The Hollies - Concert Review

Harrogate International Centre, 9^th October 1999 - by Liz Dewar

6 Days In The Life Of A HOLLIES Fan.

Harrogate at last!! After trekking across Scotland from Reading on the train for the last 3 days to see them, we have now arrived for a relaxing (?1?) 2 days in Harrogate for our fan club Convention on Saturday afternoon (a chance to meet, photograph and chat to our band as well as being wined and dined at their expense again - they did the same thing for us last year, thanks a lot guys, it is so much appreciated, and for the show at the Centre on Saturday night.

The hotel where the Convention was held did us proud, although It was rather warm especially when the band arrived, Alan Coates remarking it was warmer in there than on stage! They arrived at 4pm and stayed with us for over an hour, posing for photographs, signing autographs and chatting before finally getting away just after 5pm to do their sound check for that evening's show.

The show kicked off with the original version of Here I Go Again followed by Jennifer Eccles and Just One Look, also in the original style. Allan then introduced Sandy a beautiful song written by his old mate Bruce Springsteen. Stay comes next in it's original style then Tony tells us about the next song which was the title track from the film "After The Fox", a Burt Bacharach composition on which Peter Sellars voice joins the band on stage by taking lead vocal; I like the bit at the end where Ray does the evil laugh. Ian talks us into "Bus Stop" (original style) and then Tony into the great B' side "Running Through The Night", a really good Country style song. Then comes one of my favourite songs from the whole show, an album track that Allan says he wrote when he was stoned!! "Rocking Horse". Great song, great guitar Allan. The lights then dim. the band leave the stage and after Tony's introduction Alan Coats sings the haunting "Butterfly", the title track from the 1967 album of the same name. I'm glad to see the lighting used on the last tour has been kept in, very captivating! The band return and "I'm Alive" comes next.

Before Tony sings "When I'm Dead And Gone"' he notices his old red suit sitting in the front row. I should explain that during the Convention, we had on auction of stage suits and other items kindly donated by the band themselves (thanks Maureen for emptying Bobby's wardrobe!). The money raised all went to charity. Tony cannot believe his red suit went for £180. Wonder how he'll feel when he finds out that one of Bob's shirts vent for £200!!

All too soon 'On A Carousel' closes the first half.

The second half opens with 'I Can't Let Go', 'Sorry Suzanne', 'Yes I Will' then 'King Midas In Reverse', all done in their original style and familiarly received with great applause by the audience.

Allan then launched into his harmonica solo, assisted by Tony with special effects. I believe this song is by Cyril Baylis is called 'The Train'. It always puts a tingle down my spine!!! On completion of his solo, Allan comes to the front of the stage and throws the harmonica to a gob-smacked fan in the audience. Guess what takes pride of place on her mantelpiece? Before she has a chance to calm down off we go again with 'We're Through' during which Ian goes walkabout through the audience. Complete with accordion and miner's lamp on his head, but poor Ian doesn't

make it back on stage in time so the ever-versatile Mr Clarke steps into the breach. Is there no end to this mans talents? The audience generously applaud Ian's deputy.

The Hollies, along with Emmy Lou Harris, The Mavericks and others were asked to contribute to an album of songs by Buddy Holly. So, thanks to a clever arrangement by Ian Parker and some technical wizardry by the much under-rated Ray Stiles (you may remember him from his days with MUD) we hear the voice of the great man himself approximately 40 years after his death singing 'Peggy Sue Got Married' and being backed by THE HOLLIES. Very spooky.

Ever willing to give other bands a chance The Hollies turn their talents to Paul McCartney's 'Blackbird', so it's time for Alan and Tony with Ray taking centre stage this time (after Allan

requesting Ray doesn't spit on his mike). Great arrangement, even greater harmonies.

The rest of the band return and Allan says that after a request from a fan that afternoon, they will do the first 2 verses of 'I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top'. Great stuff boys!! Then comes the re-vamped version of 'Look Through Any Window' - rapturous applause meets this song - not surprising after the amazing guitar work by Messrs Hicks and Coates. I've always believed Tony Hicks has never received the acclaim from the music industry that he so rightly deserves. This man truly is a craftsman, an expert guitarist and if there is any doubt in your mind, just listen to his banjo solo on the belly-dancing 'Stop Stop Stop'. Just proves my point!!!

The all-time classics follow 'The Air That 1 Breathe' and then the tear-jerking 'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother' brings them a standing ovation but not a dry eye in the house!! While everyone is still on their feet, the guys break into the Rock 'n' Roll set with 'Maybe Baby' (another Buddy Holly) then follows my personal favourite 'Lets Dance' a Chris Montez song.

By this time the front 2 rows are on their feet front of stage joined by members from other parts of the audience. It's impossible to stay in your seat. 'Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress' is the last song of the evening and after a lot of hand clapping and foot stomping from us, Allan introduces the band and Tony Introduces Allan giving us all a chance to express our thanks and show our appreciation. Thanks guys for yet another great show, another chance to meet up with fellow HOLLIES fans and, in general, a great life as a proud HOLLIES fan!!

I would just like to add a foot-note here to the music industry in general. We see all these bands being awarded for 15, 20 or 25 years contribution to music, well these guys have been around for

36 years now. They may not have had chart success in recent years but they sure did in the 60's, 70's and even 80s - 'He Ain't Heavy' is a classic everyone knows throughout the whole World. They're always trying new arrangements from Ian, difficult technical stuff from Ray because they are not content to rest on their long established laurels. You go to any theatre in the land from The Royal Albert Hall to any of the provincials and these guys pack the place. And I guarantee, once you've seen them, you'll be back for more.

So come on music industry, let's give THE HOLLIES the acclaim and recognition they deserve before they decide to call it a day and they are lost to us forever.

Liz Dewar, Reading

Back to Review Index