The Hollies - Concert Review

Eastbourne Congress Theatre, 14^th October 2000 - by Claire Peters

I, like may other I'm sure, couldn't imagine The Hollies with Allan Clarke - the ultimate frontman. But what a show on Saturday, Carl Wayne has brought new life to the band, his voice is fantastic. There seems to be new enthusiasm throughout.

The show opened with their sixties no.1 I'm Alive, and Carl seemed to captivate the audience immediately. The usual hits followed, but there were plenty of surprises in between.

One of the highlights for me was The Baby. I've never heard them do it live before, and with Tony Hicks playing electric sitar I thought it was better than the original.

Soldier's song made a welcome return with Bobby Elliott's impeccable drumming, and there were great acoustic versions of Bus Stop and The Move's Flowers in the Rain.

Alan Coates was excellent as usual singing Butterfly with Ian Parker's precise backing on keyboards. It was great to see Ray Stiles move up front for a couple of songs - Blackbird (fantastic harmonies) and later for his big hit with Mud, Tiger Feet, which got everyone in the audience moving.

Tony introduced us to his new 12 string guitar, and as he said it produced a very authentic sixties sound on I Can't Let Go and Look Through Any Window.

Carl's voice seemed not to have changed since the sixties when he sang Blackberry Way, and the harmonies between him, Tony and Alan were incredible on Listen to Me.

All too soon it was nearly time to go, with The Air that I Breathe, Long Cool Woman and He Ain't Heavy bringing us to the end of a truly fabulous show, one of the best I've seen for years.

The whole band were extraordinary, and I hope they continue for many years to come.

Claire Peters, Wales

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