The Hollies - Concert Review

Southend, Cliffs Pavilion, 6^th March 2004 - by Gill Woods

What a joy it was to see The Hollies at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend. I went along with my husband and some friends, who all love their music.

Southend welcomed them with open arms. It is a town which has a history of rock n roll music etc. and has spawned such gems as Gary Brooker, Seal, I believe, James from Busted and a few others.

Despite a shaky start, due I think to Carl Wayne’s laryngitis, it just got better and better. I was singing along with all the songs, along with half the audience.

How does Tony Hicks stay so young. He doesn’t look much different from how he looked in the 60’s. His genius on the guitar and the electric sitar was truly magnificent.

The special effects were brilliant and the close up camera shots gave a different angle on the show. The version of Look Through Any Window was excellent.

I must say I found the Soldier’s Song very moving, not being too familiar with it before, although I discover we do have the track on one of our CD’s!

Thrown in for good measure were ” Fire Brigade” , “Blackberry Way” and “I Can Hear the Grass Grow” – all hits for Carl Wayne when he was with The Move and each number was brilliant. He certainly knew how to work the audience.

The entire line up gave a superb performance and at the end of the show, the crowd chanted for more, more, more. Back came Ray with Tiger Feet and many people, including me, were on their feet bopping to this memorable number. Then, of course, came the classic “He Ain’t Heavy” with another amazing backdrop on the screen. Such the right number to finish off the night. The whole audience were on their feet applauding a great show and a great band.

I must mention the Border Collie toy dog “Shep” which sat alongside Bobby’s drums all night without moving – he was obviously well trained by Carl who carried him off at the end of the evening!

I hope they return to Southend soon, as I will be first in line for a ticket.

Gill

Setlist