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The New Seekers

2025-08-08T15:26:52Z

2605:B100:717:619F:147F:16C9:B9E0:7AB9: /* External links */

{{Short description|British pop group}}
{{More citations needed|date=April 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = The New Seekers
| image = The New Seekers (Repetities 1970-02-24 Grand Gala du Disque Populaire).jpg
| caption = The New Seekers in 1972
| image_size =
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[London]], England
| genre = {{Flatlist|
* [[Pop music|Pop]]
* [[Folk music|folk]]
* [[Rock music|rock]]
}}
| years_active = 1969–1974 1976–2010
| label = {{Flatlist|
* [[Philips Records|Philips]]
* [[Polydor Records|Polydor]]
* [[CBS Records International|CBS]]
* [[EMI]]
* [[Universal Records|Universal]]
* [[Elektra Records|Elektra (US)]]
* [[MGM Records|MGM (US)]]
}}
| website =
| current_members =
| past_members =
* Paul Layton
* [[Eve Graham]]
* [[Lyn Paul]]
* [[Marty Kristian]]
* [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]]
* Peter Oliver
* [[Keith Potger]]
* Sally Graham
* Laurie Heath
* Chris Barrington
* Kathy Ann Rae
* Nicola Kerr
* Danny Finn
* Caitriona Walsh
* [[Donna Jones (singer)|Donna Jones]]
* Francine Rees
* [[Mick Flinn]]
* [[Victoria Horn|Vikki James]]
* Brian Engel
* Vivien Banks
* Isobel Davies
* Jilly Franklyn
* Mark Hankins
}}

'''The New Seekers''' were a British pop group, formed in [[London]], in 1969, by [[Keith Potger]], after the break-up of his group, [[the Seekers]]. The idea was that the New Seekers would appeal to the same market as the original Seekers, but their music would have pop as well as folk influences. They achieved worldwide success in the early 1970s with hits including "[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]", "[[You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me]]" and "[[Beg, Steal or Borrow]]".

==Formation==
The group were formed after the disbanding of the successful 1960s Australian group [[the Seekers]]. [[Keith Potger]], a member of the Seekers, put together the New Seekers in 1969, featuring Laurie Heath, Chris Barrington, [[Marty Kristian]], [[Eve Graham]] and Sally Graham (no relation), the latter of whom was a member of [[Dougie Squires|The Young Generation]]. Potger himself also performed and recorded with the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_005.htm |title=Official site – First group line-up, 1969 |publisher=Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

Despite their having released only one album with no commercial success, ITV's [[STV (TV channel)|Scottish Television]] gave the group their own TV series, ''Finders, Seekers''. The line-up for this version of the group hosting the series was Keith Potger, Eve Graham, Sally Graham, Laurie Heath, Marty Kristian and Chris Barrington. Produced in colour, the show was given a prime-time slot, starting on 27 March 1970 ([[Good Friday]]) and continuing for seven shows. The public did not take to the show, with several complaints seemingly targeted at the band. Despite the complaints, the series was shown on several ITV channels, sold to Canada, Australia and Sweden with interest from other countries as a result of being shown at the international television market in Cannes.

Following the series' failure, later in 1970, after one album release, the line-up was reworked to comprise Eve Graham, Kristian, [[Lyn Paul]], [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]] and Paul Layton.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_019.htm |title=Official site – 1970 line-up |publisher=Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line-up found instant success with their debut release, a cover of [[Melanie Safka]]'s "What Have They Done to My Song, Ma" (titled in the U.S. as "Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma"<ref>US Elektra Records release, #45699</ref>), which became a top 20 hit in the US, No. 3 in Canada, and a minor one in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_142.htm|title=Official site – Single releases, 1969–1970|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=26 June 1970|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

== Mainstream success ==
Over the next year, the group released a number of singles to little recognition, but it was in June 1971 that they released their breakthrough hit, "[[Never Ending Song of Love]]" (the first of many hit songs to be produced by [[David Mackay (Producer)|David Mackay]], and a cover of the American hit by [[Delaney & Bonnie]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_144.htm|title=Official site – "Never Ending Song of Love"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 June 1971|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The song became a big hit in the UK, spending five weeks at No. 2 in the [[UK Singles Chart]],<ref name=occ>{{cite web|title=New Seekers - Full Official Chart History|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14377/new-seekers/|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=19 January 2016}}</ref> and was one of the biggest selling singles of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.everyhit.com/chart3.html|title=Top selling singles on 1971|publisher=Everyhit.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was their last single released on the [[Philips Records]] label. The huge success of this single was mildly ironic in that prior to the single's release, the group were dropped by Philips and had signed with [[Polydor Records]]. Their first single for Polydor was "Good Old Fashioned Music", which they promoted on television (including an appearance on ''[[Top Of The Pops]]''), but it failed to chart. Towards the end of 1971, the group recorded an adaptation of the Coca-Cola jingle, "I'd Like to Buy the World a Coke", which had gained much interest. Reworked as "[[I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]", the song became a worldwide success.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_145.htm|title=Official site – "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> It made No. 1 in the UK for four weeks and sold just under a million copies.<ref name="occ"/> In the US, the song was also a hit, reaching No. 7, and in Canada it reached No. 3. It became a No. 1 hit in many other countries and is the most recognised song by the group.

The group were chosen to represent the [[United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest|United Kingdom]] in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 1972|1972 ''Eurovision Song Contest'']]. They entered with the song "[[Beg, Steal or Borrow]]", which was chosen by viewers of [[BBC1]]'s ''[[List of Cliff Richard television appearances#It.27s Cliff Richard: Series 3|It's Cliff Richard!]]'' show from six shortlisted songs performed by the group on a weekly basis. They went on to finish in second place at the Eurovision final in [[Edinburgh]], where the group received the biggest cheer of the night from the partisan audience.<ref>O'Connor, John Kennedy. ''The Eurovision Song Contest: The Official History''. Carlton Books, UK. 2007 {{ISBN|978-1-84442-994-3}}</ref> The song was a No. 2 hit in the UK and sold well in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_146.htm|title=Official site – "Beg, Steal or Borrow"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Around this time, they also charted highly with their most successful album, ''[[We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'', which reached No. 2 in the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="occ"/> Another top five hit came with the next single, "Circles" in mid 1972.<ref name="occ"/> At the end of the year, the group took part in the [[BBC]]'s anniversary TV show ''[[Fifty Years Of Music]]''.

The following year the group saw a slight dip, although they did score a top 20 hit with an adaptation of "[[Pinball Wizard]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_148.htm|title=Official site – "Pinball Wizard"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Member Peter Doyle left the group this year and was replaced by Peter Oliver. The New Seekers had enjoyed a number of hits in the US by this time and toured there with [[Liza Minnelli]] in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "We've Got to Do it Now"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> While there, they recorded the title track of the American [[Marlo Thomas]]'s 1972 album ''[[Free to Be... You and Me]]''. In 1974, the album was made into a landmark television programme designed to teach children how to express themselves and be independent through a series of vignettes.<ref name="imdb">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0194897/|publisher=imdb.com|title=Free to Be... You & Me (TV Movie 1974) - IMDb |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Since the special was first broadcast, the song became a cult classic.

Up to now, the group's biggest success had been as a five-piece harmony, but it was around this time that they began to favour lead singers for their songs with title credits given to Marty Kristian for "[[Come Softly to Me]]" and Eve Graham for "Nevertheless", but it was in late 1973 that this formula found its biggest success when Lyn Paul took the lead on the new single, "[[You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me]]". The song became a big hit over Christmas and eventually peaked at No. 1 in January 1974, becoming their second biggest hit.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_149.htm|title=Official site – "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=16 November 1973|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This formula continued with the next single, "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You", which also became a big hit, peaking at No. 5. However, despite this revival, the group announced their split amid much publicity. With allegations that the members were receiving little financial reward for their success, The New Seekers officially disbanded in May 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_150.htm|title=Official site – "I Get a Little Sentimental Over You"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

The group's two UK number one singles are listed as being in the top 30 best selling singles for the 1970s, with "I'd Like To Teach The World To sing" at No. 17 and "You Won't Find Another Fool Like Me" at No. 27.<ref name="youtube">Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/Dnw8dnKZews Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20141103035334/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dnw8dnKZews|publisher=youtube.com|title=Best Selling Singles of the 1970s in the UK - YouTube|access-date=9 November 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> "We've Got To Do It Now" was used in a [[public information film]] in both the United Kingdom and the United States about [[littering]].<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl7FmbrMwjc|title=Keep Britain Tidy - Old Keep Britain Tidy Advert|website=[[YouTube]] |accessdate=8 May 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=BaLx-bNRhLE |title=We've Got To Do It Now 4K- New Seekers |date=2023-11-16 |last=BLUEGUTTER - POP DISCO DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA |access-date=2025-01-05 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

== Reformation ==
In 1976, the New Seekers reformed with Kathy Ann Rae and Danny Finn replacing Lyn Paul and Peter Oliver.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_062.htm|title=Official site – Reunion, 1976|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> Although they never replicated their earlier success, signed to CBS (Columbia in the US) the group did manage to score a few hits with "It's So Nice (To Have You Home)" (1976), "I Wanna Go Back" (1977) and "Anthem (One Day in Every Week)" (1978).<ref name="occ"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_151.htm|title=Official site – "It's so Nice"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=18 November 1976|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This line up remained intact until 1978, when Danny Finn and Eve Graham left the group to marry. Their final single for CBS was "Don't Stop The Music" in 1979, with Kathy Ann Rae on lead vocal, but after it failed to chart, she left the band and the group signed their final contract with EMI.

In 1980, the group attempted to represent the UK again in the [[Eurovision Song Contest]] with the song "Tell Me", but it was disqualified shortly before the British heats were televised due to the fact the group had already performed the song on TV a year earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_514.htm|title=Official site – "Tell Me"|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|date=21 March 1980|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref>

Marty Kristian entered a song in the 1983 UK Eurovision finals, performed by a trio called 'Audio', which included Kathy Ann Rae in the line up.

Since then, there have been personnel changes which included Caitriona Walsh, Nicola Kerr and Vikki James ([[Grammy]] Winner [[Victoria Horn]]).<ref name="lynpaulwebsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-James.htm|author=Steven Liddle|publisher=lynpaulwebsite.org|title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James |access-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> Paul Layton remained with the band throughout this time.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_221.htm |title= Official site – Group line-up chronology |publisher= Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The final tour was 2010.

== Recent career ==
The New Seekers toured from 2006 with a line up of Paul Layton, Donna Jones, Francine Rees, Mick Flinn and Mark Hankins.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} A CD of the 2006 tour was released which includes the group's hits and some cover versions. With a Royal Variety performance at [[St James's Palace]], London for [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] and [[Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]] and an appearance on ITV's [[This Morning (TV series)|''This Morning'']], they completed 2006. The New Seekers helped host a garden party in 2007 at [[Buckingham Palace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_545.htm|title=The New Seekers at Buckingham Palace|publisher=Thenewseekers.com|access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> This was repeated the following year along with a show at [[The Tower of London]] and a return batch of concerts in British theatres.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}} The 40th anniversary of the group in 2009 was celebrated by a 35-date UK concert tour, which began at London's [[Shaw Theatre]] on 31 January and continued throughout the year.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thenewseekers.com/new_seekers_web_site_544.htm |title= 2009 40th anniversary tour |publisher=Thenewseekers.com |access-date=25 May 2011}}</ref> In July 2009, an album was released; ''It's Been Too Long – Greatest Hits and More'', comprising the group's hits and some new recordings. It entered the UK Albums Chart at No. 17, their first album to enter that chart for 35 years.<ref name="occ"/>

In 2011 and 2012 Marty Kristian released two albums of demo recordings from the 1970s and 1980s.{{Citation needed|date=May 2024}}

== Members ==

=== Vocals ===

* [[Eve Graham]] (born Evelyn May Beatson, 19 April 1943, [[Auchentiber]], [[Scotland]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Eve Graham |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Graham.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Sally Graham (born 1947<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Sally Graham |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Graham02.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* [[Lyn Paul]] (born Lynda Susan Belcher, 16 February 1949, [[Wythenshawe]], [[England]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: Lyn Paul then (Biography and Fact File) ... |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/Then-Biog.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Kathy Ann Rae (born Cathy Logan, 7 March 1957, [[Cambridge]], England, died 11 January 2011<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Kathy Ann Rae |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Rae.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Vivien Banks<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vivien Banks |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Banks.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* Nicola Kerr<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Nicola Kerr |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Kerr.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* Catriona Walsh<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Caitriona Walsh |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Walsh.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Donna Jones (singer)|Donna Jones]] (born 8 April 1949, [[Manchester]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Donna Jones |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Jones.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* [[Victoria Horn|Vikki James]] (born Victoria Horn, 1973<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Vikki James |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-James.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Francine Rees<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Francine Rees |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Rees.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>

=== Guitar ===

* [[Marty Kristian]] (born Martin Vangas, 27 May 1947, [[Leipzig]], [[Germany]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Marty Kristian |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Kristian.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Laurie Heath<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Laurie Heath |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Heath.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Peter Doyle (singer)|Peter Doyle]] (born Peter John Doyle, 28 July 1949, [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]], died 13 October 2001, [[Castlemaine, Victoria|Castlemaine]], Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Doyle |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Doyle.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Peter Oliver (born Larry Oliver, 15 January 1952, [[Southampton]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Peter Oliver |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Oliver.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Danny Finn (born Kevin Finn, 30 March 1944, [[Oxford]], England, died 22 February 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Danny Finn |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Finn.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Brian Engel<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Brian Engel |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Engel.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>
* [[Mick Flinn]] (born [[Victoria (state)|Victoria]], Australia<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mick Flinn |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Flinn.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Mark Hankins<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Mark Hankins |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Hankins.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>

=== Bass ===

* Chris Barrington (born 1950, [[Lancashire]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Chris Barrington |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Barrington.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)
* Paul Layton (born 4 August 1947, [[Beaconsfield]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lyn Paul website: New Seekers - Paul Layton |url=https://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/NS-Layton.htm |access-date=2024-08-27 |website=www.lynpaulwebsite.org}}</ref>)

===Timeline===

<timeline>
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:120 top:0 right:30
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/07/1969 till:01/01/2011
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:2
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1970
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1970

Colors =
id:Vocals value:red legend:Vocals
id:Guitars value:green legend:Guitars
id:Bass value:blue legend:Bass
id:Lines value:black legend:Studio_Albums
BarData =
bar:EGraham text:"Eve Graham"
bar:SGraham text:"Sally Graham"
bar:Paul text:"Lyn Paul"
bar:Rae text:"Kathy Ann Rae"
bar:Banks text:"Vivien Banks"
bar:Kerr text:"Nicola Kerr"
bar:Walsh text:"Caitriona Walsh"
bar:Jones text:"Donna Jones"
bar:James text:"Vikki James"
bar:Rees text:"Francine Rees"
bar:Kristian text:"Marty Kristian"
bar:Heath text:"Laurie Heath"
bar:Doyle text:"Peter Doyle"
bar:Oliver text:"Peter Oliver"
bar:Finn text:"Danny Finn"
bar:Engel text:"Brian Engel"
bar:Flinn text:"Mick Flinn"
bar:Hankins text:"Mark Hankins"
bar:Barrington text:"Chris Barrington"
bar:Layton text:"Paul Layton"
bar:Davies text:"Isobel Davies"
bar:Franklyn text:"Jilly Franklyn"

PlotData=
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:EGraham from:01/07/1969 till:01/06/1974 color:Vocals
bar:EGraham from:01/05/1976 till:01/09/1978 color:Vocals
bar:SGraham from:01/07/1969 till:01/07/1970 color:Vocals
bar:Kristian from:01/07/1969 till:01/06/1974 color:Guitars
bar:Kristian from:01/05/1976 till:01/02/2002 color:Guitars
bar:Heath from:01/07/1969 till:01/07/1970 color:Guitars
bar:Barrington from:01/07/1969 till:01/07/1970 color:Bass
bar:Paul from:01/07/1970 till:01/06/1974 color:Vocals
bar:Doyle from:01/07/1970 till:01/06/1973 color:Guitars
bar:Layton from:01/07/1970 till:01/06/1974 color:Bass
bar:Layton from:01/05/1976 till:end color:Bass
bar:Oliver from:01/06/1973 till:01/06/1974 color:Guitars
bar:Rae from:01/05/1976 till:01/08/1979 color:Vocals
bar:Rae from:01/09/1980 till:01/03/1983 color:Vocals
bar:Finn from:01/05/1976 till:01/09/1978 color:Guitars
bar:Banks from:01/09/1978 till:01/01/1979 color:Vocals
bar:Engel from:01/09/1978 till:01/10/1981 color:Guitars
bar:Kerr from:01/02/1979 till:01/09/1980 color:Vocals
bar:Walsh from:01/08/1979 till:01/09/1980 color:Vocals
bar:Jones from:01/09/1980 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Flinn from:01/10/1981 till:end color:Guitars
bar:James from:01/03/1990 till:01/02/2002 color:Vocals
bar:Rees from:01/03/2002 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Hankins from:01/03/2002 till:end color:Guitars
width:3 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
bar:Kristian from:01/07/1969 till:01/06/1974 color:Vocals
bar:Kristian from:01/05/1976 till:01/02/2002 color:Vocals
bar:Heath from:01/07/1969 till:01/07/1970 color:Vocals
bar:Barrington from:01/07/1969 till:01/07/1970 color:Vocals
bar:Doyle from:01/07/1970 till:01/06/1973 color:Vocals
bar:Layton from:01/07/1970 till:01/06/1974 color:Vocals
bar:Layton from:01/05/1976 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Oliver from:01/06/1973 till:01/06/1974 color:Vocals
bar:Finn from:01/05/1976 till:01/09/1978 color:Vocals
bar:Engel from:01/09/1978 till:01/10/1981 color:Vocals
bar:Flinn from:01/10/1981 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Hankins from:01/03/2002 till:end color:Vocals
bar:Doyle at:13/10/2001 text:†
bar:Davies from:20/02/2002 till:20/02/2002 color:Vocals
bar:Franklyn from:01/04/1984 till:04/05/1989 color:Vocals
LineData =
at:01/01/1970 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/11/1970 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/05/1971 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/09/1971 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/09/1972 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/03/1973 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/03/1974 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/08/1974 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/11/1976 color:Lines layer:back
at:01/09/1978 color:Lines layer:back

</timeline>

==Discography==
{{Main|The New Seekers discography}}
*''[[The New Seekers (album)|The New Seekers]]'' (1970)
*''[[Keith Potger and the New Seekers]]'' (1970)
*''[[Beautiful People (album)|Beautiful People]]'' (1971)
*''[[New Colours]]'' (1971)
*''[[We'd Like to Teach the World to Sing]]'' (1971)
*''[[Never Ending Song of Love (album)|Never Ending Song of Love]]'' (1972)
*''[[Circles (The New Seekers album)|Circles]]'' (1972)
*''Come Softly to Me'' (1972)
*''[[Now (The New Seekers album)|Now]]'' (1973)
*''[[Together (The New Seekers album)|Together]]'' (1974)
*''[[Farewell Album]]'' (1974)
*''Together Again'' (1976)
*''Anthem – One Day in Every Week'' (1978)
*''Tell Me'' (1982)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.myspace.com/thenewseekersofficial Official MySpace Entry]
* [http://www.lynpaulwebsite.org/Home.htm Lyn Paul] Official web site.
* {{discogs artist|The New Seekers}}
* {{IMDb name|1873499}}

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{{s-ach}}
{{succession box |
before=[[Clodagh Rodgers]] with ''"[[Jack in the Box (song)|Jack in the Box]]"'' |
title=[[UK in the Eurovision Song Contest]] |
years=1972 |
after=[[Cliff Richard]] with ''"[[Power to All Our Friends]]"'' |
}}
{{s-end}}

{{The New Seekers}}
{{United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest|state=collapsed}}
{{Eurovision Song Contest 1972|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:New Seekers, The}}
[[Category:The New Seekers| ]]
[[Category:British mixed-gender vocal pop groups]]
[[Category:Elektra Records artists]]
[[Category:English pop music groups]]
[[Category:Eurovision Song Contest entrants]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1969]]

Micro Chips

2025-08-08T15:02:40Z

2605:B100:717:619F:147F:16C9:B9E0:7AB9: /* External links */

{{about|the Mexican band|the electronic device|Integrated circuit|other uses|Microchip (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox musical artist 
| name = Microchips
| image =
| caption =
| image_size = 
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| origin = [[Torreón]], Mexico
| genre = [[Latin rock]], [[pop rock]]
| years_active = 1988–1993
| associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://instagram.com/micro_chips}}
}}

'''Microchips''' (also styled '''Micro Chips''' and '''M.I.C.R.O. C.H.I.P.S.''') was a Mexican children's [[rock music]] group active from 1987 to 1993.

==History==
In 1987 Javier Willy ([[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]) and Daniel Willy ([[drums]]) from [[Torreón]], Mexico, decided to start a band. Soon after, Ricardo Villa ([[lead guitar]]) and Sergio Robles ([[bass guitar]]) joined them under the name ''Explotion''. Later they were joined by Jay de la Cueva. To expand their regional musical career and supported by their parents, they moved to [[Mexico City]], where TV and [[record producer]] Luis de Llano Macedo, recognizing their potential he signed them and added his son, Tito de Llano. Finally, the Willy brothers invited their sister, Toti Willy, and this lineup became Micro Chips. [https://web.archive.org/web/20081029191137/http://generacionmicrochips.com/videos.htm (TV interview)] <ref name=hist>[http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/265617.recuerdan-sus-dias-micro.html Recuerdan sus días ‘micro’], a history of Microchips, in ''[[El Siglo de Torreón]]'', March 18, 2007 {{in lang|es}}</ref>

Their first album, ''Niños Eléctricos'', (Electric Children) with original music by Spanish composer Miguel Rios, was recorded in early 1988 with the advice and help from Ricardo Ochoa (musician and producer). They released three singles. ''No quiero'' (I don't want to), ''Angello'' which was composed specially for one of the "[[Menudo (band)|Menudo]]" members ([[Angelo Garcia]]) and gained popularity on the radio, and ''Boomerang'', a track for a [[roller coaster]] ride in Mexico City. This record received a gold award for its high sales.

In 1989 the band radically changed when Javier, Daniel and Toti Willy decided to return to Torreón, in order to continue their studies. They later formed Rock Kids which signed with Polygram Records and released two albums.

Microchips continued and looked for new band members, and found them in Mariana Navarro (Vocals), Jorge Mercado (Keyboards) and Tomás Pérez-Ascencio (Drums and Vocals). A single was released simply called ''Batimix'' (Batmix) while preparing the next album. This was during the 1989 Tim Burton's "Batman" craze.

''De Película'' (Movielike) from 1989 was the group's second album. Produced again by Ricardo Ochoa. With participation by Aleks Syntek and Jorge "Chiquis" Amaro as composers. Engineered and recorded by Juan Switalski. Several singles were released, "Grandes Años Del Rock And Roll", a cover of Jive Bunny's "Swing the Mood". ''Perro Lanudo'' (Fluffy Dog) was also released as a single. At the end of the subsequent tour Mariana Navarro left the group.

In 1990 ''Energía es Amo''r was released, produced by Marco Flores and recorded at Dallas Sound Lab studios., this time two new female singers join, Yani Contreras from Mexico City and Jessica Herreman from Guadalajara. Several singles were released from this album, Including ''Quiero Ser'' (I Want To Be) and ''Tiempo al Tiempo (Give Time the Time).'' This album also has songs written by Marco Flores, Ricardo Arjona, and band members Jay de la Cueva, Ricardo Villa and Tomás Pérez-Ascencio.

1992 brought ''No Somos Números''. Produced by Óscar Flores was the fourth and final album, again there were band member changes. Anna Borrás (Vocals) formerly at La Onda Vaselina/OV7 comes in place of Yani, and Alejandro Santoyo (Keyboards) comes in place of Jorge. The album is recorded in New York City and includes two cover songs from Jovanotti which also became two hit singles. ''Números-I Numeri'' (Numbers) and ''Sácalo-Diritti E Doveri'' (Rights and Duties). They toured extensively in Mexico and also did some concerts in the US.

In 1993 the band decided to record a new album and started looking for a new name, since they were no longer children. However this never happened, and the musicians continued their musical careers separately.<ref name=hist/><ref name=members>{{Cite web |url=http://generacionmicrochips.com/integrantes.htm |title=Band members |access-date=2008-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101017150029/http://generacionmicrochips.com/integrantes.htm |archive-date=2010-10-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2014 the band's Facebook page announced the re-release, on April 22, 2014, of the ''Niños Eléctricos'' album, celebrating its 25th anniversary and the Mexican holiday, [[Children's Day]], on April 30.

On February 23, 2024, on the band's Facebook page was announced the 35th Anniversary release by Universal Music México, of the Album "Niños Electricos" on March 8, 2024, featuring 3 bonus tracks, never released.

==Band members==

===Original lineup (Mark I)===
*Javier Willy (Keyboards and Vocals)
*Daniel Willy (Drums and Vocals)
*Toti Willy (Vocals)
*Ricardo Villa (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
*[[Jay de la Cueva]] (Bass and Vocals)
*Tito De Llano (Guitar and Vocals)

===Second generation (Mark II)===
*Ricardo Villa (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
*Jay de la Cueva (Bass and Lead Vocals)
*Tito de Llano (Guitar and Vocals)
*Tomás Pérez-Ascencio (Drums and Vocals)
*Jorge Mercado (Keyboards)
*Mariana Navarro (Vocals)

=== Third generation (Mark III) ===

*Ricardo Villa (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
*Jay de la Cueva (Bass and Lead Vocals)
*Tito de Llano (Guitar and Vocals)
*Tomás Pérez-Ascencio (Drums and Vocals)
*Jorge Mercado (Keyboards)
*Jessica Herreman (Vocals)
*Yani Contreras (Vocals)

=== Fourth Generation (Mark IV) ===

*Ricardo Villa (Lead Guitar and Vocals)
*Jay de la Cueva (Bass and Lead Vocals)
*Tito de Llano (Guitar and Vocals)
*Tomás Pérez-Ascencio (Drums and Vocals)
*Jessica Herreman (Vocals)
*Anna Borrás (Vocals)
*Alejandro Santoyo (Keyboards and Vocals)

==Discography==
From:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://generacionmicrochips.com/discografia.htm |title=Microchips discography |access-date=2008-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129032726/http://www.generacionmicrochips.com/discografia.htm |archive-date=2010-11-29 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*1988: ''Niños Eléctricos'' (Melody MITV-176, LP)[https://www.discogs.com/es/artist/4487358-Microchips]

#No Quiero
#Las Máquinas
#Angello
#Perdidos En La Distancia
#Boomerang
#Rock de La Cárcel
#Niños Eléctricos
#Quiero Cantar Rock And Roll
#Ser Feliz
#Horrible Pesadilla
#Recuerdos
#La Pared
*1989: Batimix (Melody SU/082, 12 in Extended Single)
*1989: De Película (Melody MEPR/7010, LP)[https://www.discogs.com/es/Microchips-De-Pel%C3%ADcula/release/15044368]

#Grandes Años Del Rock And Roll
#No Digas Para Nada
#Rock En El Universo
#Despertar
#Juguemos a Batman
#Microtecnochips
#Quiero Que Sepas
#Perro Lanudo
#Un Sueño Para Ti
#Batimix
*1990: Energia Es Amor (Melody LMD/613, LP)[https://www.discogs.com/es/Microchips-Energ%C3%ADa-es-amor/release/15044708]

#Energia
#Quiero Ser
#Tiempo Al Tiempo
#Oyendo Tu Voz
#Tu Amor Mi Vitamina
#A La Hora de Cantar
#A La Luz de La Luna
#Ganas
#Por Eso Te Quiero
#No Me Puedo Dejar Derribar

1992: No Somos Números (Melody LMD/746, LP)[https://www.discogs.com/es/Microchips-No-Somos-Numeros/master/1652336]

#Sirena
#Números
#Playa
#Sombra
#Ángeles
#Miente
#Lugar
#Sácalo
#Destino
#Chipicucu

*2024: ''Niños Eléctricos 35 Aniversario''
#No Quiero
#Las Máquinas
#Angello
#Perdidos En La Distancia
#Boomerang
#Rock de La Cárcel
#Niños Eléctricos
#Quiero Cantar Rock And Roll
#Ser Feliz
#Horrible Pesadilla
#Recuerdos
#La Pared
#Rock Queremos - 2024
#Televisor - Bonus Track 1988
#Soldedad - Bonus Track 1988

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://instagram.com/micro_chips Instagram]
*[http://www.facebook.com/MicroChipsOficial35 Facebook]
* [https://twitter.com/micro_chips_ Twitter]
*[http://soundcloud.com/microchips Soundcloud]
*[http://myspace.com/microchipsmx Myspace]
*[http://www.jwyasoc.com JW&A]

[[Category:Child musical groups]]
[[Category:Mexican rock music groups]]
[[Category:Mexican pop music groups]]
[[Category:Rock en español music groups]]