Frank Allen (bassist)
Frank Allen | |
|---|---|
 Allen performing with The Searchers in 2015 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Francis Renaud McNeice |
| Born | 14 December 1943 Hayes, Middlesex |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Bass, vocals |
| Years active | 1961–present |
| Formerly of | Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers, The Searchers |
Frank Allen (born Francis Renaud McNeice; 14 December 1943) is an English bass guitarist and singer, who was a long-time member of The Searchers.
Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers
[edit]Allen's career started aged fifteen in 1958, playing guitar in his own band called The Skyways at local venues such as The Clay Pigeon in Eastcote.[1] Frank started playing bass guitar with Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers during the early 1960s. Allen joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers as rhythm guitarist in 1961 He first asked to join as rhythm guitarist, but was turned down as they didn't need a new member; but shortly after, the Rousers were to do a radio performance, and Allen was asked to do a one-time performance with them as a rhythm guitarist. After the radio appearance, Frank managed to persuade Cliff Bennett into letting him join in as a full time member.
He eventually changed over to bass guitar in early 1962, following the departure of Ben Jordan.[2][3] As a member of the Rebel Rousers, he played on six of their singles, released from July 1961 to March 1964, and contributing to their 1964 Extended Play.
The Searchers
[edit]When Tony Jackson left the Searchers in August 1964, Allen was asked to join the group. They then recorded "When You Walk in the Room", with Mike Pender and Frank Allen singing a dual lead line.[4] He remained with them until they played their final gig in March 2019, when the Searchers retired the band.[5] The Searchers announced a 2023 tour, in which Allen will be performing.
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Allen wrote a book of touring recollections called Travelling Man in 1999.[6] His definitive and detailed biography of the Searchers entitled The Searchers And Me - A History of the Legendary Sixties Hitmakers was published in April 2009.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Allen was born in Hayes, Middlesex, England, and currently lives in West London.
Influences
[edit]Allen was heavily influenced by American rock and roll artists of the 1950s:[8]
The only mentors were the early rock and roll stars. It was Elvis and the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly and people like that, Little Richard, Fats Domino. In the main, Elvis changed everything for me. Lonnie Donegan of course in England. I suppose Lonnie to a very great extent because, although skiffle was a very short-lived fad and it was a very simple, very crude style of music, it allowed anyone who could play anything on a guitar at all to believe they can get up on stage and do something without any great amount of talent. Three chords and you were away, you could play with your friends and you could all hide each other’s faults.
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]- July 1961: "You've Got What I Like" / "I'm in Love With You"
- October 1961: "That's What I Said" / "When I Get Paid"
- March 1962: "Poor Joe" / "Hurtin' Inside"
- July 1963: "Everybody Loves A Lover" / "My Old Stand By"
- November 1963: "You Really Got A Hold on Me" / "Alright"
- March 1964: "Got My Mojo Working" / "Beautiful Dreamer"
EPs
[edit]- 1964 'She said Yeah'/ 'Doctor Feelgood' / 'You Make Me Happy' / 'Stupidity'
With The Searchers
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Frank Allen remembers The Clay Pigeon Ruislip". ruisliponline.com the OLD FRONTPAGE site. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
- ^ "The Searchers - interview with bassist Frank Allen". www.craigmorrison.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2020. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
- ^ "Frank Allen - Hofner Guitar User". www.vintagehofner.co.uk. Retrieved 9 February 2025.
- ^ "INTERVIEW: Frank Allen | Welcome to UK Music Reviews". Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
- ^ Campbell, Craig. "It's end of an era for legendary band The Searchers as they play their final gigs". Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
- ^ "Travelling Man". www.goodreads.com.
- ^ "THE SEARCHERS AND ME - Record Collector Magazine". recordcollectormag.com. Archived from the original on 23 June 2016. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
- ^ "The Searchers - interview with bassist Frank Allen". www.craigmorrison.com. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
External links
[edit]| International | |
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| National | |
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