The Hollies - Concert Review

Peterborough The Cressett, 23^rd October 1997 - by Helen & Tom Quinn

The audience, packed tightly into this compact venue, warmed through the first few numbers with hits like "Here I Go Again", "I Cant Let Go", "Sandy" and "Dragging My Heels".

Then followed the acoustics in which Allan Clarke sang "If I Were The Priest", a Bruce Springsteen number (although not previously recorded by him), and which remains obscure in meaning. This stilled the audience again, but their response to "Helplessly Hoping"(minus Ray with a sore throat) and Alan Coates' beautiful rendition of "Butterfly" got them going again.

The three numbers before the break generated even more life with "I'm Alive" , "Carousel" and a rousing rendition of "When I'm Dead And Gone".

The second half began with more hits, some with more unusual arrangements, but this salvo lit the audience, and their enjoyment increased to the end. The usual mix of hits and acoustics were present, but "Peggy Sue Got Married" with Buddy Holly, set the tone for a much more vibrant Rock and Roll performance. Ian Parker at one point even roamed amongst the audience playing his accordion.

The finale of "Lets Dance" and "Long Cool Woman", had the Holliettes dancing at the front of the stage and certainly made it a worthwhile and enjoyable evening for both band and audience alike. The Hollies seemed renewed and energised by their performance and somehow they looked younger this time in Peterborough.

Helen and Tom Quinn

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