Sunday 20 June 2010
Wednesday 2 June 2010
IN THE SPOTLIGHT !!!
Some rare articles, pics and songs featuring our spotlight artist Tony Hicks !
"One of my most interesting memories is when I had Dale Gregory & the Shouters open for the Hollies. Graham Nash and company were literally fresh off the boat, so to speak. I think this was their third stop in the United States. All our American customs, music, etc.. were new and exciting to them. I recall playing the record 'California Dreamin', by the Mamas & the Papas, repeatedly for Nash and he loved it". Ken Mills
Tony Hicks of The Hollies and Ken Mills ( concert promoter)
After concert pool party, February 1966
"Their really big night came when they were booked at the NME Poll Winners show at the massive Empire Pool Wembley alongside the likes of the Rolling Stones, Freddie and the Dreamers, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Swinging Blue Jeans, Billy J Kramer, the Hollies and many more big names that caused nonstop screaming from the fans throughout the night! This backstage photo shows them with Tony Hicks (Hollies) and a couple of the Swinging Blue Jeans - I hope to clarify the names soon"
From Call Up The Groups - The Kinsmen's Big Break David St John
Any fan of The Hollies and Tony will most probably be aware of this article, but I think it's nice to have it in the montage !
Fingers of fate pointed the way for young Tony
THE story of Les Skifflettes, with their wash boards and tea chest bass, proved a big hit with Looking Back readers.
We've now identified the seven young men, with their quiffs and neck ties, thanks to Harold Russell, also known as Russ D'Lacy or Russ Lee, who originally set up the group in the late 1950s.
He's on the left and, moving to the right, he has identified David Shanahan, Pat Belshaw, Frank Lord, on the bass, who's now running a chip shop in Lytham, Tony Hicks on lead guitar, Paul Shanahan, who's now in Ireland and finally Keith Shackleton, still living in Nelson.
Now living in Burnley, Russ has told us the story of the skiffle group he formed.
He recounted: "A couple of weeks before Christmas, in the winter of '57 a few mates went out carol singing. That's what young teenagers did, but what was different, was that Paul Shanahan, Keith and I carried guitars.
"Some weeks earlier I had imparted my knowledge of the three chord trick to Paul and Keith, so by the time Yuletide was approaching it seemed like a good idea to expose our newly found skills to an audience, and carol singing was the perfect vehicle.
"The response was amazing. I remember us standing in the driveways of the large detatched houses on Halifax Road, Nelson, singing and playing our hearts out. People would come to their doors. They had never heard anything like it.
"Can you play any Lonnie Donegan?' some would say. Are you kidding? We would do Lonny, a touch of Chas McDevitt, and even a small piece of Buddy Holly! What a buzz we got.
"Anyway the result of all this was that Les Skifflettes came into being."
There were several different members in the early days, including Alan Buck, who was later to join the Four Pennies as a drummer. They even tried out a girl vocalist, but it didn't work because she was classically trained, and sang everything in soprano!
Their audiences at that time were to be found in church youth clubs and the group performed on dance nights at St Bede's, St Paul's and St Phillp's, Nelson, and St Luke's, Brierfield.
Added Russ: "Unknown to me, my mother had sent off a letter, to the Carol Levis show, and before we knew it, we were off to auditions at the Ardwick Hippodrome, Manchester.
"We were joined on that bus by a young Elvis look-alike carrying a bright red guitar wrapped in a plastic bag. His name was Ronald Wicherley and he became Billy Fury.
"Also on the same audition were two guitar vocalists singing a Buddy Holly song - Messrs Lennon and McCartney!"
He went on: "I can't remember who brought Tony to us. But we realised at once that this polite, well brought up 12-year-old with a nice guitar and deft little fingers would be an asset to the Skifflettes.
"So it was as a seven-piece skiffle group that we went on to come second in an all-Lancashire group competition held at the Empire Theatre, Burnley, appeared on BBC radio and ITV television and performed at the Palace Theatre, Nelson, along with the King Brothers. We now had a manager, Lew Askew. He used to manage the Imperial ballroom and also the Savoy and Hippodrome Cinemas in Colne where he had us playing on stage between the feature films, much to the delight of the young audiences out front - apart from the jealous types who took to firing slug guns at us from the darkness of the circle!
"At this time there was only one venue in the area approaching what we now would call a disco, Vernon Street Bop Club. Dances, run by a West Indian called Vince and featuring the hottest music of the period, were captured on Vince's trusty Reel to Reel and pumped out at volume to a lively crowd of late teens and early twenties.
"In between, the Skifflettes were featured and we had to learn to deal with older, less than enthusiastic crowds. Quite a learning curve, and boy were we learning.
"By late 1959, though, the Skifflettes had fizzled out, but Tony Hicks and Pat Belshaw went on to form the Dolphins and I was lucky enough to catch their act at the Chez Nous Club, Colne.
"I thought that the Dolphins with their smart suits, Selmer Truvoice amps, Watkins Copycat echo, Futurama guitars were brilliant; and with Tony and his nimble fingers playing Shadows classics, and Pat Belshaw, now known as Ricky Shaw, up front and Bernie Calvert on bass, they were the best group in the area.
"A short while later when Bobbie Elliot joined them on drums they became unbeatable."
He concludes: "The last time I saw Tony Hicks was in Bankhouse Road, Nelson, where he lived, in 1963.
"What are you up to at the moment? he asked. I'm off to Butlins on summer season I told him. You lucky beggar, I wish I was going to Butlins,' he said.
"I went off to Butlins, Tony joined the Hollies ..." Gill Johnson, Lancashire Telegraph !
STARTING OUT: Left, Les Skifflettes (left to right) Harold Russell, David Shanahan, Pat Belshaw, Frank Lord, Tony Hicks, Paul Shanahan and Keith Shackleton.
Some great pics of Tony with Ricky Shaw and The Dolphins
Rare Pic Of The Lads Circa - 1964/5
Tony circa 1964 !
Tony gets mobile !
Tony and Bobby Interviewed by Australia's own Donny Sutherland
Tony Hicks Reflecting On The Hollies Musical Career !
Tony with the tashe !!!
"One of my most interesting memories is when I had Dale Gregory & the Shouters open for the Hollies. Graham Nash and company were literally fresh off the boat, so to speak. I think this was their third stop in the United States. All our American customs, music, etc.. were new and exciting to them. I recall playing the record 'California Dreamin', by the Mamas & the Papas, repeatedly for Nash and he loved it". Ken Mills
Tony Hicks of The Hollies and Ken Mills ( concert promoter)
After concert pool party, February 1966
"Their really big night came when they were booked at the NME Poll Winners show at the massive Empire Pool Wembley alongside the likes of the Rolling Stones, Freddie and the Dreamers, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Swinging Blue Jeans, Billy J Kramer, the Hollies and many more big names that caused nonstop screaming from the fans throughout the night! This backstage photo shows them with Tony Hicks (Hollies) and a couple of the Swinging Blue Jeans - I hope to clarify the names soon"
From Call Up The Groups - The Kinsmen's Big Break David St John
Any fan of The Hollies and Tony will most probably be aware of this article, but I think it's nice to have it in the montage !
Fingers of fate pointed the way for young Tony
THE story of Les Skifflettes, with their wash boards and tea chest bass, proved a big hit with Looking Back readers.
We've now identified the seven young men, with their quiffs and neck ties, thanks to Harold Russell, also known as Russ D'Lacy or Russ Lee, who originally set up the group in the late 1950s.
He's on the left and, moving to the right, he has identified David Shanahan, Pat Belshaw, Frank Lord, on the bass, who's now running a chip shop in Lytham, Tony Hicks on lead guitar, Paul Shanahan, who's now in Ireland and finally Keith Shackleton, still living in Nelson.
Now living in Burnley, Russ has told us the story of the skiffle group he formed.
He recounted: "A couple of weeks before Christmas, in the winter of '57 a few mates went out carol singing. That's what young teenagers did, but what was different, was that Paul Shanahan, Keith and I carried guitars.
"Some weeks earlier I had imparted my knowledge of the three chord trick to Paul and Keith, so by the time Yuletide was approaching it seemed like a good idea to expose our newly found skills to an audience, and carol singing was the perfect vehicle.
"The response was amazing. I remember us standing in the driveways of the large detatched houses on Halifax Road, Nelson, singing and playing our hearts out. People would come to their doors. They had never heard anything like it.
"Can you play any Lonnie Donegan?' some would say. Are you kidding? We would do Lonny, a touch of Chas McDevitt, and even a small piece of Buddy Holly! What a buzz we got.
"Anyway the result of all this was that Les Skifflettes came into being."
There were several different members in the early days, including Alan Buck, who was later to join the Four Pennies as a drummer. They even tried out a girl vocalist, but it didn't work because she was classically trained, and sang everything in soprano!
Their audiences at that time were to be found in church youth clubs and the group performed on dance nights at St Bede's, St Paul's and St Phillp's, Nelson, and St Luke's, Brierfield.
Added Russ: "Unknown to me, my mother had sent off a letter, to the Carol Levis show, and before we knew it, we were off to auditions at the Ardwick Hippodrome, Manchester.
"We were joined on that bus by a young Elvis look-alike carrying a bright red guitar wrapped in a plastic bag. His name was Ronald Wicherley and he became Billy Fury.
"Also on the same audition were two guitar vocalists singing a Buddy Holly song - Messrs Lennon and McCartney!"
He went on: "I can't remember who brought Tony to us. But we realised at once that this polite, well brought up 12-year-old with a nice guitar and deft little fingers would be an asset to the Skifflettes.
"So it was as a seven-piece skiffle group that we went on to come second in an all-Lancashire group competition held at the Empire Theatre, Burnley, appeared on BBC radio and ITV television and performed at the Palace Theatre, Nelson, along with the King Brothers. We now had a manager, Lew Askew. He used to manage the Imperial ballroom and also the Savoy and Hippodrome Cinemas in Colne where he had us playing on stage between the feature films, much to the delight of the young audiences out front - apart from the jealous types who took to firing slug guns at us from the darkness of the circle!
"At this time there was only one venue in the area approaching what we now would call a disco, Vernon Street Bop Club. Dances, run by a West Indian called Vince and featuring the hottest music of the period, were captured on Vince's trusty Reel to Reel and pumped out at volume to a lively crowd of late teens and early twenties.
"In between, the Skifflettes were featured and we had to learn to deal with older, less than enthusiastic crowds. Quite a learning curve, and boy were we learning.
"By late 1959, though, the Skifflettes had fizzled out, but Tony Hicks and Pat Belshaw went on to form the Dolphins and I was lucky enough to catch their act at the Chez Nous Club, Colne.
"I thought that the Dolphins with their smart suits, Selmer Truvoice amps, Watkins Copycat echo, Futurama guitars were brilliant; and with Tony and his nimble fingers playing Shadows classics, and Pat Belshaw, now known as Ricky Shaw, up front and Bernie Calvert on bass, they were the best group in the area.
"A short while later when Bobbie Elliot joined them on drums they became unbeatable."
He concludes: "The last time I saw Tony Hicks was in Bankhouse Road, Nelson, where he lived, in 1963.
"What are you up to at the moment? he asked. I'm off to Butlins on summer season I told him. You lucky beggar, I wish I was going to Butlins,' he said.
"I went off to Butlins, Tony joined the Hollies ..." Gill Johnson, Lancashire Telegraph !
STARTING OUT: Left, Les Skifflettes (left to right) Harold Russell, David Shanahan, Pat Belshaw, Frank Lord, Tony Hicks, Paul Shanahan and Keith Shackleton.
Some great pics of Tony with Ricky Shaw and The Dolphins
Rare Pic Of The Lads Circa - 1964/5
Tony circa 1964 !
Tony gets mobile !
Tony and Bobby Interviewed by Australia's own Donny Sutherland
Tony Hicks Reflecting On The Hollies Musical Career !
Tony with the tashe !!!
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Some Current News !
Now the very popular sell out Spring Tour is over, all us Hollies fans are waiting with baited breath until the Autumn Tour in October. But those of us like me who need a fix of the boys VERY OFTEN! Here are some one's inbetween :
I myself will be present at the Oslo bash, The Kilworth Gig and most probably Denmark as well.
The Hollies at Sheffield City Hall !
The Hollies at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall !
I myself will be present at the Oslo bash, The Kilworth Gig and most probably Denmark as well.
I go to a lot of Hollies gigs and usually post my reviews online - Here are some from the Spring Tour :
The Hollies Sheffield City Hall 20/3/10
Sheffield City Hall opened on 22nd September 1932. Since then the classic style concert Venue has played host to some of the most famous names of the 20th and 21st century. Made of Darley Dale stone (part of the millstone Grit Group) ( connection number 1 ) it is widely used because of it’s strength, durability and quality ( connection number 2 ) Well there’s only one band I can think of that fits that description and that’s who we all are witnessing tonight on centre stage.
We had fantastic seats with a perfect view. The show began promptly at 7.30 and the lads ran on amid the cheering and thunderous applause. All the guys looked in great spirits and very, very happy and I’m not surprised with a sell out tour to boast about. All the hits were performed with style and elegance – Very cool indeed – Here I Go Again, Just One Look, and Stay all sounded spot on and wonderful. Tony’s guitar break on the latter is just amazing and apparently not only is it Brian May’s fav Hollies track, it’s also his fav piece of guitar playing by Tony. The first half went so quickly I’d barely warmed up . So Damn Beautiful ended the first half exquisitely.
During the second half of the show everything is a little more relaxed with the lads taking time out for a little bit of banter to the audience and tonight was no exception. When Yes I Will was announced Tony said that it was written by Carole King and all the band were thinking of other stuff she had penned. Bobby said It Might As Well Rain Until September - Another Classic and when The Locomotion was suggested it prompted Steve and Ray to perform it ( THE DANCE ) very funny !!! Then Sir Bobby Elliott ( as Peter calls him) came to the front of the stage, a big applause followed. Bobby spoke of The Hollies recent chart entry and The Hall Of Fame Induction and introduced King Midas In Reverse and said this is where Mr Steve Lauri takes the centre stage mike. Tony put his head down and uttered in a very small voice I have never done that – Lots of ARRRHS from the front row !!! Talking Of Tony !!! I have noticed that he really goes for it with his guitar solo’s and breaks – But even more so now – This is what we all want to see this classic guitarist getting down and dirty and proving he is a hell of an axe man. Peter’s voice tonight was as strong and powerful as usual but with an added raunchiness. Peter had a bit of a cold but that made his vocals seemed like an octave lower – Very Nice !!!
The Air That I Breathe was performed so beautifully. All the audience were spellbound and couldn’t take their eyes off the boys. He Ain’t Heavy and Let Love Pass were superb and the crowd just cheered and whooped till City Hall shook to the beat. A momentous Concert by a bunch of guys who are as talented as hell but as down to earth as the next man – Love you all loads !!!
The Hollies - Wolverhampton Civic Hall - 13/3/10 !
We had fantastic seats with a perfect view. The show began promptly at 7.30 and the lads ran on amid the cheering and thunderous applause. All the guys looked in great spirits and very, very happy and I’m not surprised with a sell out tour to boast about. All the hits were performed with style and elegance – Very cool indeed – Here I Go Again, Just One Look, and Stay all sounded spot on and wonderful. Tony’s guitar break on the latter is just amazing and apparently not only is it Brian May’s fav Hollies track, it’s also his fav piece of guitar playing by Tony. The first half went so quickly I’d barely warmed up . So Damn Beautiful ended the first half exquisitely.
During the second half of the show everything is a little more relaxed with the lads taking time out for a little bit of banter to the audience and tonight was no exception. When Yes I Will was announced Tony said that it was written by Carole King and all the band were thinking of other stuff she had penned. Bobby said It Might As Well Rain Until September - Another Classic and when The Locomotion was suggested it prompted Steve and Ray to perform it ( THE DANCE ) very funny !!! Then Sir Bobby Elliott ( as Peter calls him) came to the front of the stage, a big applause followed. Bobby spoke of The Hollies recent chart entry and The Hall Of Fame Induction and introduced King Midas In Reverse and said this is where Mr Steve Lauri takes the centre stage mike. Tony put his head down and uttered in a very small voice I have never done that – Lots of ARRRHS from the front row !!! Talking Of Tony !!! I have noticed that he really goes for it with his guitar solo’s and breaks – But even more so now – This is what we all want to see this classic guitarist getting down and dirty and proving he is a hell of an axe man. Peter’s voice tonight was as strong and powerful as usual but with an added raunchiness. Peter had a bit of a cold but that made his vocals seemed like an octave lower – Very Nice !!!
The Air That I Breathe was performed so beautifully. All the audience were spellbound and couldn’t take their eyes off the boys. He Ain’t Heavy and Let Love Pass were superb and the crowd just cheered and whooped till City Hall shook to the beat. A momentous Concert by a bunch of guys who are as talented as hell but as down to earth as the next man – Love you all loads !!!
The Hollies - Wolverhampton Civic Hall - 13/3/10 !
This was my first visit to Wolverhampton.. let alone The Civic Hall. I got to my hotel quite early as I had things to do people to see and wanted to be on the ball and well organized. I met some friends in town near the venue and we frequented a nearby bar and relaxed a while before another instalment of this fabulous Hollies Spring Tour stepped into full throttle again.
On entering the concert venue we stopped at the memorabilia stall and perused the programmes and Hollie items on sale. No new items at the moment but I’m sure there will be some awesome stuff in the near future.
We made our way to our seats and waited for the one and only Hollies to grace us with their presence. The now recognizable music started and the boys bounced on to the stage with sheer exuberance straight into Here I Go Again which was performed loud and proud – Just One Look, I Would Fly and Bus Stop followed before the blink of an eye – The guys were definitely on top form. On A Carousel sounded brilliant with the enamoured audience clapping and swaying to this memorable classic. Tony’s famous introduction to The Baby starring his guitar sitar was the best performance I’d witnessed this tour. Peter has definitely made this song his own and he really sang his heart out. We’re Through always gets the audience in a dancing mood where the band all take centre stage to perform their individual craft to perfection – Lots of audience participation where we clap in unison and show our appreciation of this bands exceptional musicianship . More greatest hits followed and then it was time for the interval to be refreshed and have a rub down with a damp towel – PHEW !!!
On returning back to our seats I was chatting to a couple next to me who had been following The Hollies since the sixties . They told me that they still felt the same excitement and welling in the pit of their stomachs with every gig they had attended, and there were loads. They loved those guys on stage and well that goes for all of us !!!
I Can’t Let Go rang out and opened the second half in tremendous style. King Midas In Reverse sounded even more thrilling than ..Liverpool.. – The song just fills the concert halls with so much happiness and a feeling of goodwill. Peter’s performance on I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top was beautiful – I still get a chilling feeling every time this amazing singer treats us to his wonderful vocal skills on this track. Stop, Stop, Stop was classic Tony Hicks playing that banjo with so much gusto that you could almost see smoke coming from the guys fingers – Tony was most definately on fire !!!
Air and Heavy were superb as usual and after lots of standing ovations we were treated to the exquisite ....Let.. ..Love.. ..Pass.... – Totally breathtaking. The Hollies then left the stage with the audience still crying for more – This was an awesome gig and one that I will remember forever – Thank you guys for a wonderful night of classic music performed in The Hollies inimitable style – Stellar !!!
The Hollies - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - 5/3/10 !
On entering the concert venue we stopped at the memorabilia stall and perused the programmes and Hollie items on sale. No new items at the moment but I’m sure there will be some awesome stuff in the near future.
We made our way to our seats and waited for the one and only Hollies to grace us with their presence. The now recognizable music started and the boys bounced on to the stage with sheer exuberance straight into Here I Go Again which was performed loud and proud – Just One Look, I Would Fly and Bus Stop followed before the blink of an eye – The guys were definitely on top form. On A Carousel sounded brilliant with the enamoured audience clapping and swaying to this memorable classic. Tony’s famous introduction to The Baby starring his guitar sitar was the best performance I’d witnessed this tour. Peter has definitely made this song his own and he really sang his heart out. We’re Through always gets the audience in a dancing mood where the band all take centre stage to perform their individual craft to perfection – Lots of audience participation where we clap in unison and show our appreciation of this bands exceptional musicianship . More greatest hits followed and then it was time for the interval to be refreshed and have a rub down with a damp towel – PHEW !!!
On returning back to our seats I was chatting to a couple next to me who had been following The Hollies since the sixties . They told me that they still felt the same excitement and welling in the pit of their stomachs with every gig they had attended, and there were loads. They loved those guys on stage and well that goes for all of us !!!
I Can’t Let Go rang out and opened the second half in tremendous style. King Midas In Reverse sounded even more thrilling than ..Liverpool.. – The song just fills the concert halls with so much happiness and a feeling of goodwill. Peter’s performance on I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top was beautiful – I still get a chilling feeling every time this amazing singer treats us to his wonderful vocal skills on this track. Stop, Stop, Stop was classic Tony Hicks playing that banjo with so much gusto that you could almost see smoke coming from the guys fingers – Tony was most definately on fire !!!
Air and Heavy were superb as usual and after lots of standing ovations we were treated to the exquisite ....Let.. ..Love.. ..Pass.... – Totally breathtaking. The Hollies then left the stage with the audience still crying for more – This was an awesome gig and one that I will remember forever – Thank you guys for a wonderful night of classic music performed in The Hollies inimitable style – Stellar !!!
The Hollies - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - 5/3/10 !
The Hollies were once known as The Manchester Beatles. When the Fab Four upped sticks and moved down to London The Hollies took over full residency at the famed Cavern Club performing their lunchtime and evening sessions. Many decades later The Hollies are back in one of their favourite cities appearing at The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall which is where myself and throngs of likewise fans have descended upon tonight.
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is a glorious building, a little smaller than I anticipated, but the stage and surroundings were vast once you entered the sold out Hall. After speaking to a few friends we made our way to our seats and got ready for another rip roaring performance. The signature music started, the lights went down, we all took a sharp intake of breath and then The Hollies appeared on stage as large as life and looking great.
Here I Go Again started the fast and pacey set with a great sound which improved more and more when the levels were raised. All the boys were really up for anything and when King Midas In Reverse was introduced a large cheer rang out amongst the crowd. This was a new addition to the set which was utterly tremendous. Steve Lauri’s lead vocals were superb and with Tony joining him on vocal harmonies we just sat back and marvelled in this stellar performance of the classic song. Ian Parker had done a wonderful piece of orchestration to the song which filled the hall with a sense of wonderment and sheer joy. Peter Howarth did us proud with his golden tones on I Can’t Tell The Bottom from The Top And the very beautiful Sandy and also performed So Damn Beautiful exquisitely which is another song they have reintroduced into the set by popular demand.
The medley of Listen To Me. Hey Willy and my all time favourite Hollies classic Gasoline Alley Bred was just amazing. Steve, Ray and Tony always seem to enjoy this part of the show which goes down a treat with the crowd. Another of my favourites Yes I Will was performed beautifully by Peter and Tony - I just love the lyrics – They are so heartfelt and every time I get a lump in my throat. All the hits carried on with the full capacity audience really getting into the groove and rocking the night away.
All too soon came The Air That I Breathe and He Ain’t Heavy which always means that we are coming to the end of another fantastic show. Both songs were executed passionately and with a warmth and emotional thread that leaves you in a dreamy, lingering mood. Standing ovations were a plenty from the vast, adoring audience and when the lads all came together for Let Love Pass we were all on out feet and the front row ( where I was ) gathered in front of the lads in awe of the exceptional beauty of this exquisite masterpiece and shed a tear or three. Single pink, white and red roses were presented to the band ( usually for Tony ) and then they were all swaying to the closing music and after waving and blowing kisses to the crowd, departed from the stage.
Well how do you follow a wowzer of a performance like that – What can you do? Where do you stay ? Well you go for a damn good hot curry and you stay In The Hard Days Night Hotel – Well it is ..Liverpool.. !!!
Thank you guys – A great gig, a special gig, memorable and mind blowing – Roll on ..Wolverhampton.. !!!!!
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is a glorious building, a little smaller than I anticipated, but the stage and surroundings were vast once you entered the sold out Hall. After speaking to a few friends we made our way to our seats and got ready for another rip roaring performance. The signature music started, the lights went down, we all took a sharp intake of breath and then The Hollies appeared on stage as large as life and looking great.
Here I Go Again started the fast and pacey set with a great sound which improved more and more when the levels were raised. All the boys were really up for anything and when King Midas In Reverse was introduced a large cheer rang out amongst the crowd. This was a new addition to the set which was utterly tremendous. Steve Lauri’s lead vocals were superb and with Tony joining him on vocal harmonies we just sat back and marvelled in this stellar performance of the classic song. Ian Parker had done a wonderful piece of orchestration to the song which filled the hall with a sense of wonderment and sheer joy. Peter Howarth did us proud with his golden tones on I Can’t Tell The Bottom from The Top And the very beautiful Sandy and also performed So Damn Beautiful exquisitely which is another song they have reintroduced into the set by popular demand.
The medley of Listen To Me. Hey Willy and my all time favourite Hollies classic Gasoline Alley Bred was just amazing. Steve, Ray and Tony always seem to enjoy this part of the show which goes down a treat with the crowd. Another of my favourites Yes I Will was performed beautifully by Peter and Tony - I just love the lyrics – They are so heartfelt and every time I get a lump in my throat. All the hits carried on with the full capacity audience really getting into the groove and rocking the night away.
All too soon came The Air That I Breathe and He Ain’t Heavy which always means that we are coming to the end of another fantastic show. Both songs were executed passionately and with a warmth and emotional thread that leaves you in a dreamy, lingering mood. Standing ovations were a plenty from the vast, adoring audience and when the lads all came together for Let Love Pass we were all on out feet and the front row ( where I was ) gathered in front of the lads in awe of the exceptional beauty of this exquisite masterpiece and shed a tear or three. Single pink, white and red roses were presented to the band ( usually for Tony ) and then they were all swaying to the closing music and after waving and blowing kisses to the crowd, departed from the stage.
Well how do you follow a wowzer of a performance like that – What can you do? Where do you stay ? Well you go for a damn good hot curry and you stay In The Hard Days Night Hotel – Well it is ..Liverpool.. !!!
Thank you guys – A great gig, a special gig, memorable and mind blowing – Roll on ..Wolverhampton.. !!!!!
The Hollies at Sheffield City Hall !
Tony At Wolverhampton Civic Hall !
The Hollies at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall !The Hollies At The London Palladium 14/3/10 !
The Hollies performed at the prestigeous London Palladium in March of this year. By all accounts it was a truely memorable performance. The last time The Hollies played this venue was in the sixties and yes they were on the revolving stage for Sunday Night At The London Palladium which was compulsive viewing for thousands of households. Here is some footage - Present Day !
The Hollies Sentrum Scene Oslo 8/5/10 !
Sentrum Scene was once a Cinema built in 1939 but delays occurring inhibited the opening to the public until 1945. It was the largest Cinema in Norway with a 1,200 capacity seating auditorium. It ceased being a cinema in 1988 when it was closed. In 1993 after a complete facelift and refurbishment Sentrum Scene opened it’s doors as a Music Hall, A Rock Club and a venue for Theatre, Dance and Seminars.
As we queued up outside the concert hall I pondered the nights events. The crowd were in their droves hugging, kissing, shaking hands and welcoming past acquaintances that had all been brought together for one hell of an occasion – SORRY !!! HISTORIC EXTRAVAGANZA !!! That’s more like it !!!
It had always been Knut Skyberg’s dream to have The Hollies play for him to celebrate his 60th Birthday. I can remember at The Grassington Festival in 2009 when we were discussing said venture, that he said it was on the cards and by god he meant it big style. Knut has been A Hollies Fan since 1964 and has followed them ever since. He arranged everything and had brought the boys to Oslo to perform their Hollie Magic for two nights at Sentrum Scene, one of Oslo’s Top Concert Venues. Fans had come from all over the globe to witness this momentous occasion and I for one had to be there. In the massive queue I chatted to friends that I had not seen for a good while – Everyone was in top spirits and looking forward to another splendid night of fabulous music. I was not present on the Friday Night but reviews from Knut and the crowd said it was a show stopper and I suspected the same for tonight – Well I had an inkling anyway !!!!!
A cheer rang through the crowd when the doors finally opened and then we all made our way to our seats. I was very lucky to be on the front row and had a perfect view. The Hollies were due on stage at 8.10pm but before they did, Knut took to the stage and in his native tongue introduced The Band – It was an emotional speech which included Knut saying that his favourite Hollies song was He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother to which he is known to play a mean harmonica solo – Totally Wonderful !!!
Then the very familiar signature music started and The Lads appeared on stage looking in tip top condition and poised for the gig of a lifetime. They kicked off with Here I Go Again which definitely had a seal of approval from the very enthusiastic audience who gave a mighty cheer and clapped in unison. Just One Look and Stay were performed in typical Hollies style and the crowd were just loving it. Then the guys slowed the mood down a little to perform the very beautiful I Would Fly. Peter Howarth always excels himself vocally on this song and tonight was no exception. Bus Stop and On A Carousel had everyone fired up and some people were starting to get up and dance at the back of the hall The atmosphere was truly electric in the sold out auditorium. Peter then introduced Tony Hicks playing his legendary introduction to The Baby on his electric sitar – At the front you can see this guy has the same amount of fingers as every other human being but the way he picks that exotic instrument he might as well have thousands – Great performance !!! Sandy, a Hollies favourite in their set list had Peter saying that the song was written by Bruce Springsteen who apparently was from Oslo – People looking at each other and shrugging shoulders – Yes it was a joke folks !!! Went down very well, sang exquisitely with beautiful backing vocals from Ray and Tony. Dolphin Days which is always received with a thunderous applause of appreciation was exceptional – Great vocals by a very animated Tony Hicks. We’re Through is such a brilliant song where the band all have a turn of showing off their craft to the very excited audience – This song is always a show stopper with lots of clapping, whooping and general mayhem in the greatest possible way – It really gets you psyched up !!! One of my favourites Blowin’ In The Wind was a classic in every sense – A really driving force of a song with a guitar break that knocks you for six and then more – Knockout !!! Then it was the interval!!!
People rushed out to get refreshments – People chatted, lots of meetings and greetings and best of all just seeing acquaintances that you either had not met for a long time or had just spoken to on forums – I found it quite emotional – This was a truly wonderful night !!!
Then the lights went down, we went wow and the boys entered the stage again and rocked straight into I Can’t Let Go – So much energy and vigour on that number. Jennifer Eccles had all the audience doing their best wolf whistles, whilst Sorry Suzanne had everybody singing at the tops of their voices. Yes I Will is a gorgeous song with a very sweet message – Lovely rendition . On the Spring Tour The Hollies reintroduced King Midas In Reverse back into their stage set and what a treat. Steve Lauri takes centre stage to sing lead vocals. His voice is superb and Ian Parkers orchestration is a complete joy. The song got a mighty applause and some people stood up and cheered. I’m Alive and Look Through any Window were amazing, I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top was breathtaking and the medley of Listen to Me, Hey Willy and Gasoline Alley Bred was stellar the latter having Steve, Ray And Tony doing the honours. The crowds favourite Weakness is always a showstopper – This now legendary song always pleases and thrills and just excites you – It really does !!! Lucille had the crowd dancing and getting down and letting any inhibitions you had fly out the door – It was getting mighty sweaty in the venue. Stop, Stop, Stop !!! – What can I say !!! – Tony with his banjo giving it his all and wowing the crowd in the process – I have never seen any musician as fast as this guy on guitar, sitar or said instrument - We were all exhausted afterwards and mesmerized as well. Carrie Anne – Stellar as always !!!
The Air That I Breathe was just marvelous and this beautiful song prompted the encores – The crowd were on their feet cheering so loudly and shouting for more. Then Peter Howarth addressed the audience and said there is a story behind these concerts – And went on to say how Knut had organized everything and that they were privileged to play for his 60th Birthday Celebrations and then introduced He Aint Heavy, so poignant being Knut’s favourite song. Peter and the lads performance was astounding, so special and with an aire of elegance and perfection. The audience were on their feet and the thunderous applause could be heard I think pretty much everywhere – Fantastic !!! Let Love Pass was the last song of an amazing and spectacular night. The lads left the stage amid lots of cheering and great admiration for a totally exceptional band. The Hollies had done Knut proud and vice versa. What a night !!! What a show !!! What an incredible experience indeed for Knut and a good few thousand Hollies fans from around the world. Thank you my friend for putting on two exceptional shows of a lifetime – Like the Hollies did from the stage – I ALSO SALUTE YOU !!!!!!!!
Here are some of my photo's of The Lads !
As we queued up outside the concert hall I pondered the nights events. The crowd were in their droves hugging, kissing, shaking hands and welcoming past acquaintances that had all been brought together for one hell of an occasion – SORRY !!! HISTORIC EXTRAVAGANZA !!! That’s more like it !!!
It had always been Knut Skyberg’s dream to have The Hollies play for him to celebrate his 60th Birthday. I can remember at The Grassington Festival in 2009 when we were discussing said venture, that he said it was on the cards and by god he meant it big style. Knut has been A Hollies Fan since 1964 and has followed them ever since. He arranged everything and had brought the boys to Oslo to perform their Hollie Magic for two nights at Sentrum Scene, one of Oslo’s Top Concert Venues. Fans had come from all over the globe to witness this momentous occasion and I for one had to be there. In the massive queue I chatted to friends that I had not seen for a good while – Everyone was in top spirits and looking forward to another splendid night of fabulous music. I was not present on the Friday Night but reviews from Knut and the crowd said it was a show stopper and I suspected the same for tonight – Well I had an inkling anyway !!!!!
A cheer rang through the crowd when the doors finally opened and then we all made our way to our seats. I was very lucky to be on the front row and had a perfect view. The Hollies were due on stage at 8.10pm but before they did, Knut took to the stage and in his native tongue introduced The Band – It was an emotional speech which included Knut saying that his favourite Hollies song was He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother to which he is known to play a mean harmonica solo – Totally Wonderful !!!
Then the very familiar signature music started and The Lads appeared on stage looking in tip top condition and poised for the gig of a lifetime. They kicked off with Here I Go Again which definitely had a seal of approval from the very enthusiastic audience who gave a mighty cheer and clapped in unison. Just One Look and Stay were performed in typical Hollies style and the crowd were just loving it. Then the guys slowed the mood down a little to perform the very beautiful I Would Fly. Peter Howarth always excels himself vocally on this song and tonight was no exception. Bus Stop and On A Carousel had everyone fired up and some people were starting to get up and dance at the back of the hall The atmosphere was truly electric in the sold out auditorium. Peter then introduced Tony Hicks playing his legendary introduction to The Baby on his electric sitar – At the front you can see this guy has the same amount of fingers as every other human being but the way he picks that exotic instrument he might as well have thousands – Great performance !!! Sandy, a Hollies favourite in their set list had Peter saying that the song was written by Bruce Springsteen who apparently was from Oslo – People looking at each other and shrugging shoulders – Yes it was a joke folks !!! Went down very well, sang exquisitely with beautiful backing vocals from Ray and Tony. Dolphin Days which is always received with a thunderous applause of appreciation was exceptional – Great vocals by a very animated Tony Hicks. We’re Through is such a brilliant song where the band all have a turn of showing off their craft to the very excited audience – This song is always a show stopper with lots of clapping, whooping and general mayhem in the greatest possible way – It really gets you psyched up !!! One of my favourites Blowin’ In The Wind was a classic in every sense – A really driving force of a song with a guitar break that knocks you for six and then more – Knockout !!! Then it was the interval!!!
People rushed out to get refreshments – People chatted, lots of meetings and greetings and best of all just seeing acquaintances that you either had not met for a long time or had just spoken to on forums – I found it quite emotional – This was a truly wonderful night !!!
Then the lights went down, we went wow and the boys entered the stage again and rocked straight into I Can’t Let Go – So much energy and vigour on that number. Jennifer Eccles had all the audience doing their best wolf whistles, whilst Sorry Suzanne had everybody singing at the tops of their voices. Yes I Will is a gorgeous song with a very sweet message – Lovely rendition . On the Spring Tour The Hollies reintroduced King Midas In Reverse back into their stage set and what a treat. Steve Lauri takes centre stage to sing lead vocals. His voice is superb and Ian Parkers orchestration is a complete joy. The song got a mighty applause and some people stood up and cheered. I’m Alive and Look Through any Window were amazing, I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top was breathtaking and the medley of Listen to Me, Hey Willy and Gasoline Alley Bred was stellar the latter having Steve, Ray And Tony doing the honours. The crowds favourite Weakness is always a showstopper – This now legendary song always pleases and thrills and just excites you – It really does !!! Lucille had the crowd dancing and getting down and letting any inhibitions you had fly out the door – It was getting mighty sweaty in the venue. Stop, Stop, Stop !!! – What can I say !!! – Tony with his banjo giving it his all and wowing the crowd in the process – I have never seen any musician as fast as this guy on guitar, sitar or said instrument - We were all exhausted afterwards and mesmerized as well. Carrie Anne – Stellar as always !!!
The Air That I Breathe was just marvelous and this beautiful song prompted the encores – The crowd were on their feet cheering so loudly and shouting for more. Then Peter Howarth addressed the audience and said there is a story behind these concerts – And went on to say how Knut had organized everything and that they were privileged to play for his 60th Birthday Celebrations and then introduced He Aint Heavy, so poignant being Knut’s favourite song. Peter and the lads performance was astounding, so special and with an aire of elegance and perfection. The audience were on their feet and the thunderous applause could be heard I think pretty much everywhere – Fantastic !!! Let Love Pass was the last song of an amazing and spectacular night. The lads left the stage amid lots of cheering and great admiration for a totally exceptional band. The Hollies had done Knut proud and vice versa. What a night !!! What a show !!! What an incredible experience indeed for Knut and a good few thousand Hollies fans from around the world. Thank you my friend for putting on two exceptional shows of a lifetime – Like the Hollies did from the stage – I ALSO SALUTE YOU !!!!!!!!
Here are some of my photo's of The Lads !
Monday 17 May 2010
Sunday 16 May 2010
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