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 !
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