The Hollies - Concert Review

Glasgow, Pavilion Theatre, 11^th March 2004 - by Shells Manson

A Night to Remember with The Hollies

At last my wishes and prayers were answered! The Hollies were returning to Glasgow for the first time since October 1999! I couldn't wait to get my tickets and because of a glitch last year I decided just to get tickets for me and Raymond. he's always been a Hollies fan, although not as mad as me!

I had not seen The Hollies with Carl Wayne and whilst they'd appeared in other parts of the UK, Scotland was missed out, buy BOY did they make up for that last night! I thought Wayne was a wee bit off at the start, but then I remembered he'd recently had laryngitis, although as the night progressed I was smitten!

They sprang onto the stage to tumultuous applause and kicked off with I'm Alive.

After the first three songs, Carl introduced the boys in the band starting with Tony and then Bobby who, although he may be at the back most of the time, you can't miss him with his brightly coloured shirts! Bobby, keep wearing them cos they suit you!

Then they worked their way through their hits from long ago. "Yes I Will" had been rearranged to the last time I'd heard it but it was superb. Then Alan Coates sang "On a Carousel", ably helped by Carl, Tony and Ray ...Boy can these guys sing!

This was followed by an accoustic version of "Listen to Me" and "I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top" before "I Can't Let Go", a song from the Move, sung of course by Carl called "Fire Brigade" and by this time the lads had the audience singing along and doing the chorus lines for them.

I was amazed at the talent of every one the Hollies but during "We're Through" we got some insight into just how clever they are. They are versatile enough to just take over an instrument that's free. For example, Carl started off singing and Ian played his accordion doing his little walkabout in amongst the audience. By this time, the screen was showing shots of all the lads but when Ian came back on stage, Carl demonstrated his expertise on the keyboard with the shots on screen of him playing. Whilst he was doing that, Ian took over the lead vocals.

Ian's mum and dad were in the audience and how proud they must be of him and well deserved pride too! They are the most versatile group around. Why aren't they mentioned in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame?

Carl's bubbly personality really shone through and they all interacted well with the audience. Somehow they seemed to be a lot more relaxed than they had been the last time they were here and although I miss Allan Clarke (well, he was my favourite in those days gone by) I think Carl was the right guy for the job.

Then followed, "Look Through Any Window", in an arrangement used a couple of years ago for this tour. In the background there was the screen showing stained glass style windows and shots of Tony playing away on his wonderful guitars from the selection that he always has behind him on stage ready to play.

They are definitely comfortable as a band now, more so than ever!

Then, the 1st half ended with a fantastic rendition of "Blowin' in the Wind" which left us asking for more.

After being treated to information on how to contact The Hollies and the websites, emails etc, the band leapt back onto the stage to rapturous applause and cheering!

Beginning with "Long Cool Woman" sung exuberantly by Carl whose voice was fully warmed up. Through all the songs the crowd got more excited and we were all singing along to "Sorry Suzanne" & "Just One Look".

Carl even gave us the football score cos Celtic were playing Barcelona! Much to the disappointment of Raymond cos he had got me to record the match for him to watch when we got home!

Then Carl announced that he was going to sing "The Baby", which I normally dislike. Remember Mikael Rikfors? That was the song he sung the first time Allan Clarke left. Carl sang it really well because it's not an easy tune. I find it a bit flat but that's the way it's written but Carl has again put his signature on it.

He then sang a brilliant version of "Soldier's Song". The video wall was incredible with the flames flickering in the background. When they showed the house being blown up, I felt shivers down my spine. The technical crew they have are really amazing.

Acoustic versions of "Gasoline Alley Bred" & "Too Young to Be Married", another couple of classics then followed. And what do I say about Tony's skills as a musician? Wow, he is amazing and still looks younger than his years. I thought the guitar break in the middle of "Too Young" was fantastic. He almost makes that guitar talk! Wonder if he can get it to make him a cuppa?

Then came "our song" (Raymond and mine") that timeless classic "Bus Stop". In the background they had the video screen showing different bus shelters. It's still one of the nicest songs of all. Raymond always had an umbrella so that is why we call that song our OWN.

When Carl started singing Blackberry way, he got us all singing along the chorus for him! I think that is when the audience really started to get into the groove and start dancing.

Next came "Carrie Anne" closely followed by that all time fave "Stop, Stop, Stop" again with an enthusiastic Tony on Banjo that left me totally breathless.

Carl announced the "last" song "The Air That I Breathe". The screen lit up and you could have heard a pin drop. Until the chorus, all of us joining in! He couldn't get us to shut up could he?

Then "I Can Hear the Grass Grow" again encouraging us to sing along. By this time there were a lot of us dancing in the aisles.. ATMOSPHERE. it was jumping!

Gosh the only ones I haven't mentioned are Bobby and Ray. it may make you think they weren't there but what Hollies concert could ever be complete without Bobby on drums.

Ray led us all into an energetic rendition of "Tiger Feet" and along with Alan did some great moves with the guitars. Yup, they appeared to be really enjoying themselves!

By now there wasn't one person sitting in their seats the music had us dancing. Even me with me crutches! A sight to behold!

We'd waited all night for it but as usual they kept the best till last. "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother! I was reserving my judgement on Carl till I heard him sing it and sing it well he did.. He's most definitely a Hollie in my book!

The evening finished with "It's In Everyone Of Us" which was beautifully sung by Carl, Alan, Tony, and Ray, showing us once again what a talented harmonising group they are. Each of the band has their own special talent but I have to say that they all have fantastic voices.

The wonderful sound unique to The Hollies has stayed with them which makes them keep their title of "Best Harmonising Group" Long may they continue to make such wonderful music.

My evening didn't end there. I had made up my mind before I went that after the show I'd go to the stage door, as usual. I'd chatted to Rob & Lesley Haywood over the evening as they were selling merchandise in the foyer, and I told him that he'd better get the guys out quickly so that I could say hi before going home.

I waited outside the theatre in my chariot whilst Raymond went to the car. Whilst there I met up with Gordon and Göran, two of my friends from The Hollies Forum.

Göran came over from Sweden with his wife, son and a couple of friends specially to see The Hollies in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Stirling. What a nice guy. He even gave me a wee pressy, a CD of Mikael Rikfors. We all chatted whilst waiting for the lads to appeared and that kept our minds off the cold weather At last some of The Hollies came out and we had a wee photo session with Ray, Alan, Carl and Ian. I gave up waiting for Bobby and Tony which, was disappointing but it was such a good night, that I can forgive them.

All I want to say now to The Hollies is, please don't leave it for another 4 or 5 years before you come back to Glasgow. Think of the audience there and how much Glasgow loves you. Now I can go to sleep and dream of this wonderful night! Thanks for a fantastic evening

Come back soon!

Shells

Setlist