The Hollies - Concert Review

Hayes, Beck Theatre, 2^nd October 1997 - by Sue Kelly & Norah Adshead

The second concert began with "Stay", "Here I Go Again" and "Yes I Will". All were very warmly received. The audience were obviously going to be very vocal again.

Tony welcomed everyone to The Beck. He warned that there were a lot of new songs on this tour and said that, whereas they had all concentrated very hard on the 1st night, they might be more relaxed tonight and things were more likely to go wrong. This was not a problem for the more die hard fans for whom a little spontaneity is all part of the fun. This was followed by a brilliant rendition of "I Can't Let Go".

"Sandy" was different to the previous night reverting back to the version played on the last tour, with Coatsie and Tony on acoustic guitars.

"Draggin' My Heels" was terrific with each member of the group giving 100% effort.

Next came a song which was 'accidentally' omitted from the previous nights show.
Alan Coates placed the strap of his acoustic guitar around Allan Clarke's neck and then joined Tony at his microphone, stage right. We were then treated to a performance of Allan Clarke singing "If I Were The Priest", accompanying himself on guitar, with Tony and Alan providing backing vocals. This lovely track is taken from Allan's solo album, "Allan Clarke".

It was followed by the enthralling "Helplessly Hoping". Then Coatsie once again took centre stage for the haunting "Butterfly". He does sing this beautifully.

The rest of the lads returned during Ian's intro to "I'm Alive" before "On A Carousel" led the way to the final song of the first half. "When I'm Dead And Gone" was good last night, tonight it was stupendous.

"Stop In The Name Of Love" opened the second half, quickly followed by "Jennifer Eccles" and "Just One Look." The new arrangement of this one includes some fantastic bass playing by Ray Stiles.

The undoubted star of "We're Through" was Ian Parker, who provided rhythm and melody in equal measures as his fingers zipped up and down the keyboards.

A very nice version of "Bus Stop", played in the original style - although with the interesting addition of Ian on the accordion - was next.

The Buddy Holly section followed with "Peggy Sue Got Married", "Maybe Baby", "Peggy Sue" and the marvellous "Rave On".

They then returned to their own material with "Look Through Any Window". This seems to be better than ever' with Tony's fingers almost moving faster than the eye can see.

A slightly different "Carrie-Anne" led quickly into "Stop Stop Stop" to which the audience clapped along with throughout. Having moved to Coatsies side of the stage to play banjo, Tony then had to dash back to his own side to play the opening notes of "The Air That I Breathe".

We couldn't believe we were nearing the end of our second concert but, as last night,, the show finished with "He Ain't Heavy", "Little Queenie", "Money" and "Long Cool Woman". Magic!

The audience gave them a well deserved standing ovation.

Roll on Paignton! Sue Kelly and Norah Adshead.

Setlist

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