The Hollies - Concert Review

Eastbourne Congress Theatre, 14^th October 2000 - by Amanda Wilkins (Eastbourne Press)

This ain't heavy.....

The Congress Theatre was packed to the rafters on Saturday night for The Hollies.

The audience wouldn't let the group go, cheering and calling for more and they weren't disappointed by the new lead singer, Carl Wayne (former lead singer with The Move).

Founder member Allan Clarke decided to quit at the end of last year to spend more time with his wife Jeni who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Only two of the original members of the 1960's group remain, Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott. But they have an impressive line-up to complete the group with former Mud member Ray Stiles, Ian Parker and Alan Coates.

The Hollies have utilised the former members of other groups by adding some of their songs and Carl Wayne sang his Move hits, Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way. Ray Stiles also got the audience rocking with Tiger Feet which he used to sing with Mud.

There was also a very innovative item using the original voice of Buddy Holly on tape singing Peggy Sue Got Married to an arrangement played live by The Hollies.

All the old favourites were there, The Air That I Breathe, Here I Go Again, Carrie Anne and The Baby.

The group made the audience wait until the very last encore before they sang what is probably their most famous song, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

This song proved to be one of The Hollies biggest hits and became a No 1 hit second time around in the late 80's when it was featured in a TV lager commercial.

It was a most enjoyable evening and Eastbourne cannot wait for The Hollies to pay a return visit.

AMANDA WILKINS, EASTBOURNE PRESS

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