Billy Adamson, Drummer For The Searchers Passes Away

Billy Adamson, who played drums for the Searchers from 1969 to 1998, has died although details are scarce.

The Billy Adamson Appreciation Page on Facebook posted on Tuesday “rip billy adamson former searchers drummer 1969-1998” while the Fortunes website stated “Just heard the very sad news that long time drummer for The Searchers, Billy Adamson (1969 / 1988) has recently passed away.

The Fortunes played in many venues around the world with The Searchers over the decades, and Billy was always a true professional and a fun guy to be around. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time…….”

Adamson spent much of the 60’s as drummer for such artists as Lulu and Emile Ford. By the time he joined the Searchers in late-1969, their hitmaking days were pretty much over but the band stayed popular on the touring circuit for the next thirty years with Billy behind the drums. They did record three studio albums during his tenure, The Searchers (1979), Love’s Melodies (Play For Today in the U.K.) (1981) and Hungry Hearts (1989).

The Searchers had an amazing fifteen year run from 1970 to 1985 without a change in lineup with Adamson on drums, Frank Allen on lead vocals and bass, original member John McNally on guitar and Mike Pender, who had been with the group since 1960, also on guitars. In 1986, Spencer James (First Class) took over on vocals, a lineup that would last another thirteen years.

Adamson made the decision to leave the Searchers in 1998 to spend more time with his family.