The Hollies - Concert Review

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 12^th November 2000 - by Sue Latham

Ever since booking my ticket seven months ago I had wondered exactly what our "new look" Hollies would be like, could they really survive without Allan Clarke?

I need not have worried - from the moment Carl Wayne walked on to the stage waving and launched audaciously into "I'm Alive" he had the audience in the palm of his hand. He was totally comfortable and at ease, reminiscing about old times in the Midlands and singing with passion and real affection for the songs.

Clearly he is the right man for the job - the voice may be different but the group's performance has lost nothing by Carl's inclusion. In fact they appear to have been re-energised!

This was a truly great show.

As usual we were treated to all the old favourites from the 60's but also to one or two rarities, including "Soldiers' Song", especially poignant today, Remembrance Day, which enabled Carl to display the enormous range and power of his voice, the haunting "Butterfly", sung beautifully by Alan Coates, and the excellent Paul McCartney song "Blackbird" to which Ray Stiles did full justice. The first half ended with a stunning version of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" which deservedly received a terrific ovation.

The second half began as the first had ended - with hit after hit. Allan Clarke's contribution to the group can never be understated but quite rightly the remaining group members are using his retirement as the catalyst to move forward and introduce new facets to their performance, including more communication with the audience and everyone taking a more prominent role. Not only were some of Carl's own hits with 'The Move' included (Flowers in the Rain and the wonderful Blackberry Way) which Carl invited us to sing with him, but also Ray Stiles gave us a stomping version of the 'Mud' hit Tiger Feet - which had us on our feet.

The superlative Hollies song "The Air that I Breathe" was rightly dedicated to Allan Clarke and was followed by "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" which really had the theatre rocking. The encore was of course 'He Ain't Heavy" which as usual brought the house down.

Over the years I have seen lots of Hollies shows but I have never enjoyed one more. The lads are clearly enjoying themselves too and hopefully will continue to give us great music for years yet.

I look forward eagerly to their new recordings - with music like this around, the kids of today just don't know what they missed!

Come back to the Midlands soon boys - you will always be guaranteed a great welcome.

Sue Latham

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