle, and Barrie Cowell remain - to this day - the definitive line-up of Mike Pender's Searchers!

Chris brought to Mike's Group all the quality and experience he had used to great effect in Fresh Aire! This great harmony act - other members included Spike Cowlard from Sons & Lovers and Tony Harding from Harmony Grass - had provided On Stage 'live' vocal back up to both Cilla Black and Lena Martell for many years and had also worked - 'In Concert' with international 'greats' including Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis, Petula Clark and many more!

So Chris already 'knew his stuff' !

His tenure with Mike Pender's Searchers was full of great 'gigs' memorable travel and just a few equally memorable 'artistic' disputes. He weathered, however, many 'storms' and continued for many years to contribute to the quality that the Group were, justifiably, famous for!

When he, eventually, decided to leave the Group - to take up a new life in Australia - we all - Mike included - were the poorer for it! His time in Australia was marred by some adversity, poor health, and, if I am honest, poor judgement. But to me he remained that wonderfully free thinking, always hopeful, enthusiastic person who once acted as 'Musical Director' to my then very young Daughter - Stevie - when she entered a School singing competition performing - at Chris's suggestion - "Oh What a Circus" from the Musical 'Evita' instead of the usual "boring stuff" (and 'blew' the competition away), the person who once phoned me up one Saturday afternoon 'suggesting' that I get up to Edinburgh - "straight away - right now" to take up the Management of singing Star - Lena Martell - who had just 'sacked her previous one!

In short - there was nobody quite like Chris Black! A truly great Musician and - my Buddy!

Hi Mike - The Pic - Mike takes a beer - is a pic out of my - The Searchers in Ludwigshafen - session.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/khiltscher/albums/72157613202299933

You will like that !!

It's been many months since I logged onto the MPS website. Glad to see that things are moving along nicely. Belated Birthday wishes to Mike!

Dear Mike
I am Searchers nut and have now nearly a complete collection of everything that the band have ever done including tracks from the Hamburg days.Your sound was so distinctive. I have seen you on many occasions and also your old band mates. It looks like you'll be the sole survivor from the original band still going. Please don't give up. Any chance I could have your autograph ?

I had the great pleasure of showing you and the band around Zepce in Bosnia 1995, I was the Sgt Major who joined you on stage for 'Stand by me'. The troops loved it as did I. Hope to see you when you are next in Halfax

Hey Mike, HB for last week! You and I have the same BD and both in the same biz. I've been in bands in Melbourne and elsewhere since 1964 and am still tethered to the beast of r'n'r.
Best of,
Don Hirst

I want to say a big thank you to everyone for sending birthday wishes last Wednesday for my big eight o!! 😂😂😂 I don’t think about age really and if I’m honest, I feel just the same as I did 10 years ago! I pick my guitar up and my fingers still work. I just hope that the vocals still work as it’s now more than 12 months since the last performance! Roll on next October and another Sensational Sixties Tour.
See you all soon, I hope!
Stay safe
Mike

Wishing you a very happy 80th birthday
Hope you manage to party. Sad we did not meet you in Tenerife this year , hopefully next year

Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Mike! It's hard to believe you're 80 years young! I hope you will soon be back out touring and singing those fab old Searchers' songs! X

Many congratulations Mike - 80 years young on 3 March !

Kind regards,
Richard and Wendy Mahoney