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 !
