Regent Theatre, Stoke On Trent - 21 November 2004

By Susie Hewett

I have been a dedicated Hollies fan since 1968 (36 years) and because I live in Australia I don't get to see them too often. The last time they were down under was in 2001 when Carl was with them so you can imagine how excited I was when I went to England to see them.

We got theatre about 7.20 which gave us just enough time to find our seats before the concert started at around 7.30. I was still sad that Carl would  not be there but I decided to give new lead singer Peter Howarth a fair go and I am glad I did. He is a fantastic singer with a wonderful voice and great stage presence. I was also stunned when I found out Alan Coates left the band but his replacement Steve Lauri is also wonderful, Steve and Peter gave 100% to the performance.

Anyway, the band began the night with their 1983 hit 'Stop In The Name Of Love' which was quickly followed be 4 sixties hits 'Here I Go Again', 'Jennifer Eccles' ,'Just One Look' and 'On A Carousel' all of which were sung superbly by Peter.

Then came the first Acoustic section beginning with 'Sandy' on which Peter showed us his guitar skills. Then Peter, Tony and Ray sang and acoustic rendition of 'Gasoline Alley Bred' which was followed by 'Look Through Any Window'.

The tribute to Carl was very touching with Tony telling us all about Carl and how shocked and sad they all were when he passed away. Then Ray came centre stage and did lead vocals on The Move song 'Flowers In The Rain' and a brilliant job he did too, Carl would have been touched.

'Soldier's Song' was next with Peter putting a lot of feeling into it. Then Ian did a brilliant job on his accordion during 'We're Through' and the first set ended with 'Blowin' In The Wind'.

The Hollies still add some banter (or humour) to the shows which everyone in the audience seems to enjoy.

The second set started with Peter wearing a cowboy's hat for 'The Day That Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee', then came 4 more 60's classics, 'I Can't Let Go', 'Sorry Suzanne', 'Yes I Will' and Ian doing another brilliant job on his accordion with 'Bus Stop'. On all the songs on which Bobby plays the drums (which are all songs except the acoustic numbers) he does a magnificent job. He is truly the best drummer ever.

Then came the second acoustic section beginning with Steve Lauri doing a brilliant lead vocals on 'I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top'. Just before singing 'Too Young to Be Married', I got a mention from Tony (because I'm from Australia). Peter then did a superb solo acoustic rendition of  'Here I Go Again' which he arranged himself.
 

'I'm Alive' was next followed quickly by 'Carrie Anne'. Then Tony changed his guitar for his banjo so I knew what was coming up. He does a magnificent intro to 'Stop, Stop, Stop' with the Banjo. Then came 2 of my all time favourite Hollies songs 'The Air That I Breathe' and 'Long Cool Woman'. And Ray came centre stage again and had everyone on their feet and dancing to 'Tiger Feet', which was a No.1 hit he had 30 years ago when he was in a band called Mud. The concert finished with 'He Ain't Heavy'.

Tony, Bobby and the bands manager Jimmy Smith sure know how to choose new band members. Peter and Steve are marvellous and I am proud of the both of them for learning all those Hollies classics in such a short time. I hope they stay with the band into 2005 and for many more years to come.

In all I had a wonderfully unforgettable night and if the band ever come to Australia again I will definitely go and see them and hopefully meet them like I did in 2001.

By Susie Hewett