The Hollies - Concert Review

Leicester De Montfort Hall, 17^th November 2000 - by Sharon Hewitt

Being a child of the 80's rather than the 60's and this being my first Hollies concert, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Of course, I'd heard of The Hollies and was familiar with a couple of their records, but this line-up was different and so I thought the sound might be different. OK, maybe it was, but from the minute the band struck it's first chord and Carl sang his first note, I knew it was going to be very special.

There were the songs I knew (virtually word for word), "Bus Stop", "Look Through Any Window", "Jennifer Eccles", the excellent "Blackberry Way" and "Flowers In the Rain". Ray performed "Tiger Feet" and got us all stomping.

The best for me was Alan's "Butterfly", a beautiful song that left me breathless. I was totally captivated by Alan throughout the whole show, even telling my mum that I thought he was cute after seeing him in the souvenir programme!!

Then, the songs new to me, "Blackbird" and "Soldier Song", just one word....stunning.

Carl asked us if we wanted more and rewarded our enthusiasm with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".

My initial doubt long gone and now a Hollies convert, I didn't want the evening to end. If the band continue to perform like this, they will be around for a long, long time.

I read a comment from Sue Latham in Wolverhampton which said that "with music like this around, the kids of today just don't know what they missed", how true. How many of today's bands will still be performing as brilliantly as The Hollies in 30 years time? (and they perform live, something not required in today's music scene).

The new line-up works brilliantly, I hope there is some new material to come, having already bought 3 Hollies CD's in the last week alone, I hope to add to my collection very soon.

When the lads decide to come back to Leicester, I will make sure I'm there, but don't leave it too long will you?

By the way Carl, my mum thought you looked extremely fit in your tight t-shirt!!!

Sharon Hewitt

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