The Hollies - Concert Review

Blackpool Grand Theatre, 6^th November 1999 - by Linda Beadle

A cold and windy night Saturday night in Blackpool may not seem the best place to be, but it was definitely warm and cosy in The Grand. The Hollies came on stage and gave the audience three of the best, "Here I Go Again", "Jennifer Eccles" and "Just One Look" to get us all going and there was no turning back now. Old favourites were enthusiastically received, some less well known ones equally enjoyed by the near capacity crowd. Lots of anecdotes from Allan and Tony kept the crowd amused, as did Ian's walkabouts with his accordion. Alan Coates mesmerised us with his version of "Butterfly" and some lovely close harmonies with Coatsie, Tony and Ray on "Blackbird" was another treat.

Sadly, the familiar harmonica heralds rapturous applause from the audience as Allan breaks into "He Ain't Heavy". It brings the house to it's feet - but then again it always does.

Just time now for a Rock & Roll finish and a final bow. Over 25 songs and over 2 hours have gone by far too quickly, but they'll be back and so will I, after all I've been going to Hollies concerts since 1963 and while ever they give everything they've got on stage like this, I'll keep coming back for more.

Linda Beadle, Sheffield

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