The Hollies - Concert Review

Brighton, Theatre Royal, 7^th October 2000 - by Robert Allen (Brighton Evening Argus)

Losing the distinctive vocals of Allan Clarke is like Yes losing Jon Anderson or Jefferson Starship losing Grace Slick.

The Hollies, Manchester’s retort to Liverpool’s The Beatles, were forged out of the melting pot of the musical influences that defined the 1960s – r ‘n’b, soul, blues, grassroots, gospel and jazz.

Allan Clarke’s vocals combined with Graham Nash’s harmonies, Bobby Elliott’s precise drumming and Tony Hick’s slick guitar. The result was a stream of chart successes – Stay; Just One look; Yes I Will; Look Through Any Window; Bus Stop; Carrie-Anne; King Midas In Reverse; Jennifer Eccles…….

The Hollies, with a style that was as popular as it was sophisticated, dominated the airwaves and discos and living rooms of 1960s Britain, Europe and North America. Their harmonious sound tugged many a heart string while their lyrics, as uncomplicated as those of The Beatles, told of love found, love lost and love lived.

When Nash left in 1968 to become an integral member of the supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – aka CSN&Y, (who spawned the country rock harmony sound The Eagles would take to extremes) it seemed the band who had started it all would fall apart. They didn’t, they simply got better and produced more hits – Sorry Suzanne; He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother; I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top; Gasoline Alley Bred; Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress and The Air That I Breathe.

The retirement of Clarke after almost four decades, in February this year, might have destroyed the band, but once again they have stormed back.

Last Night, with Carl Wayne – the former front man of The Move replacing Clarke, The Hollies were on tour again – and what a show they produced. It was a typical first night, the first of a tour that will take them around the world and back. Cues were missed and Wayne wasn’t sure when to come in during Carrie-Anne. It didn’t detract from the entertainment, and that’s what this group is about.

With Wayne, an accomplished performer, singer and musician, determined to entertain, it was a night to remember. Wayne revelled in two Move hits – Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way, while nearly all The Hollies hits were performed with style and a musical acumen that only comes from people who have been entertaining audiences for 40 years.

Miss this latest line-up of The Hollies and you’ll miss a piece of musical history. They play Eastbourne this Saturday.

ROBERT ALLEN, BRIGHTON EVENING ARGUS

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