The Hollies - Concert Review

Hungerford Littlecote House, 18^th May 2001 - by Brian White

MY FIRST AND THEIRS

Having been married to a mad Hollies fan for the past 27 years, I have just recently experienced my first live Hollie concert.

The venue, Littlecote House, a Warner's adult only hotel near Swindon.

On arrival we checked out the hall where the show was to take place, small and cosy to say the least.

Saturday arrived, the day of the show and the hall was sealed off. Like an SAS operation, roadies dressed in black began transforming this tiny stage area into a sea of speakers, amplifiers and lighting, completing their work by late afternoon.

At 10 PM the band walked on stage feeling a bit uncertain I'm sure after just witnessing their audience dancing the Fox Trot, Waltz, and the military two step. Some looking as if they would struggle to raise a glass let alone the roof.

Not the usual dancing they would expect to see at their shows! However, it only took a couple of songs to show that the whole audience was up for a good time and enjoying every minute.

My first impression was that this was not The Hollies that I hear played all the time at home and in the car, but the introduction of Carl Wayne as front man has to me made them more upbeat and all their personalities seem to gel.

The sound was perfect for such a small venue (10 out of 10) and the introduction of The Move and Mud numbers was great!

The show lasted for 1 hour 40 minutes and even then the crowd wanted more, a truly excellent show.

Carl asked the audience if the band still had some years left?

Going on the response of the crowd they could carry on for a very long time to come.

Finally I would just like to thank our very good friends Pom and Jim for arranging the dedication to us such a surprise!

Many thanks, Brian White

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