The Hollies - Concert Review

Southport Theatre, 9^th November 2003 - by Peej

It was with even more anticipation than the previous night that Spev and I arrived in Southport. At one point we were seriously considering the fact that we wouldn’t get there at all because the trains were all broken and delayed. However I immediately knew the night was going to be a success because I did my best reverse parallel park on a straight road and that brought back my fading energy!

We arrived at Southport Theatre and were able to catch strains of the sound check before Spev showed me the stage door. Would you believe Tony stuck his head out of a door? I could hardly. Spev asked him out for a drink which he declined and he asked if it was raining and then we left.

We sat in our seats, eagerly awaiting the concert and met a friend- Madeline- who I’d heard of but never met and she was lovely, we discussed the guys before and during the gig. The guys came on stage to huge applause and launched into Long Cool Woman. Spev danced along doing perfect air drumming and I moved from side to side in my usual manner (I can’t dance but move enthusiastically). Alan Coates was definitely enjoying Spev’s dancing/ air drumming. The songs were much better this night- which I feel was due to the sound being balanced better than at Sunderland. Alan’s slide guitar solo in Jennifer Eccles is great, I really like the slide guitar sound. The guys sang their wonderful hits including (one of my favourites) Look Through Any Window and one of Carl’s favourites; I’ll Be True to You. I like the their set list- they begin the gigs with their ‘hit’ songs and then start to introduce their lesser well known songs.

Bobby, Carl and Ian left the stage and I knew it was time for Ray to come forward for Listen To Me. I love Listen To Me it’s a wonderful song and I enjoy the guys’ arrangement- I love acappella harmony singing, I certainly never tire of hearing that beautiful sound. The first half seemed to go so quickly and soon we were into Blowin’ In The Wind written by the ever-local Bob Dylan- I forgot what Carl said now. Carl's voice was amazing all night but I love hearing him sing this! Another song I love Carl’s singing in is Sandy which they performed during the first half. He really puts feeling into the lyrics- you can’t help but be wowed by him.

Then, all too soon it was the interval, I was eagerly anticipating the next half. I always hate it when you’re waiting for something that’s going to be great and time drags on, then when you’re busy enjoying this great thing, time just whizzes past- it’s very unfair. We were very soon back for the second half. Oh that was definitely better than Sunderland.

After starting the second half with their new record; How Do I Survive, the guys were soon playing The Baby. Tony’s sitar solo was very different (although popular in Bradford) and not the same as the night before- very enjoyable. I love Carl singing this song as well. And then we launched into one of the most moving songs that Carl sings (apart from Sandy); Soldier’s Song. The lighting programme which accompanies the show is truly amazing but this new version really excels itself and I loved the intense red wash that covered band and added so much depth to the song. This was enhanced by Carl’s wonderful voice as he sang this song; aptly fitting as it was remembrance day, his meaningful vocals and Bobby’s drumming sent shivers down my spine. Even Tony’s guitar solo- which is so right for the song couldn’t make me feel anything other than respectful and sad. I found myself thinking- ‘I know they have loads of hits like Carrie Anne etc. but how can they follow that without ruining the atmosphere and feeling after the song?’ Even poor Tony said, after the audience quietened, “Follow that? We’ll try.” And they followed with Gasoline Alley Bred- another favourite- before Tony launched into the ever wonderful Too Young To Be Married where I start moaning; why oh why can’t he borrow Alan’s Laravee (I reckon) Classical guitar and play the wonderful solo on that, the guitar he uses doesn’t sound right to me. But he played the solo and I soon forgot my grumble.

When Carl, Bob and Ian returned to the stage they launched into the Move hits and the rest of the Hollies hits including Blackberry Way, during which Carl came to our side of the stage with his microphone stand and everyone in the front two rows sat back in their seats as Carl offered the gentleman in front of me the chance to sing. The poor guy refused to oblige and Carl said he had to dance during Carrie-Anne which followed. Obviously this poor guy didn’t but Carl certainly surprised us with a few moves to try and show the guy what to dance. Then they started to wrap up the show with the wonderful Air That I Breathe- I love that guitar intro. Tony! Carl announced it as the last song but everyone was shouting for more and the guys obliged with Move and Hollies songs including I Can Hear The Grass Grow, Fire Brigade and Bus Stop.

Carl left the stage but not before inviting the audience to dance to Tiger Feet and we jumped up so I made the effort to sway side to side as I clapped. Again another wonderful non- Hollies song that the guys make their own through the Hollies style. I agree with Carl when he mentioned at the beginning that it’s the quality of the songs not just the musicians that keep the band so popular today. Alan and Ray certainly enjoyed themselves during Tiger Feet as they waved their guitars in time to the music. Carl returned centre stage and started the ever poignant He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother. Although this song is the one Hollies song that everyone knows no matter what. I may tire of the cd recording being played on radio non stop when the guys had so many other hits but I can’t tire of the live version.

The guys concluded with a beautiful It’s In Every One Of Us, bowed and left. The audience were ecstatic and probably would have stayed for more if the guys would have. I don’t feel I have given any of the guys enough credit for the wonderful jobs they do during and after the gigs; their friendliness towards fans is always well received. I certainly feel like I haven’t mentioned Alan, Ian, Ray or Bobby’s contributions to the concert as much as I would like but they truly keep you entertained; Alan’s beautiful version of Butterfly, Ian’s piano-accordion work in the audience and the ever wonderful and definitely most under-appreciated drummer ever; Bobby. He’s a very cool guy.

Roll on Manchester... or is that Rock On?

By Peej

Back to Review Index