The Hollies - Concert Review

Preston Guild Hall, 17^th March 2001 - by Anne Bingham

It was a chilly night in Preston but the Guild Hall was very full and the atmosphere was building as we waited for The Hollies to appear on stage – when they did, they were given a tremendous reception! I think that a lot of people were wondering how they would sound since Allan Clarke left. No-one needed to have worried, Carl fitted in extremely well and The Hollies’ performance was fantastic!

Carl was very friendly and has a great voice and stage presence – he won the audience over very quickly, in fact, all the members of the group were determined that everyone should enjoy themselves and the audience certainly did as hit followed hit and not just Hollies’ songs: ‘Flowers in the Rain’, ‘Blackberry Way’, a Buddy Holly song and Bob Dylan’s ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ were played. I particularly enjoyed hearing ‘The Baby’ - I’ve not heard this song for a while.

We had really good seats at the front to the right and found the show brilliant, not only in musical terms but also the fabulous light show – at the interval my husband and I moved to what must have been the only free seats in the Guild Hall just to the right hand side for an even better view (I’m only small!). After the interval the audience got really warmed up, clapping and singing along – everyone knew the words. All the members of the group are great musicians but Bobby’s drumming and Tony’s guitar playing were exceptional (surely Tony must be classed amongst the guitar ‘greats’ like Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton?!!)

After more than two hours, which only seemed like minutes, the group was ready to leave the stage but then said ‘You know we’re not really going don’t you?’ A long encore followed, including, of course, ‘He Ain’t Heavy’ and a lovely version of ‘It’s In Everyone of Us’’ with no backing.

Then the show was really over and I am sure that The Hollies enjoyed themselves as much as we, the audience did! Let’s hope that it’s not too long before they visit the Guild Hall again and Tony, if you should read this and ever want to share the secret of eternal youth with anyone …. please email me first!!

Thanks to you all for a lovely and unforgettable night in Preston on the 17^th March!

Anne Bingham, Cherry Tree, near Blackburn.

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