The Hollies - Concert Review

Blackpool Grand Theatre, 21^st March 2001 - by Glenn Shepherd

It's hard to know where to start in reviewing the fabulous concert at the Grand Theatre in Blackpool. The last time I saw the lads at this theatre was in April 1995 and that night stands out as one of the best concerts I have been to. I remember being blown away by the wonderful acoustics and this time was no exception, especially after attending the concert at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on the previous Friday (that place is just not meant for rock concerts!). I discussed this with Ray after the convention in Preston and he agreed entirely. Anyway, I'm rambling!

The evening's proceedings began with the theme from Blade Runner followed by the familiar introduction to I'm Alive. Ian was the first on to the stage followed by the rest of the band a few seconds later. I'm Alive was followed by Here I Go Again and Jennifer Eccles. Tony by this point was fighting off fluff which had apparently stuck to him from the supplied towels! Of course, Carl picked up on this and made reference to Tony being senile and the many other things he'd talked about over the previous few nights. I've always been impressed by the Hollies' ability to make fun of themselves and I always used to love the banter between Clarke & Hicks. Carl has slotted in really well in this regard, as well as musically - it's as though he's been with the band for years.

Next came Just One Look and On A Carousel. I was pleased that this has been included again and this tour is the first time I have seen it performed in the original style although, I must admit, I prefer the more 'rocky' version. Carl then introduced himself and went on to sing one of my favourite's - Soldier's Song. The power and passion that Carl infuses into this song is just amazing!

Next up was Bus Stop which included Ian coming to the front of the stage playing his accordion. Ian's mum & dad were in the audience (Ian shouted "Thanks for the cakes!") and Tony went on to tell them of Ian's bungee jumping. Next came the first of two Move numbers, Flowers In The Rain. If someone had told me 2 years ago that the Hollies would be playing Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way I would never had believed them! Funnily enough, I was a Move fan before I was a Hollies fan!

The hauntingly beautiful Butterfly was next, Alan Coates again displaying his Nash-esque vocal talents! Incidentally, I love the lighting effects for this song, especially at the end. I Can't Let Go came next, followed by one of my all-time favourite concert numbers, The Baby. This song is perfect for Carl and I just hope that they'll do some more stuff from the Rickfors era in the future. The conclusion to the first half was Blowin' In The Wind. Again, Carl stamps this song with his own style and gives it a whole new lease of life.

Stay opened up the second half. In the past I have heard, on a few occasions, people at concerts complain about this arrangement of Stay but I personally think that it's marvellous. Sorry Suzanne came next, followed by Yes I Will, in which Carl sang, "I'll be true to Sue" in reference to his wife. The original version of Look Through Any Window came next. As much as I love the new arrangement that has been included for the past few years it's been really nice to hear it played in the original style.

Carl next introduced Peggy Sue Got Married and explained the work Ian & Ray had put in. Ray's first centre-stage appearance of the night came next as he, along with Alan, Tony & Ian gave us a superb version of Paul McCartney's Blackbird. The acoustic feel was kept for the next song, again, one of my favourites, Tony's marvellous Too Young To Be Married. If I had to choose my favourite Hollies hit it would probably be the next song, We're Through. As usual, Ian took to wandering around the theatre with his accordion & miner's lamp (with Carl introducing him as Arthur Scargill!). Just as Allan used to on this song, Carl 'played' a solo on the keyboards followed by Ian taking centre-stage and singing the last verse of the song. Carrie Anne and Stop Stop Stop came next, complete with banjo solo at the beginning from Tony. Carl next paid his respects to Allan Clarke and went on to sing The Air That I Breathe. The second Move number, Blackberry Way, was next, complete with blackberry-coloured lights!

Ray's second centre-stage appearance was next with the rocking Mud hit, Tiger Feet. Long Cool Woman followed with the usual amazing guitar solo from Tony. The song concluded with the introduction of each band member and a solo from each. When it came to Tony's introduction of Carl, the crowd went wild. There is no doubt that Carl is a fabulous showman and throughout the night he demonstrated his talent of working an audience.

"Did we forget something?" asked Carl. He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother is, of course, what he was referring to and as usual, I couldn't sit through the song without a lump appearing in my throat.

Before leaving, the lads gave us an amazing rendition of the first bit of It's In Everyone Of Us. This has got to be my favourite concert song yet. I just hope that sometime in the future they will sing the whole thing.

All in all, the whole night was amazing. The atmosphere, acoustics and music was all wonderful. At least Alan only snapped one acoustic guitar string this time (after snapping 3 in Manchester!).

After the concert My friend David & I went to the stage door and met up with the band and also got one of our own songs signed, something which Carl was very interested in!

For those sceptics who have decided not to see the band because Allan is no longer there, I advise you to go and see the show for yourselves. If you go and are disappointed (which I doubt), then fair enough. But if you don't go then you won't know what you're missing!

Glenn Shepherd, Manchester

Back to Review Index