The Hollies - Concert Review

Hull New Theatre, 14^th November 2000 - by Simon Tordoff

‘The Hollies’ in the year 2000 still feature the trademark sound of harmony combined with power, but whilst the show retains that familiar feel, there exists a freshness due in no small part to the latest addition to the line up, ex-‘Move’ lead singer, Carl Wayne.

Thankfully for the fans, The Hollies decided to continue touring and making music following the retirement of Allan Clarke, and it must be said that Allan’s replacement has done an admirable job and quickly made centre stage his very own.

Whilst Allan Clarke’s distinctive voice is obviously missing, Carl Wayne nevertheless makes up for that by providing a more mellow but much stronger voice with a fabulous range, more than equipping him to handle The Hollies stage standards which the majority of the audience have come to see. However, there is a generous sprinkling of material which The Hollies have not performed on stage prior to this tour, and whilst probably unfamiliar to the casual Hollies concert-goer, these gems provide a real treat for the fans.

But the hits are still in abundance. Tony Hicks is in sparkling form on all manner of guitars, notably his new 12 stringer which provides a very authentic sixties sound and allows the band to reproduce, amongst others, their 1965 hit “Look Through Any Window” in pretty much it’s original form. “On A Carousel” has also gone full circle (pardon the pun!) and there is the welcome return of the dramatic and evocative “Soldier’s Song” which Carl handles with style. A refreshing addition to the repertoire is the 1972 hit “The Baby”, complete with Tony’s electronic sitar and Carl’s powerful vocals mirroring those of original vocalist, Mikael Rickfors. The first half builds to a close on a high with The Hollies version of the Bob Dylan classic, “Blowin’ In The Wind” where Carl’s vocal delivery really brings the song alive, complete with a rocking guitar contribution from Tony and dynamic drumming from Bobby Elliott.

I must confess that I am not old enough to remember The Move, but when The Hollies perform their versions of the classics “Flowers In The Rain” and “Blackberry Way”, the sound of The Move is instantly recognisable from Carl Wayne’s voice. However, I can just about remember Mud’s “Tiger Feet” for which Ray Stiles takes centre stage and brings the audience to it’s feet.

I would imagine there’s a fine line to be drawn between including ‘new’ songs for the ardent Hollies follower, yet retaining enough familiar hits to keep the majority of the audience happy. I reckon The Hollies have got the formula just about right on this tour and with new studio material promised and the now seemingly endless scope for performing songs from their vast back catalogue, I’m sure that the fans are eagerly awaiting and expecting more surprises next year.

The vocal side of the Hollies may sound a little different, but that was inevitable. No-one could replace Allan Clarke, but in my opinion, The Hollies have certainly taken a firm step forward with the addition of Carl Wayne. He exudes warmth and class and certainly seems to have been welcomed to the fold by The Hollies’ faithful fans.

Anyone with any doubt that they may have lost their appeal with the retirement of Allan Clarke should go and see the show, because after 37 years of making wonderful music, this is a band with a new lease of life, emitting warmth, enthusiasm and an obvious enjoyment of what they do.

Simon Tordoff

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