Chris Curtis Dies

Chris Curtis, 63, a drummer for 1960s group The Searchers, died February 28th at his Liverpool home after a long illness. The exact cause of death was not disclosed.

The Searchers, with Curtis on drums, formed at about the same time as the Beatles, and the band’s popularity briefly rivaled the Fab Four.

The group is best known for international hits “Needles and Pins,” “Sugar and Spice” and “Don’t Throw Your Love Away.”

Curtis left The Searchers in 1966 and went on to perform with The Flowerpot Men. He also performed with Roundabout, which later became Deep Purple.