The popularity of The Hollies has endured since the bands formation almost 50 years ago. Along the way there have been numerous personnel changes but guitarist Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott have remained and are currently touring the UK with The Hollies Autumn tour which reached St David’s Hall in Cardiff on October 20th.
Steven Lauri (guitar), Ian Parker (synthesiser, keyboards), Ray Stiles (bass guitar) and lead vocalist Peter Howarth joined Tony and Bobby as they played a selection of classic hits and new tracks to an appreciative sell out audience.
The Hollies Perform Classic Hits Live In Concert
The Hollies stepped onto the stage in dark outfits and opened the concert promptly with a rocking version of The Day That Billy Shot Down Crazy Sammy McGee. Peter Howarth delivered a powerful vocal and was ably supported on the following tracks I Can’t Let Go, Yes I Will and Jennifer Eccles with Steven, Ian and Tony providing harmonies and backing vocals.
Preventing the concert from been a mere retread of classic hits, Tony Hicks announced that the following performance would a “rejig” of a Hollies favourite. In fact the new version of 1967’s On a Carousel with lush subtle instrumental changes set against a moderate tempo was the first of three reworkings of classic hits during the evening.
Two other songs to get a new treatment included 1967’s King Midas in Reverse (complete with brass sounds courtesy of Ray’s synthesiser) and 1965’s Look Through Any Window (which sounded almost Dylanesque until it rocked up with a marvellous guitar-solo from Tony).
These new versions moved the concert into a new direction allowing the band to give a somewhat tighter musical performance while retaining the authentic Hollies vocal sound.
Hollies Perform Overlooked Scandinavian No.1 - Very Last Day
There were some surprises too, including a rare performance of the 1965 track Very Last Day which Tony revealed had reached No.1 in Scandinavia during the 60s and was recently featured on their live concerts in that country. A moving song with very spiritual lyrics, the new performance of Very Last Day revealed the track to be an overlooked, if not forgotten Hollies classic.
The Hollies also displayed how their sound has evolved into a more soft rock style with their rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s Sandy Girl. They also demonstrated they can still produce good recordings with two songs from their album Staying Power entitled Emotions and Weakness.
The second half of the concert opened with a rendition of The Hollies 1965 UK No.1 I’m Alive. Peter then joked with the audience that for the next number “If you feel like singing along, please don’t!” before continuing with the Graham Gouldman penned 1966 hit Bus Stop.
Bobby Elliott Recalls Working With The Small Faces and Elton John
Bobby Elliott then stepped forward commenting on how nice it was to be back in Cardiff before recalling how The Hollies had played at The Capitol venue in the city during the 1960s with The Small Faces, and judging by the responses from the audience their were several people in attendance who remembered the occasion.
Bobby then introduced the next number which would be a solo performance from Peter. He described I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top as the follow up to He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother and recalled a young pianist called Elton John who featured on the original recording. “Unfortunately he couldn’t make it tonight!” joked Bobby.
Peter then delivered a powerful rendition accompanied by acoustic guitar and stated after completing the number that The Hollies aren’t about one person but about one voice before reintroducing Tony, Steven and Ray to the stage who provided a medley of hits including Listen to Me, Gasoline Alley Bred and Here I Go Again.
There was also a treat for fans of Tony Hicks as the guitarist played a magnificent fast and furious banjo solo on the bands live version of Stop, Stop, Stop. The audience were also encouraged to sing along to a rendition of 1967's Carrie-Anne, complete with the bongo drum sound featured on the original record.
The concert drew to a close with the performance of The Hollies anthem He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother. Peter said of the song “If everyone lived by the words of this song, the world would be a better place”. He Ain’t Heavy... was promptly followed by the bands popular ballad The Air That I Breathe before the band stood together one final time to harmonise on Don’t Say Goodbye.
The Hollies in concert was a truly magical experience and a must for any serious fan of popular 60s music.
The Hollies will continue to tour the UK until October 30th 2011. For further news on The Hollies including tour dates and releases, check out their official website.
