The Hollies - Concert Reviews

The Hollies - Concert Review

Northampton Derngate, 13^th March 1998 - by Norah Adshead

As ever before a concert, the adrenaline was flowing, tonight I was feeling even more excited than ever. This was to be my daughter Carrie Ann's first Hollies concert. She was pretty excited herself as I introduced her to some of the many friends that I have made over the years.

We took our seats in the front row just to the left of Allan. At Derngate the seats go right up to the stage so you sit really close. Carrie beamed as the group took up their places on stage and the concert started. Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will. I love the way that Alan Coates picks up and finishes the lines on Yes I Will. Carrie Ann was already on the edge of her seat.

Tony welcomed us saying how last night we'd been introduced to Allan's butcher, his baker, he stopped there in case they had come again tonight.

I Can't Let Go came next. It is so typically Hollies with lovely harmonies and depth of sound, it will always rate very highly with me.

Tony talked a bit about the new Abbey Road releases during his introduction to Man With No Expression, I have liked this song since it first appeared on the American 3 CD set released in 1993. It sounds good live. Sorry Suzanne followed.

The acoustic set started with Tony saying how Allan was worried about playing the wrong chords on the next number, but quickly adding "He usually plays the right chords but not always in the right places" Don't Let Me Down is a special favourite of mine and I love this intermit version with Tony, Ian, Alan and Ray replacing the orchestra with vocal
harmonies, Allan playing solo guitar and vocals. It's magic.

Next, Stephen Stills' Helplessly Hoping, which has become a Hollies classic in my book. Now Alan Coates takes centre stage, "Don't get used to it!" Allan shouts from the wings. The mystical Butterfly.

The rest of the group came back on stage for I'm Alive, Ian now joining the others for the harmonies.

Carrie is still on the edge of her seat with her beaming face reinforcing her obvious enjoyment and appreciation of what is going on. Join the club Carrie, I told you they are just fantastic.

Tony picks up the mandolin, Coatsie the banjo and Allan grabs his harmonica and we are into When I'm Dead And Gone. The audience is in full swing, you just can't sit still to this one. On A Carousel brigs the first half to a close, everyone clapping along to the end.

We settled back into our seats eagerly awaiting the start of the second half. Allan came out in the now famous cream suit. Stop In The Name Of Love, Jennifer Eccles and Just One Look, all went down very well. Alan Coates plays brilliant guitar on Jennifer but Ray completely steals Just One Look.

Allan then introduced Ian, saying that after 35 years it was hard to know what to do next, so they were going to feature Ian. A ripple of applause from the regulars gathered momentum as Allen said. "He was a nice boy when he joined us. See what touring with The Hollies does for you." We're Through starts with Bobby, Ian jumped from the stage with his accordion. He has really added something to the great song. His accordion and keyboard playing are terrific, fitting so well with Bobby's brilliant drumming. Cheers, whistles and loud applause confirmed just how much the packed audience enjoyed it. Certainly one of the highlights for me.

Tony said there was no accordion when they recorded the next number. He knew 'cos he was there. Bus Stop in the original style is one that is loved by all, no matter where you are.

The introduction to Peggy Sue Got Married brought a cheer, followed by Maybe Baby and Rave On. Allan clearly loves these numbers. The harmonising on all three is terrific, Ray adding something special to Rave On with his deep, deep voice. Allan told us how he and Graham had chased someone, who they thought was Buddy Holly, down the street in London only to find it was Hank Marvin.

The Subject of Alan Coates' and Ray's shirts were the next topic of conversation. These were being worn outside the trousers and Tony and Allan wondered if they were hiding 'big tummies'. This led nicely to what they were going to do the next night when they were to play at Sheffield.

They had promised something special for the front row. This brought some squeals of delight from the regulars and laughter from everyone else when Allan asked if they should do a rehearsal now.

Back to the job in hand, Look Through Any Window, which shows off the musicianship and crystal clear harmonies of The Hollies so well, was next. Then Carrie Anne, almost as if Allan was aware she was there, he looked
right into her face as he sang "Hey, Carrie Anne".

We were treated to the long run in to Stop Stop Stop as we had been the night before. The Air That I Breathe heralded the beginning of the end, followed, after the usual bows by He Ain't Heavy. These two numbers always bring a lump to my throat.

Now it was time for the rock'n'roll, Carrie joined us on our feet, as Allan belted out Johnny B Goode, Let's Dance and Long Cool Woman.

From the slowest ballad to the rock'n'roll and everything that comes between, just goes to show The Hollies are the greatest. A Hollies concert is not just a brilliant nights musical entertainment, it is an emotional awakening that stays with you long after the night has ended.

Bye for now
Love Norah

Here are some pictures from the concert and outside the stagedoor after the show.

I can't think where Norah got the idea from but her daughter is named......