The Hollies - Concert Review

Tunbridge Wells Assembly Halls, 7^th March 2003 - by Janet Pearson, Hastings

Having been postponed from November last year, the day had finally arrived for the journey from Hastings to the Assembly Halls for what was to be the first of my shows this tour and indeed the first show I had been able to attend since Carl joined.

This is a very good venue and as usual the house was packed, everyone eagerly waiting for the lights to go down to introduce the first half overture.

Once on stage the lads launched into LONG COOL WOMAN, Carl immediately encouraging the audience to clap along, (do we need encouraging? I think not! ) Without almost a breath it is straight into HERE I GO AGAIN and JENNIFER ECCLES.

After welcoming us all and reminding us that it is 40 years that Tony and Bob have been playing as founder members, he goes on to sing what he states is his favourite Hollies song, YES I WILL, noticeably altering the lyric slightly to tell us all he will be "true to Sue" at one stage! (The name of his wife)

LOOK THROUGH ANY WINDOW was next, nice to hear it done with the 12 string guitar for a change, followed by SANDY, which is a song that really suits Carl's voice.

@@Then the lads leave the stage to Alan and Ian for that wonderful version of BUTTERFLY, surely if you shut your eyes it's hard to believe it is not Graham singing it!

All back on stage for I'M ALIVE followed by the first Move song FIRE BRIGADE. Next is WE'RE THROUGH, and of course Ian has vanished to do his walk about with the accordion! Carl very ably fills in on the keyboards until Ian gets back on stage and takes centre mike to do a bit of singing! He certainly has "come out" a bit over the last few years. CAROUSEL is next and part way into the song Carl is slightly amused as someone gets up to leave the arena, nothing personal Carl I'm sure! Lastly is BLOWING IN THE WIND to complete the first half, this song I have not heard done for a few years, tremendous.

The second half starts with the new song HOW DO I SURVIVE which is received very well and indeed sounds very good on first hearing. Then it's into SORRY SUZANNE and JUST ONE LOOK.

As Tony turns round to pick up the sitar, Carl carries on the tradition of making fun of Tony's wardrobe as Tony tells us all that Asda are his tailors! The sitar is of course for THE BABY, which is the first time I have heard it done, and everyone puts their all into it. Please keep that one in for a long time to come, it is terrific.

Just when you think "follow that", they do, with reference from Carl about us slipping towards war, introducing the powerful SOLDIERS SONG. Credit all round to Carl for great vocals on this, dramatic combination of Ian's arrangement on keyboard and Bob's drumming, a real show stopper!

To quieten things down Carl, Bob and Ian leave the stage, Ray tried to but he was stopped by Tony! We have three guitars on the front line for the acoustic set which starts with a lovely version of GASOLINE ALLEY BRED, the vocals being shared between the three lads, brilliant. Next is for me the highlight of the evening, Tony takes the vocals on his own classic TOO YOUNG TO BE MARRIED. His voice is perfect for this song, please will someone record it and include it on a future CD for us avids to keep!

The rest of the band are back for BUS STOP, then it's Move time again with BLACKBERRY WAY. Carl and Tony are amused by two fans at the front who are obviously enjoying this song. Tony thinks they are related to Carl, and Carl promises to pay them later for their support! Tony then tells them hard luck as it's back to their stuff now!

Next is CARRIE ANNE, then the intro to the classic AIR THAT I BREATHE, wow is it that time already? Carl kids us that they are going, oh no you're not we think, in fact we know they're not. Tony belts into the last Move song I CAN HEAR THE GRASS GROW, his enjoyment in playing this song obvious, and then it's on to the banjo intro for STOP STOP STOP. By now it is getting hard to stay in our seats, but we all end up with sore hands from clapping.

Even harder is TIGER FEET with Ray taking vocals for this great Mud classic. Lets hear some more from Ray as well, he has been quiet in the background for long enough!

To end on is the evergreen HE AIN'T HEAVY. The song finishes to a standing ovation, which the boys thoroughly merited, and a very choked Carl introduces the enigmatic verse of IT'S IN EVERY ONE OF US.

This has to be the best show I have seen in a long while, full credit to everyone. Next show for me is my home town of Hastings.

Thanks for a great evening boys.

Janet Pearson

Setlist

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