The Hollies - Concert Review

Cambridge, Corn Exchange, 9^th November 1997 - by Helen & Tom Quinn

The last night of a weekend of four concerts. The Hollies seem to draw energy from performing. Tonight they were simply magical, clearly fully enjoying the occasion and response, witty and mischievous, and full of humour.

The introduction of a handful of hits, "Stay", "Here I Go Again" and "I Cant Let Go" set the scene for a great rock and roll night.

And The Corn Exchange certainly rocked. Allan Clarke bounced around the stage and the others basked in the warmth of the reception by an appreciative audience.

Even the curious rendition "The Priest". by the said Mr. Clarke failed to detract from the mood of the evening, and they just loved a very moving performance of "Butterfly" by the greatly underrated Alan Coates.

The second half of the maelstrom was electric. More hits, different arrangements, much rock and roll, placed in the usual format of acoustics and then the major hits to the end.

Alan Coates and Tony Hicks swapped sides for "Stop Stop Stop" and Tony teased the audience by hammering out an extended solo on the banjo whilst they all waited eagerly for the number to begin.
At one point, during "We're Through", Ian Parker strolled among the audience playing his accordion, and Bobby Elliot played throughout the night like there was no tomorrow.

By the time we got to the finale, the audience were "'up for it", and indeed, with some encouragement from Mr. Clarke and the usual bobbing Holliettes at the front, they literally were up, on their feet that is, for a standing and rousing ovation to an amazingly active and skilled group of musicians.

Helen and Tom Quinn

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