The Hollies - Concert Review

Hayes, Beck Theatre, 12^th March 2003 - by Kelly Daugherty (18)

It was simply great. I personally hadn't been to one of their concerts before, and I'm so glad I went this time. I was looking forward to the concert for about a year beforehand and I was upset when it was postponed-(which was fine, really. It was understandable; for good reason). It seemed like a long time-October to March- but it was definitely worth the wait.

I'm 18 and I had to get my dad (who's 57) to go with ME. (Even though he has always been a Hollies fan). Even though I wasn't born until 2 decades later, I love the 60's, in general, but the music is just the best. I am a Beatles fan; I love The Who, The Kinks, Pink Floyd, and the list just goes on.... yet I have a great appreciation for The Hollies music. I have always loved The Hollies- I remember singing Jennifer Eccles in nursery.

They have a special way of not just playing and writing their music but their singing as well. One of the many things to love about The Hollies is their ability to sing such great harmonies. It's not just their own brilliant songs, which they write, but also the way they take others' songs and totally make them their own.

Granted most bands could probably do so, but for me The Hollies do so in a Good way. When cover versions are done, (especially nowadays)- I usually find myself saying, "It's not as good as the original"; but I have always loved their version of Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' in the Wind'. I was So glad that they included this in their concert.

They performed that evening with so many different styles of music. Their songs were well chosen and it was a nice idea to include some great songs by The Move, and Mud. There were new songs, as well as a couple of songs, that were said to be not so well known, e.g. 'Too Young to Be Married'. It was known to me, (as I'm sure it is to most everyone who attended, and have been loyal fans from the start), and I happily sang along.

The anticipation, at the start, was made worse. Lights were flashing, there was music playing. This went on for a while, (you knew the band were getting ready; then it went dark and suddenly the lights were up again, the music had started, they were on the stage playing, and singing.

Other singers that I have seen live- I must admit this is not a big number - have not managed to even come close to the standard of singing and playing that The Hollies showed that night. They sang so good that it didn't seem live at times; but it was, and I was there and it was great. Yes, they have been doing this for a long time, and known what they are doing but this is why the deserve so much respect, (and I certainly have much for them and their great talents).

I must admit that I'm not much of an emotional person-supposedly something all females are....but when they sang the 'Soldier song, I have to say I felt something. An overwhelming feeling. Amazingly it bought tears to my eyes. This is an amazing gift to produce feelings like this, in anyone.

I do wish, so much, that Allan Clarke was still singing- absolutely No disrespect meant to Carl Wayne, who is an AMAZING singer and he was fantastic on Wednesday-(This is where I must add he and all of them in fact kept spirits high by making us laugh-e.g. the whole Bob Dylan from Southall thing)-but Allan Clarke had the most wonderful voice and basically I love him for that!!

Everyone in the band 'that night'-as I'm now calling it-was FANTASTIC, and for me especially, Tony Hicks' guitar/sitar playing was excellent-WOW!!

All of them were so wonderful. The night was simply a great display of true musical talent that will be there forever and has definitely made my life much better!!

I hope they know how much their music means to everyone-I'm sure they must. They certainly helped me on many levels as I listened to their music whilst growing up-(and now). The only thing that I have left to say is that now I have the means, in my life, I will DEFINITELY be going again, and hopefully again.. and again.. and again.

The Hollies will always be GREAT, and they proved it on the 12th March, at the Beck Theatre. (A great band and a great night for everyone!!!!).

By Kelly Daugherty

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