The Hollies - Concert Review

Stirling, Albert Halls, 12^th March 2004 - by John Goose

We’ve followed The Hollies for quite a few years now and we always thought Allan was their voice and it couldn’t be the same without him. We so nearly gave up when Carl joined the band, but at the last minute we decided to go to see the new line-up at Tameside Hippodrome in Ashton-under-Lyne (Greater Manchester). To cut a long story short, we carried on going to Hollies concerts and even managed to get to four in the North West of England last year. Thanks for giving us a thumbs up, Tony, at Preston. I think you realised we couldn’t see you behind the speakers!

My Mother lives in Stirling and I normally go up to see her on Mothers Day weekend. When I told her there was a Hollies concert on the 12th March, she told us to come a week early (bless her !). So we got the tickets well in advance.

We came up to Scotland on the day of the concert and while driving, “The Writing on the Wall” came on the radio. I don’t remember ever hearing the song but I said to Pat (my wife) that I was sure that was The Hollies, it was so distinctive, and it was. I thought that was an omen.

We’d never been to the Albert Halls before and didn’t know what to expect. We arrived in good time and, as you do, spoke to a few people before the show started. I think a lot of people had never seen the band live before and some were apprehensive about the loss of Allan.

Once we’d got used to the seating, there was a great feeling of anticipation in the Hall and it was great to see everyone singing along and enjoying themselves when the show started.

I don’t need to add to Ian and James’s reviews. The 2004 show is brilliant, I liked the “Freebird” touch on “Look through any window” and as ever the mix of Hollies, Move and Mud songs come over fresh. I too would like to see “Night of Fear” in the set but wouldn’t like anything dropped!

There was nothing but positive feedback from the leaving crowd and I managed to have a word with the band’s Swedish fans who sat in front of us. I’d love to know who the people are who we see at all the concerts we go to!

In closing, I will say that my Mother got extra special treatment that weekend and, roll on Buxton in November!

We were at Buxton Opera House on Sunday 21st March for the “Dancing in the Streets” show and it was surprising how many people remembered and commented on Carl’s repeated comments about Bob the Gilder(!) when the band played the opening concert following the wonderful refurbishment there.

John Goose. Marple, Stockport

Setlist