Glastonbury viewers fume as The Searchers' final ever live performance 'snubbed' by BBC

BBC fans were left feeling let down as The Searchers' live performance failed to reach TV screens. The Liverpool legends wrapped up an astonishing 70 years of touring with a landmark debut at Glastonbury Festival today.

Kicking off on Wednesday, June 25, the Worthy Farm festival will thrill music lovers until Sunday, June 29, boasting performances from a glittering array of musical talent. The top-billed superstars gracing this year's stages include The 1975,Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young, alongside other big names such as Charli XCX, Grammy-award victor Doechii, Rod Stewart, and The Prodigy.

Spotted in the company of John McNally and Frank Allen from The Searchers was none other than Sir Paul McCartney, all ahead of the band's final bow. Fans had their hopes dashed when they tuned in on Friday evening from 8pm to 9pm for the Acoustic Stage event only to find it absent from BBC iPlayer.

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Despite the plethora of live content streaming across platforms, including stalwarts like the Pyramid Stage and newcomers such as Woodsies Stage – to name but a few – the omission of the Acoustic Stage did not go unnoticed. Disgruntled viewers took to social media, with one fan posting: "Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show." A second supporter queried: "Will the BBC show The Searchers set??"

With roots stretching back to the ’60s and having started their incredible journey at the iconic Cavern Club amidst peers like The Beatles, Gerry and The Pacemakers, and The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Searchers' farewell performance symbolised a fitting tribute to their remarkable impact on the music world.

In a heartfelt sign-off, The Cavern Club bid their "bittersweet farewell" to a legendary group that's been synonymous with Liverpool for over 60 years. They said: "We know they'll take the same energy, warmth, and timeless tunes to the Glastonbury stage as they have to every gig over the years - from the cellar of The Cavern Club to the bright lights of international fame.

"While this may be their final show, their legacy will echo on - in their records, in the countless musicians they've influenced, and of course, here at The Cavern Club, where it all began. We'll be cheering them on at Glastonbury - and we know the whole of Liverpool will be too."

One of the original band members, John McNally, spoke with a buzz to the BBC about his unprecedented debut: "A Glastonbury debut at 83-can anyone top that? I don't think life gets any better, does it?

"There will be a few nerves, but in a good way, and we'll be nicely warmed up from our shows in June. We can't wait to see our fans again for this incredible final farewell."

Frank Allen gave a nod to his incredible six-decade stint with the band: "I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now.

"The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all. What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can't wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast."

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