The Hollies - Concert Review

Doncaster Dome , 14^th November 1997 - by Wendy Carman

The lights went down at 8.00pm and the group started with the familiar favourites from the early days when they were constantly in the charts, their enthusiasm and energy matching their wonderful music making abilities and fabulous harmonies.

The Hollies are able to sing such a wide range of styles from ballads to rock, and they certainly did this tonight for us with brilliant performances from 'Butterfly' to 'When I'm Dead and Gone'

Allan still gives his all with his great singing ability, Tony is amazing on guitars and harmonies.

All 6 lads work so well together to create this 'sound' which only 'The Hollies' can produce.

Ian Parker decided to wander through the audience several times playing his accordion, he really seemed to enjoy his walk abouts.

As with all The Hollies concerts I have been to, the venue was full with enthusiastic fans, not all as 'mature' as me. Although the majority of the audience are of a similar age, The Hollies do attract youngsters with their energetic performances, and those here tonight are as keen to show their appreciation as the rest of the enthralled audience.

After the half-time break we all took our seats just as the fire alarm went off , so we had to evacuate the building, fortunately it was a false alarm and we were only out in the cold about 10 minutes and were soon warmed up when the second half started.

Tony and Allan have a wonderful 'banter' between the songs which is both informative and humorous, tonight Allan had a few words to say about Tony wearing the same suit for the last 30 shows, Tony said he was thinking about getting a new one for the Spring tour ( we shall be checking up on your wardrobe Tony).

All too soon 'Air That I Breath' and 'He Ain't Heavy'- both executed as brilliantly as ever- signal to me that there's not much time left, then the heavy beats of songs like 'Let's Dance' and 'Long Cool Woman' Alas the end of another wonderful night - their concerts don't get better because they are all perfect.

After the show the lads were all happy to sign autographs and be photographed by their loyal and adoring fans- including me.

What a great night.

Wendy Carman

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