The Hollies - Concert Review

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 12^th November 2000 - by Tom Swinford

The King Is Dead ! Long Live The King !

I'll own up to shedding a few tears [actually many] when Allan Clarke announced his retirement last spring and to having some trepidations that this would be our last jaunt to the British Isles to see the band that I've loved since my teen-age years, but, not the miserable weather, the British rail system that wasn't running, or even the cancelled date in York could dampen this round of Hollies concerts.

Having seen the Boys now in five decades, including the Rickfors years, the twenty-first century Hollies are amazing---and amazing doesn't really describe them. The two shows, the equivelent of an American double-header, at the old Grand Theater in Wolverhampton, would, I think, be a challenge for any group, let alone one that the average age is in the fifties range, and it was pulled off without a glitch.

New lead singer Carl Wayne, having the ability to be humble and a showman at the same time, fits like a glove, blending his voice to perfectly fit the traditional Hollies harmonies, but managing to put his own musical stamp on selected tunes.

The rest of the band seemed energized, Alan Coates voice was crystal clear on "Butterfly", Ray Stiles, whose harmony fills on several echo oldies were helpful, shone on Blackbird and really got the crowd going with the Mud song "Tiger Feet". In fact it struck me how much the group enjoyed the Move and Mud songs they covered.

As always, Ian's romp round the audience was welcomed and, as for Bobby and Tony, nothing need be said, as they remain two of the greatest musicians ever to play their instruments.

By changing vocalists, I firmly believe that the Hollies have given themselves another decade of work. In the past, they lost Graham Nash, the most recognized high harmony singer in the history of rock, and they survived. They also weathered Alan Clarke's departure twice, and they survived.

This version of the Hollies is a winner.

Hear! Here!

Tom Swinford. Phoenix, Arizona USA.

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