The Hollies - Concert Review

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 7^th October 1999 - by Rochelle (Shells) Manson

What a night last night at the Concert Hall here in Glasgow. Evergreen music, fantastic voices and harmonising! Tony Hicks excelled himself as usual, playing even better than ever. Bobby Elliot continues to make his mark as an excellent drummer, in my opinion the best in the business (maybe I am just prejudiced, but I stand by what I say).

Nice to have Alan Coates, Ray Stiles and Ian Parker doing a lot more than in previous tours. They are extremely talented and they had a chance to shine last night. Allan Clarke, my favourite of the group, was great as usual, belting out all their classics and more!

I was a bit disappointed that "Amazing Grace" wasn't re-introduced this time around, but maybe we can persuade them to bring it back for the next tour. Nor did they perform "Purple Rain" but they did the old favourites such as "I'm Alive", "The Air That I Breathe", "He Ain't Heavy", "Bus Stop" "Stop Stop Stop" and many more classics.

Alan Coates' rendition of the Graham Nash number "Butterfly" was really excellent, even better then the original. Alan has a wonderful voice and when he harmonises with Tony and Allan Clarke it is fantastic. Their rendition of "After the Fox" was superb and it took me a while to figure out where the deep voice was coming from, Ray was hidden from my sight by Alan Coates. Ian Parker is such a relaxed and talented performer, his keyboard work was as usual second to none and I enjoyed his little stroll around the audience whilst playing his accordion complete with his searchlight attached to his forehead.

The Hollies always seem to come up with surprises in their act and last night's version of "Peggy Sue Got Married" with them 'backing' the late, great Buddy Holly due to Ray Stile's expertise was superb.

All in all it was yet another Golden Moment in the history of The Hollies. I hope you keep on coming back to see us.So I would just like to add one final comment. Which is "COME BACK SOON LADS. GLASGOW LOVES YOU" And so does Shells!!

Setlist

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