Legendary UK pop group The Searchers will leave the stage after nearly 70 years, following their debut at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

BBC News reports that the Merseybeats band, which have performed with different line-ups since 1957, will conclude their Final Farewell Tour with their debut gig at the summer festival on June 27 – the band’s “last ever show.”

Co-founder John McNally told the BBC: “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.”

The group has the tag of “longest-running band in pop history” and have had three number one records, including Sweets for my Sweet (originally by The Drifters). They have sold an estimated 50million records and performed all over the world since forming in Liverpool, the same city that spawned The Beatles and Gerry and the Pacemakers.  

Bassist Frank Allen added: “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.”