The Hollies - Concert Review

High Wycombe Swan, 14^th November 2004 - by Suzanne Peedell

Hi folks

It's the first time I've ever seen The Hollies in a concert and they were fantastic! It was a real eye-opener for me too because I'd heard so many of their songs on the radio over the years but not always associated them as being by The Hollies. So excuse me if I state the obvious from time-to-time in this post but they really blew me away.

I will confess to having a reason for seeing The Hollies in the first place and that is Peter Howarth. Peter and I go back a long way together because of Cliff and I wanted to come along and support him. And it was great to see him leading a show rather than being a backing singer. I have to say that the short silver jacket reminded me of one of Cliff's more frightening outfits. Mind you, Peter's always had a habit of wearing flamboyant jackets - such as the pink tartan thing he had in 1994 with Cliff. I can't help worrying that he's acquired Cliff's dress sense (or is that lack of?) and, yes, I have told him that too.

Anyway, I was also surprised and pleased to see yet-another Cliff face from the past in the guise of Steve Lauri (a band member from 1987-1990). I knew he'd sung the odd backing vocal for Cliff too but he was a treat to hear on his own.

Can I just say that Ray Styles, Ian Parker, Bobby Elliot and Tony Hicks were amazing too? Ray seems to have so much energy and Tony's guitar skills are phenonmenal.

And the songs, which sound so great on record, are terrific when performed live. The gutso of "I'm Alive" , in particular, left me wishing that they would perform it all night. Seriously folks, a live CD of one of these shows would be a real treat if it was possible.

I am new to The Hollies and am relying on this website to fill in all the gaps in my knowlege (which are gaping holes rather than gaps).

I could rave for hours about this show (sadly I've not found anybody to rave to yet) but I would blether on and on and on and I really don't think this forum is ready for me to be fully unleashed on them yet.

Setlist

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