The Hollies - Concert Review

Leicester De Montfort Hall, 19^th March 1999 - by Steve England (Leicester Mercury)

Driving to the De Montfort Hall for the concert, I wondered how the Hollies would cope without Allan Clarke, who was unable to appear due to a family illness. As lead singer, he is such an important and integral member of the band.

Fortunately, the experienced John Miles, a friend of the band and guitarist with Tina Turner, offered his help at short notice and this had been gratefully accepted.

Try as the other band members may, the Hollies sound was not truly achieved, but the audience was prepared to accept the performance per se on the night.

It was not until John Miles sang 'The Air That I Breathe' and 'He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother' that the audience really appreciated his contribution.

As in the case of a football team, when a player is missing through injury, the rest of the team's performance kicks up a gear and the band's entertainment rating went through the roof. Each carried out extra duties to compensate.

Best wishes go to Allan Clarke and his wife -hurry back to Leicester fans as soon as you can with your colleagues.

Review courtesy of Steve England - Leicester Mercury

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