The Hollies - Concert Review

Bradford Pennington’s Live, 3^rd April 2003 - by Helen & Claire Wright

Friday’s show at Pennington’s Live took place on precisely the 40th Anniversary of The Hollies first recording at Abbey Road studios. Our first impression was that this was not the place the band should be playing on such a momentous occasion, as it was a night club and not the usual Opera House or Symphony Hall they are used too. However, we went with an open mind and the promise of a disco after the show!

Once inside it was obvious this was no seedy club but a popular, well run, well maintained night club for the more ‘mature’ customer (it was nice to be one of the youngest in a night club instead of one of the oldest!). The evening warmed up with a sixties disco before the main event. At 10pm, this was a late start time for the boys (and us!), but by this time the audience was warmed up, well oiled and ready for a good night.

As the fanfare signalled the arrival of the group, a small gathering of fans appeared at the front of the stage. We were soon joined by a number of ladies who were keen to dance their way through the show. The 75 minute show was a condensed version of their 2 hour set, containing all the fast, dancy hits (Soldier’s Song just wouldn’t have worked in a night club). As we danced our way through the show, Carl decided the time had come to flirt with every woman in the crowd – and they loved him! Ray and Ian also took advantage of their mobile instruments and wandered about on stage, inspecting the array of glittery tops in the audience.

The band went down a storm, and it was lovely to hear the echoes of the crowd as they sang along to all the hits. The acoustic versions of Listen to Me and Gasoline Alley Bred worked surprisingly well in this more unusual venue. Tony impressed the crowd with his electric sitar playing during The Baby, and thankfully Carl didn’t make his ‘usual’ joke in the intro!

A lovely moment came during Stop Stop Stop. Carl and Alan had encouraged Aussie Chris to get up on the corner of the stage to perform her now famous dance routine. Unfortunately, when another lady decided to join her, the ‘bouncers’ decided this was too much of a risk and pulled them both down from the stage. Cue Ray and Ian, with their mobile instruments, who dashed forwards and proceeded to dance in exactly the same spot the girls had been removed from! That showed the bouncers exactly what the band thought of their party pooping antics.

All too soon the time had come for the band to depart, and the crowd were left shouting for more. It would have been great if they could have thrown in a few more songs, but with a drive to Hastings waiting for them, it was time for them to depart. Still, we did have a disco to keep us going for the next hour or two!

On the way out, we picked up a leaflet of forthcoming events at the club. These consisted mainly of old Eighties rockers and tribute bands, with entry costing £5. At £15 a ticket, The Hollies were a premier event, and Pennington’s Live had certainly experienced a quality performance from premier band this evening. We just hope that next time the band return to Bradford (to the Alhambra, please) some of the audience from Friday night go and see them back where they belong.

Helen & Claire Wright

Set List:-

Long Cool Woman
I Can’t Let Go
Sorry Suzanne
Yes I Will
Look Through Any Window
On A Carousel
Just One Look
Bus Stop
The Baby
I’m Alive
Listen To Me
Gasoline Alley Bred
Blowing In The Wind
Carrie Anne
Stop Stop Stop
Air That I Breathe
I Can Hear The Grass Grow
Tiger Feet
He Ain’t Heavy
It’s In Every One Of Us

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