The Hollies - Concert Review

Eastbourne Congress Theatre, 19^th May 1998 - by Norah Adshead

This was an unexpected extra for me. A real treat as I had resigned myself to the fact that I just couldn’t manage to do it. I didn’t decide to go until the end of the Liverpool concert on the Sunday night, after an offer that I just couldn’t and didn’t want to refuse. I was seated in row R for the first half but as there was a spare seat towards the front, I moved down to F for the second.

The lighting looks totally different when you sit further back than the front two rows and is much more effective. It was nice to see the whole stage at one time as well, instead of having to look at each individual band member in turn.

The show started with the usual three numbers, Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will. Tony welcomed us and apologised for any inconvenience caused by cancelling the previous date back in March. He just glanced over the reason and then they got on with I Can’t Let Go. This is a brilliant song that comes over so well live. One of my favourites, the harmonies were perfect, Ray’s bass, the lead guitar solo, Allan’s growl…..all of it is Hollies at their best.

Allan then told us that as this was to be the last one of their eighty gigs they would be having a party. "As you can see," he said, " they’re all stoned." I think he was referring to the crew at this point. Anyway it raised a chuckle from the audience .

Sandy was followed almost immediately by Sorry Suzanne.

Tony then began to introduce Don’t Let Me Down. He called it stupendous, this was of cause following Allan’s comment that he only ever introduces it as a really nice song. Allan said "Thank you." Allan then went on to comment about Tony’s suit saying Tony had been ironing his suit again, and adding that Tony was the only person Allan knew who put creases in his sleeves. Allan asked if it was a promise when Tony said the suit wouldn’t be appearing again as you only have to look at it and it creases. Allan told him to be careful as he had promised that before. Tony then informed us he would be wearing a suit, in the second half , which he had also promised he wouldn’t wear again. We all knew it had to be the brown one.

Allan then gave us a tremendous rendition of Don’t Let Me Down. This is an all time favourite of mine and I think it comes over beautifully live with Alan, Ray, Ian and Tony doing the backing to Allan’s solo guitar and lyrics. Allan then said we wouldn’t hear that anymore. My heart sank momentarily. It picked up again with the start of the lovely Helplessly Hoping, after which Tony said Alan would be taking centre stage to sing Butterfly, for the last time. He asked Alan how it had felt? "Comfortable" came the reply.

Everyone back on stage now for I’m Alive, Ian gives this that something extra now that he joins the others in the harmonies. Tony picked up the mandolin and they went straight into When I’m Dead And Gone. As usual the first half closed with On A Carousel .

Yes we were right the brown suit had been resurrected, it looked remarkably well. Allan was wearing the beige one with the buttons that just won’t stay done up.

Stop In The Name Of Love brought cheers from the audience. This was followed by Jennifer Eccles which features Alan Coates playing slide guitar, brilliant, everyone was clapping along . Just One Look, which already had such great bass playing from Ray ,is absolutely terrific now he’s added the extra vocals at the end. He has an amazingly deep voice.

We were then introduced to the extraordinary Ian Parker who plays the accordion like you have never heard it played before. Ian then gave us an example of his capabilities. The audience loved it and clapped along. Well done Ian, hope we’ll have the pleasure again next time.

We’re Through is fantastic, from Bobby’s intro to Allan’s new found talent on the keyboards, not forgetting Ray’s ay oh’s and Ian’s walk about you just can’t sit still to this. Ian however did not return to the stage , he was up in the balcony when the song came to an end. Tony had to ask him to return as they needed him on the next song Bus Stop.

Peggy Sue Got Married was received with great applause. Peggy Sue came next, which was a change from the more regular Maybe Baby . Tony plays it at such speed. Then Rave On which is a fabulous version of this super song. I just wish it were a bit longer.

Allan picked up that Ray was wearing his glasses and asked why, Tony said it was because he had driven down for the first time since his accident. It was good to hear that he is getting mobile again.

Look Through Any Window showed off Tony and Alan’s superb guitar playing then Carrie Anne. Tony and Alan changed sides ready for Stop Stop Stop while Ian did his psychedelic bit. Tony launched into the long introduction, which brought a cheer from the crowd .

The lovely Air That I Breathe filled my eyes with tears, He Ain’t Heavy is also much more moving towards the end of a tour. Tonight Allan sang them both beautifully.

Johnny Be Good, Let’s Dance and Long Cool Woman brought another brilliant tour to an end.

I’m just so grateful for the chance to get to this concert, it was far too good to miss. Thank you Rob.

Norah Adshead

Setlist

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