The Hollies - Concert Review

Manchester Bridgewater Hall, 16^th April 1999 - by Jim Chadwick

On almost any night in the early sixties one could hear the music of any of scores of local groups coming from the cellar clubs that were situated in the side streets off Albert Square, Market Street and Shudehill in Manchester. Many of these groups were good, some were very good, a few went on to achieve national and international recognition; but none have achieved the lasting success and popularity as have The Hollies.

Thus on Friday 16^th April, at a new venue, separated in distance and time by half a mile and 35 years from the old Oasis Club, the faithful gathered once again to see and hear one of the most talented and gifted groups to emerge from the "Beat Group" era of the sixties.

A packed house, or it certainly seemed so from where I was sitting in the centre stalls, at the Bridgewater Hall was treated to two hours of expert musicianship. Many of the old hits were performed with the consummate skill that we have come to expect at a Hollies gig. Once again memories were stirred by Bus Stop, Here I Go Again, He Ain't Heavy, Carrie Ann and many more hits, as well as some less well known pieces such as After the Fox. The whole performance culminated in a standing ovation with many of the fans dancing at the front of the stage.

I say memories were stirred, but in fact, as I looked around the audience at the interval and after the performance, there were very many faces who are surely too young to remember the original Hollies line up. (On the other hand, maybe they share Tony Hicks secret of eternal youth).

So what is the secret of the enduring popularity of The Hollies? It is surely that each individual member is a master of his craft; from the unmistakable voice of Allan Clarke to the skill of Bobby Elliot, the best drummer in the business, via the virtuoso guitar playing of Tony Hicks. (His banjo playing is also worthy of note, once again the audience was in raptures by the excitement of Stop, Stop, Stop).These three original group members are more than ably augmented by Alan Coates, Ray Stiles and Ian Parker; the latter treating the audience to a walkabout and a close-up of his bondage gear and head lamp at one point.

This is what still brings people out on a Friday night in Manchester to pay homage to their "own" group; it is memorable songs, expertly written and performed by a band that has been one of the best in the business for well over thirty years. So I have one piece of advice, if you like live music, performed with great enthusiasm by expert musicians, then make the effort to get to a Hollies gig, you will not be disappointed. What The Hollies record, they deliver live on stage.

To The Hollies I say this; as long as you feel like taking to the road and playing, we will still be here to listen, and to give you the warmest of welcomes in Manchester. And if you could include Searchin, Lawdy Miss Clawdy, Rockin' Robin, and Too Much Monkey Business, the welcome will be even warmer!

Jim Chadwick, 20^th April 1999

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