The Hollies - Concert Review

Fort Regent, Jersey, 11^th May 2001 - by Gary Godel

I am not sure if it is four or five years since the Group was over. Last time of course Allan Clarke fronted but with all due respect to one of the joint founders of the Group anyone who knows nothing about it could be forgiven for concluding that Carl had been at the front since the very start.

80% of the set contained no surprises but very welcome additions were “Flowers in the Rain” and “Blackberry Way” this time played by the rest of the band as if they had been on the original number ones.

The Group achieved a very good sound in a difficult arena (a sports hall). I have been there many times and the only other Group to have worked out the acoustics so well in my opinion were called the Shadows. I mean that is a compliment. Of course Ian, Alan and Ray play their parts so well.

Someone once called the Shads a working band and I would put The Hollies in the same category. I think that Bobby and Tony are fantastic instrumentalists and worth listening to in their own right.

One can see why the Group must, perhaps jointly with the Searchers and Stones hold the record for the longest surviving in the UK.

I hope that some new recorded material can come from Carl’s arrival which will help ensure the deserved public appreciation of this terrific Group.

And in case Tony and Bobby are interested, they were outdoor concerts at Springfield St Helier in ’64!
Good luck and see you again.

Gary Godel

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