The Hollies - Concert Review

Guildford Civic Hall, 24^th April 2003 - by Bieneke Barwick & Andre Rosendaal

In contrast to most bands of today The Hollies are a group that learnt and perfected their musicianship while performing. How can you tell?

In a nearly sold out Civic Hall the audience were treated to a well thought out and varied choice from the extensive Hollies repertoire i.e. a balanced programme.

A captivating start with the evergreen 'Long cool woman' was followed by a number of up-tempo songs (Here I go again, Jennifer Eccles & I'm alive) and beautifully arranged ballads like 'Sandy', 'Butterfly' and 'Too young to be married'.

Two acoustic interludes were performed by Tony, Ray & Alan as the self-proclaimed three musketeers. They gave a perfect close harmony style rendition of 'Listen to me' and 'Gasoline alley bred'. After the break their new song 'How do I survive' has a catchy chorus, which you can sing along to instantly.

Songs of other sixties bands like The Move & Mud were also slotted nicely into the programme. Great audience participation was enjoyed with 'Fire Brigade', 'Blackberry Way' and the rockers 'I can hear the grass grow' and 'Tiger Feet'. After the traditional 'He ain't heavy' Carl, Tony, Alan, Ray & Ian sang a closing chorus of 'It's in everyone of us' by David Pommeranz. According to Carl a song with a philosophical message to enjoy life to the full, as anyone can encounter a bad patch unexpectedly at some time in their live. Bobby thanked the public and the boys received a well-deserved standing ovation.

Not just the programme-format but moreover the musical performance and entertainment qualities confirmed the professionalism of the group.

Singer Carl Wayne has become an inspiring new front man for the band. In Guildford he was quickly able to engage the audience with many Carousel members amongst them, as well as his own 18 year-old son Jack and two of his mates. Sometimes an ironic note: 'in the break you can ponder on the thought, how old are the Hollies by now?' Then truly seriously minded: 'Soldier Song' dedicated to the brave soldiers who are fighting in Iraq for our freedom'. His singing prowess was much in evidence during 'Soldier Song', 'Blowing in the wind' and Move's bum-swaying 'Blackberry Way' (our efforts were greeted with: 'you sound like a church choir')

Guitarist Tony Hicks entertained us with animated pop scene reminiscences from the sixties and seventies. On hearing his guitar intros and solos during 'Too young to be married', 'The Baby' and the electrifying 'Stop, Stop, Stop' it is clearly evident that he is one of the world's best pop-guitarists on stage! Including best hair-do….

Last but not least the skilled input of the other band members is exemplary. Notably the clear vocals of guitarist Alan Coates on 'Butterfly' and 'On a Carousel'. Keyboard player Ian Parker wanders around mischievously with his accordion during 'Were through' (do get back promptly Ian!). His arrangements enhance many a classic Hollies song.

One of the highlights of the show was bass guitarist Ray Stiles' enthusiastic performance of the genuine rocker 'Tiger Feet', complete with original 'choreography'. Well done Ray!

And through it all… he drums it his way, does Bobby Elliott. The band and fans alike are ever grateful to have a drummer of his calibre on 'the kits'. Especially 'Blowin' in the wind' bears testimony of his accomplishments.

The Guildford audience joined in with singing, swaying and clapping during the approx. 29 songs the group presented. Our view from the upper echelons witnessed one tall lady on the side aisle having an endless ball on her 'air-drums' and later she was revelling near the stage with fellow-Holliettes.

Such a magnificent show and responsive audience was worth the horrendous traffic jam on the M25. Hence, our advice for the brief Hollies autumn tour 2003: if you're an avid pop-fan, do pop along!

Setlist

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