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When
Allan Clarke quit the Hollies and retired, the future of one of
the music industry's most prolific and creative groups of the sixties
was in doubt. Renowned for their tight close harmonies, it was Clarke
who was lead singer on most of their countless hits over the years.
Who could ever replace him?
Step forward Carl Wayne.
It’s three years since Wayne was asked to join the Hollies
and thanks to his incredible voice and range, the band are alive
and well forty years after hitting the road and the big time.
There
are but two of the original members remaining comprising of the
ever-youthful Tony Hicks on lead guitar and the dynamic Bobby Elliott
on drums.The
line-up today comprises of Ray Stiles ex-Mud on bass, Alan Coates
on guitar Ian Parker keyboards and Carl Wayne.
 Last
night (21/3/03) at the Symphony Hall, the Hollies took Birmingham
by storm. For Carl it was a triumphant return to his home city.
He was superb. Having enjoyed a string of hits with the Move in
the sixties, his most recent and possibly greatest success is a
return to full health after undergoing major surgery towards the
back end of last year. Tour dates had to be scrapped and eventually
rearranged - but the wait was worth it.
All
the old hits were there; 'Here I go Again'…'Bus Stop'….'On
a Carousel' and many more besides - the best part of thirty or more
songs in total - including two or three old favourites from Carl’s
days with the Move. 'Fire Brigade', 'Blackberry Way' and a rousing
version of 'I Can Hear the Grass Grow'. Not to be outdone, bassist
Ray Stiles relived the sound of the seventies with a storming rendition
of 'Tiger Feet'.
Grown
men (including me) were playing “air” guitar as Tony Hicks
let rip with some incredible solos. Carl Wayne demonstrated his
versatility playing keyboards in one number and injected good humour
by amending the words of “Yes I Will” to include the line:
“I’ll be true to Sue yes I will….” - a reference
to his wife actress Sue Hanson.
By
the end of the show, the Symphony Hall audience were on their feet
(including wife Julie and yours truly) some dancing in the aisles
applauding loudly and shouting for more.
I was
grabbed by the Hollies at a very early age! The first time was back
in the sixties when the likes of Graham Nash graced the original
line-up.
The next time someone tells you there’s no replacement for
originality - tell them to go see the Hollies in concert.
All
photographs courtesy of Rob Haywood.
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