The Hollies - Concert Review

Bath Theatre Royal, 3^rd March 1999 - by Charley Dunlap (Bath Chronicle)

Nostalgia is powerful force, and no doubt was a major factor in filling the Theatre Royal last night for the Hollies. It is exceedingly refreshing to discover that the Hollies are still playing real music.

The band is still basically in tact. It has always had a partially revolving membership, but lead singer Allan Clarke, guitarist-harmony singer Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott have throughout its 37 years been the mainstays of the band.

Now, the old Graham Nash role is filled by Alan Coates, the bass by Ray Stiles. With the addition of keyboardist, Ian Parker, that's it.

And what a glorious sound they produce. That unique high harmony blend remains smoothly crystalline, enveloping the brio of Allan Clarke's tenor. Their instrumental skills are a pleasant surprise; Bobby Elliott's drumming has always been the other signifying, and under appreciated, sound of the Hollies.

The songs are an endless stream of pop gems, light and melodic without descending to the twee.

Two highlights: Sandy, possibly the most beautiful of any version of any Springsteen song, and The Air That I Breathe, in a gentle version that avoided any of the usual excess.

They overcame a muddy sound mix to perform with candour, skill and, yes, dignity.

Review courtesy of Charley Dunlap, Bath Chronicle.

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