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Tameside Hippodrome, Ashton Under Lyne   18 November  by Anthony Holland

THE SAME HOLLIES SOUND - BUT DIFFERENT

As a regular attender at Hollies concerts over the last 10 years or so,  I was looking forward to my only concert on this particular tour. I always wait behind after the concert for a quick word, and perhaps an autograph, so before the concert I decided on a Hollies LP and Allan Clarke’s 1990 CD Reason to Believe. I was therefore somewhat shocked upon arriving at a drizzly Ashton under Lyne, to find out that Allan had retired from the group.

It was therefore with some trepidation that I waited in the foyer, thinking “it won’t be the same without Allan, - it can’t be as good, - it won’t sound like The Hollies.” Perhaps if I had known of the change, I would not have gone to the concert, but being there, it was only fair to give the new boy a chance.

The venue was pleasantly full as I took my place on the third row (on Tony’s side as usual) I went with my mother and in her words she thinks “That Tony Hicks is a bit of alright”... I presume she meant his guitar playing…..

So the group came on in the order of previous tours, with this new bloke, Carl Wayne appearing last. The crowds appreciation was equal for him as it was for the originals - Bobby and Tony, and the group went straight into ‘I’m Alive’ and it was OK, I was still of the opinion that it wasn’t the same without Allan.

As we went on into the concert, the traditional Hollies Harmonies were there, the songs sounded great, Carl proved he was a great (although different) singer and yes, they still sounded like The Hollies.

By the time we got to Soldiers Song, I was fully converted. Carl showed what a great singer he is, and proved that The Hollies had made the right choice in him.

Hit after hit followed, with a particular favourite of the night being ‘The Baby’ from 1972 (a hit when my mum was in hospital giving birth to me, and they played it on Hospital Radio - she says she has not heard it since - until now). For those of us who get to several Hollies concerts, it is often the obscure ones that make it special.

Into the second half, and once ‘Stay’ was over (which seemed to be missing something) it was a perfect evening. I am always amazed at the brilliance of Tony’s guitar / banjo / sitar thingy playing. He is the best guitar player I have seen in all the concerts I have ever been to by anyone, yet no one seems to have heard of him.

As always the whole band was excellent, Alan’s guitar, Ray’s bass, Ian’s keyboards and accordion, and of course Bobby's superb drums. Coatesy once again did his ‘Butterfly’ party piece, Ray was excellent with his ‘Blackbird’, and great fun with his ‘Tiger Feet’.

It would have been nice if Tony could have done a solo song (how about the rarity ‘Hillsborough’), but it was excellent to hear Carl giving us ‘Flowers in the Rain’ and ‘Blackberry way’ from his own back catalogue. I had to dig out the original records when I got home.

One item I was looking forward to in the concert was some new material as mentioned in the tour programme, but apart from the tribute to Buddy Holly, Soldiers Song from 1980 was the nearest we got, - maybe next time (we have booked for Manchester next March)  how about a new album or single.

Anyway, The Hollies were as excellent as always, I’ll maybe do Stoke as well next year.…..

 Anthony Holland

Tameside Hippodrome   Saturday November 18.     Review by Penny Wilson  Tameside Reporter.

Hollie good show

'I'M ALIVE, I'm alive..." sang The Hollies in their opening number to a capacity crowd at the Tameside Hippodrome in Ashton on Saturday night, and the next two and a half hours of entertainment proved without question that they still are.

Whilst the original line up is no longer  together the sound is still sensational.

Two of the original members of The Hollies,  the ever youthful Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott, have been joined by top musicians Alan Coates (guitar) and lan Parker (keyboards and musical arrangement).

Completing the band are Ray Stiles,  former bass player from 'Mud', and superb vocalist Carl Wayne, still sounding as good as in his days with Roy Wood and The Move

Hit after hit rocked from the stage on Saturday night, accompanied by a dazzling and finely choreographed light show.

Stay', 'Here I Go Again' 'Bus Stop' 'Jennifer Eccles' and 'Carrie Anne' brought the memories flooding back and the muscles twitching with the desire to dance.

It was Ray Stiles who got the fans leaping to their feet on cue to a rousing rendition of 'Tiger Feet' – a real treat.

Equally, Carl Wayne was cheered for his performance of the legendary 'Flowers in the Rain', the first single to be played on Radio One in 1967, and everyone joined in with another hit from The Move, 'Blackberry Way'.

There were some beautiful ballads as well – the Mike Batt composition 'Soldiers' Song, a big hit all over Europe, and a sensitive version of The Beatles'  'Blackbird' sung by Ray Stiles.

'All I Need is the Air That I Breathe' stood the test of time as a great classic, and the evening ended with the deep and moving sounds of  'He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother'.

Penny Wilson  -  Tameside Reporter.

Leicester De Montfort Hall,  Friday 17 November 2000  By Sharon Hewitt

Being a child of the 80's rather than the 60's and this being my first Hollies concert, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  Of course, I'd heard of The Hollies and was familiar with a couple of their records, but this line-up was different and so I thought the sound might be different.  OK, maybe it was, but from the minute the band struck it's first chord and Carl sang his first note, I knew it was going to be very special. 

There were the songs I knew (virtually word for word), "Bus Stop", "Look Through Any Window", "Jennifer Eccles", the excellent "Blackberry Way" and "Flowers In the Rain".  Ray performed "Tiger Feet" and got us all stomping. 

The best for me was Alan's "Butterfly", a beautiful song that left me breathless.  I was totally captivated by Alan throughout the whole show, even telling my mum that I thought he was cute after seeing him in the souvenir programme!!

Then, the songs new to me, "Blackbird" and "Soldier Song", just one word....stunning.

Carl asked us if we wanted more and rewarded our enthusiasm with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".

My initial doubt long gone and now a Hollies convert, I didn't want the evening to end.  If the band continue to perform like this, they will be around for a long, long time.

I read a comment from Sue Latham in Wolverhampton which said that "with music like this around, the kids of today just don't know what they missed", how true.  How many of today's bands will still be performing as brilliantly as The Hollies in 30 years time? (and they perform live, something not required in today's music scene).

The new line-up works brilliantly, I hope there is some new material to come, having already bought 3 Hollies CD's in the last week alone, I hope to add to my collection very soon.

When the lads decide to come back to Leicester, I will make sure I'm there, but don't leave it too long will you?

By the way Carl, my mum thought you looked extremely fit in your tight t-shirt!!!

Sharon Hewitt

Hull New Theatre,  Tuesday 14 November 2000     By Jackie Foottit  -  Hull Daily Mail

Hits just keep on coming at Hollies' city concert

A STANDING ovation for The Hollies was never in any doubt at Hull New Theatre last night.

The group, with new lead vocalist Carl Wayne (formerly of The Move) taking over where the recently-retired and unforgettable Allen Clarke left off,  gave the audience exactly what they had paid to hear - great music and fantastic vocals. 

I counted 26 songs between the opening number I'm Alive and the closing tear-jerker He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

Hollies hits came thick and fast - Here I Go Again, Jennifer Eccles, Just One Look, Carousel, Bus Stop, I Can't Let Go, Stay, I'm Sorry Suzanne, Yes I Will, Look Through Any Window, and the magnificent Air That I Breathe - to name but a few.

New material to The Hollies also got an airing ‑ Blackberry Way, Peggy Sue Got Married, Tiger Feet, and Rowers In The Rain.

Pop groups of the 1960s tend to cling to past glorys, but these lads are no ageing rock stars. Their voices are strong, their harmonies as good as ever, and they are brilliant musicians.

 Jackie Foottit    -  Hull Daily Mail

Hull New Theatre,  Tuesday 14 November 2000     By Simon Tordoff

‘The Hollies’ in the year 2000 still feature the trademark sound of harmony combined with power, but whilst the show retains that familiar feel, there exists a freshness due in no small part to the latest addition to the line up, ex-‘Move’ lead singer, Carl Wayne.

Thankfully for the fans, The Hollies decided to continue touring and making music following the retirement of Allan Clarke, and it must be said that Allan’s replacement has done an admirable job and quickly made centre stage his very own.

Whilst Allan Clarke’s distinctive voice is obviously missing, Carl Wayne nevertheless makes up for that by providing a more mellow but much stronger voice with a fabulous range, more than equipping him to handle The Hollies stage standards which the majority of the audience have come to see.  However, there is a generous sprinkling of material which The Hollies have not performed on stage prior to this tour, and whilst probably unfamiliar to the casual Hollies concert-goer, these gems provide a real treat for the fans.

But the hits are still in abundance.  Tony Hicks is in sparkling form on all manner of guitars, notably his new 12 stringer which provides a very authentic sixties sound and allows the band to reproduce, amongst others, their 1965 hit “Look Through Any Window” in pretty much it’s original form.  “On A Carousel” has also gone full circle (pardon the pun!) and there is the welcome return of the dramatic and evocative “Soldier’s Song” which Carl handles with style.  A refreshing addition to the repertoire is the 1972 hit “The Baby”, complete with Tony’s electronic sitar and Carl’s powerful vocals mirroring those of original vocalist, Mikael Rickfors.  The first half builds to a close on a high with The Hollies version of the Bob Dylan classic, “Blowin’ In The Wind” where Carl’s vocal delivery really brings the song alive, complete with a rocking guitar contribution from Tony and dynamic drumming from Bobby Elliott.

I must confess that I am not old enough to remember The Move, but when The Hollies perform their versions of the classics “Flowers In The Rain” and “Blackberry Way”, the sound of The Move is instantly recognisable from Carl Wayne’s voice.  However, I can just about remember Mud’s “Tiger Feet” for which Ray Stiles takes centre stage and brings the audience to it’s feet.

I would imagine there’s a fine line to be drawn between including ‘new’ songs for the ardent Hollies follower, yet retaining enough familiar hits to keep the majority of the audience happy.  I reckon The Hollies have got the formula just about right on this tour and with new studio material promised and the now seemingly endless scope for performing songs from their vast back catalogue, I’m sure that the fans are eagerly awaiting and expecting more surprises next year.

The vocal side of the Hollies may sound a little different, but that was inevitable.  No-one could replace Allan Clarke, but in my opinion, The Hollies have certainly taken a firm step forward with the addition of Carl Wayne.  He exudes warmth and class and certainly seems to have been welcomed to the fold by The Hollies’ faithful fans.

Anyone with any doubt that they may have lost their appeal with the retirement of Allan Clarke should go and see the show, because after 37 years of making wonderful music, this is a band with a new lease of life, emitting warmth, enthusiasm and an obvious enjoyment of what they do.

Simon Tordoff

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 12th November    By  Tom Swinford, Phoenix,  Arizona.

The King Is Dead ! Long Live The King !

I'll own up to shedding a few tears [actually many] when Allan Clarke announced his retirement last spring and to having some trepidations that this would be our last jaunt to the British Isles to see the band that I've loved since my teen-age years, but,  not the miserable weather, the British rail system that wasn't running, or even the cancelled date in York could dampen this round of  Hollies concerts. 

Having seen the Boys now in five decades, including the Rickfors years, the twenty-first century Hollies are amazing---and amazing doesn't really describe them. The two shows, the equivelent of an American double-header, at the old Grand Theater in Wolverhampton, would, I think, be a challenge for any group, let alone one that the average age is in the fifties range, and it was pulled off without a glitch.

New lead singer Carl Wayne, having the ability to be humble and a showman at the same time, fits like a glove, blending his voice to perfectly fit the traditional Hollies harmonies, but managing to put his own musical stamp on selected tunes.

The rest of the band seemed energized, Alan Coates voice was crystal clear on "Butterfly", Ray Stiles, whose harmony fills on several echo oldies were helpful, shone on Blackbird and really got the crowd going with the Mud song "Tiger Feet".   In fact it struck me how much the group enjoyed the Move and Mud songs they covered.

As always, Ian's romp round the audience was welcomed and, as for Bobby and Tony, nothing need  be said, as they remain two of the greatest musicians ever to play their instruments. 

By changing vocalists, I firmly believe that the Hollies have given themselves another decade of work. In the past, they lost Graham Nash,  the most recognized high harmony singer in the history of rock, and they survived.  They also weathered Alan Clarke's departure twice, and they survived.

This version of the Hollies is a winner.  

Hear! Here!

Tom Swinford. USA.

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, 12th November    By Sue Latham

 Ever since booking my ticket seven months ago I had wondered exactly what our "new look" Hollies would be like, could they really survive without Allan Clarke?

I need not have worried - from the moment Carl Wayne walked on to the stage waving and launched audaciously into "I'm Alive" he had the audience in the palm of his hand. He was totally comfortable and at ease, reminiscing about old times in the Midlands and singing with passion and real affection for the songs.

Clearly he is the right man for the job - the voice may be different but the group's performance has lost nothing by Carl's inclusion. In fact they appear to have been re-energised!

This was a truly great show.

As usual we were treated to all the old favourites from the 60's but also to one or two rarities, including "Soldiers' Song", especially poignant today, Remembrance Day, which enabled Carl to display the enormous range and power of his voice, the haunting "Butterfly", sung beautifully by Alan Coates, and the excellent Paul McCartney song "Blackbird" to which Ray Stiles did full justice. The first half ended with a stunning version of Bob Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind" which deservedly received a terrific ovation.

The second half began as the first had ended - with hit after hit.  Allan Clarke's contribution to the group can never be understated but quite rightly the remaining group members are using his retirement as the catalyst to move forward and introduce new facets to their performance, including more communication with the audience and everyone taking a more prominent role. Not only were some of Carl's own hits with 'The Move' included (Flowers in the Rain and the wonderful Blackberry Way) which Carl invited us to sing with him, but also Ray Stiles gave us a stomping version of the  'Mud' hit Tiger Feet - which had us on our feet.

The superlative Hollies song "The Air that I Breathe" was rightly dedicated to Allan Clarke and was followed by "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" which really had the theatre rocking. The encore was of course 'He Ain't Heavy" which as usual brought the house down.

Over the years I have seen lots of Hollies shows but I have never enjoyed one more. The lads are clearly enjoying themselves too and hopefully will continue to give us great music for years yet.

 I look forward eagerly to their new recordings -  with music like this around, the kids of today just don't know what they missed!

Come back to the Midlands soon boys  -   you will always be guaranteed a great welcome.

Sue Latham

Eastbourne Congress Theatre,  14 October    By Claire Peters

I,  like may other I'm sure, couldn't imagine The Hollies with Allan Clarke - the ultimate frontman.  But what a show on Saturday, Carl Wayne has brought new life to the band, his voice is fantastic.  There seems to be new enthusiasm throughout.

The show opened with their sixties no.1 I'm Alive, and Carl seemed to captivate the audience immediately.  The usual hits followed, but there were plenty of surprises in between.

One of the highlights for me was The Baby.  I've never heard them do it live before, and with Tony Hicks playing electric sitar I thought it was better than the original. 

Soldier's song made a welcome return with Bobby Elliott's impeccable drumming, and there were great acoustic versions of Bus Stop and The Move's Flowers in the Rain.

Alan Coates was excellent as usual singing Butterfly with Ian Parker's precise backing on keyboards.  It was great to see Ray Stiles move up front for a couple of songs - Blackbird (fantastic harmonies) and later for his big hit with Mud, Tiger Feet, which got everyone in the audience moving.

Tony introduced us to his new 12 string guitar, and as he said it produced a very authentic sixties sound on I Can't Let Go and Look Through Any Window.

Carl's voice seemed not to have changed since the sixties when he sang Blackberry Way, and the harmonies between him, Tony and Alan were incredible on Listen to Me.

All too soon it was nearly time to go, with The Air that I Breathe, Long Cool Woman and He Ain't Heavy bringing us to the end of a truly fabulous show, one of the best I've seen for years.

The whole band were extraordinary, and I hope they continue for many years to come.

Claire Peters, Wales

Eastbourne Congress Theatre,  14 October    by Amanda Wilkins, Eastbourne Press

This ain't heavy.....

The Congress Theatre was packed to the rafters on Saturday night for The Hollies.

The audience wouldn't let the group go, cheering and calling for more and they weren't disappointed by the new lead singer, Carl Wayne (former lead singer with The Move).

Founder member Allan Clarke decided to quit at the end of last year to spend more time with his wife Jeni who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Only two of the original members of the n1960's group remain, Tony Hicks and drummer Bobby Elliott.  But they have an impressive line-up to complete the group with former Mud member Ray Stiles, Ian Parker and Alan Coates.

The Hollies have utilised the former members of other groups by adding some of their songs and Carl Wayne sang his Move hits, Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way.  Ray Stiles also got the audience rocking with Tiger Feet which he used to sing with Mud.

There was also a very innovative item using the original voice of Buddy Holly on tape singing Peggy Sue Got Married to an arrangement played live by The Hollies.

All the old favourites were there, The Air That I Breathe, Here I Go Again, Carrie Anne and The Baby.

The group made the audience wait until the very last encore before they sang what is probably their most famous song, He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother.

This song proved to be one of The Hollies biggest hits and became a No 1 hit second time around in the late 80's when it was featured in a TV lager commercial.

It was a most enjoyable evening and Eastbourne cannot wait for The Hollies to pay a return visit.

AMANDA WILKINS, EASTBOURNE PRESS

Bournemouth International Centre,  13 October     Hilary Porter   Bournemouth Daily Echo

What a difference new move makes.

When front man Allan Clarke announced he was retiring from The Hollies at the end of last year's tour, many believed the group had reached the end of the road. The 1999 BIC performance was marred by lacklustre vocals and sound problems and the future seemed grim.

But what a transformation we saw on Friday night with Carl Wayne, ex-lead singer of The Move, on board.  Joining the familiar line-up of Tony Hicks, Bobby Elliott, Alan Coates, Ray Stiles and Ian Parker, Carl brought exactly the right vocal style in the timeless Hollies classics.  It was an impeccable performance.

Flanked by the brilliance of guitarists Tony Hicks and Alan Coates, the band's trademark three-part harmonies were faithfully recreated.  They took us through the massive 60's hits such as Jennifer Eccles, Just One Look and Here I Go Again through to the more experimental He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother of 1969.

Then there was the equally different rock and roll of Long Cool Woman and the hauntingly beautiful The Air That I Breathe of the 70's.  And with Carl fronting the band there were some bonuses too........ performances of Move hits including Flowers In The Rain (the first record to be played on Radio One) and Blackberry Way.

Not to miss out on doing his party piece too, former Mud bass player Ray Stiles gave us a rendition of Tiger Feet.

HILARY PORTER,  BOURNEMOUTH DAILY ECHO

Brighton, Theatre Royal,  8 October   By Robert Allen,  Brighton Evening Argus

Losing the distinctive vocals of Allan Clarke is like Yes losing Jon Anderson or Jefferson Starship losing Grace Slick.

The Hollies, Manchester’s retort to Liverpool’s The Beatles, were forged out of the melting pot of the musical influences that defined the 1960s – r ‘n’b, soul, blues, grassroots, gospel and jazz.

Allan Clarke’s vocals combined with Graham Nash’s harmonies, Bobby Elliott’s precise drumming and Tony Hick’s slick guitar.  The result was a stream of chart successes – Stay; Just One look; Yes I Will; Look Through Any Window; Bus Stop; Carrie-Anne; King Midas In Reverse; Jennifer Eccles…….

The Hollies, with a style that was as popular as it was sophisticated, dominated the airwaves and discos and living rooms of 1960s Britain, Europe and North America.  Their harmonious sound tugged many a heart string while their lyrics, as uncomplicated as those of The Beatles, told of love found, love lost and love lived.

When Nash left in 1968 to become an integral member of the supergroup, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young – aka CSN&Y, (who spawned the country rock harmony sound The Eagles would take to extremes) it seemed the band who had started it all would fall apart.  They didn’t, they simply got better and produced more hits – Sorry Suzanne; He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother; I Can’t Tell The Bottom From The Top; Gasoline Alley Bred; Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress and The Air That I Breathe.

The retirement of Clarke after almost four decades, in February this year, might have destroyed the band, but once again they have stormed back.

Last Night, with Carl Wayne – the former front man of The Move replacing Clarke, The Hollies were on tour again – and what a show they produced.  It was a typical first night, the first of a tour that will take them around the world and back.  Cues were missed and Wayne wasn’t sure when to come in during Carrie-Anne.  It didn’t detract from the entertainment, and that’s what this group is about.

With Wayne, an accomplished performer, singer and musician, determined to entertain, it was a night to remember.  Wayne revelled in two Move hits – Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way, while nearly all The Hollies hits were performed with style and a musical  acumen that only comes from people who have been entertaining audiences for 40 years.

Miss this latest line-up of The Hollies and you’ll miss a piece of musical history.  They play Eastbourne this Saturday.

ROBERT ALLEN,  BRIGHTON EVENING ARGUS

Brighton, Theatre Royal,  8 October  -  by Helen Macdonald

The 8th October 2000 marked the first date on The Hollies Autumn 2000 tour and Carl Wayne's first appearance on a major set of dates.

The Theatre Royal, Brighton is warm and cosy, and there was a jovial atmosphere front of house. As I took my seat in the packed auditorium it was clear that the Fan Club had bagged the first few rows. I felt for Carl, knowing how difficult it was going to be for him to stand up in front of long established Hollies fans and prove himself. Deep down I knew he had nothing  to worry about, though, and I was proved right as soon as he took to the stage. He came on last, to the strains of the "Bladerunner" theme and the audience gave him a hearty welcome.

The set began with a great rendition of "I'm Alive" with the audience clapping their hands, and the first half of the set flew by, including many of the Hollies favourites. One highlight for me was the acoustic spot which included fabulous versions of "Bus Stop" and the well-loved Move classic "Flowers in the Rain" It is great that the band are allowing Carl to showcase the numbers that have brought him success in the past and this section gave Alan Coates and Tony Hicks the chance to display their talents on guitar and backing vocals; the sound was fresh and simple.

The second highlight of the first half was "Soldier Song." Carl really put his all into this one; the emotion depicted reflected his past success as an actor and the lighting effects matched the mood, brooding and wistful. Bob Dylan's classic "Blowing in the Wind" closed the first half and the band left the stage to much appreciative noise!

The second half was a little longer and just as enjoyable. More Hollies classics, an effective collaboration with Buddy Holly and another Move number for good measure, "Blackberry Way", which encouraged healthy audience participation! Carl's unique voice sounded heavenly on "The Air that I Breathe" and the inevitable encore "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother." "Long Cool Woman", gave Carl the chance to show what a truly terrific rock singer and showman he is, and had the audience on its feet, as did "Tiger Feet", sung brilliantly by Ray Stiles. The final numbers brought the house down, and the band returned to the stage for numerous bows.

Carl is singing better than ever, and the good-natured banter going on with Tony and the other guys on stage suggests that great relationships are developing already. I am new to The Hollies and was incredibly impressed with the show; they are all fantastic singers and players, the songs are cracking, and it is a professional, polished production.

I am so glad that Carl has joined them and hope their "marriage" is a long one.

Helen Macdonald -  Long standing Carl Wayne fan  -  check out her website here    www.carlwayne.co.uk

Brighton, Theatre Royal,  8 October  -  by Robert Bird

Just a quick note to say that I was at the opening night of the tour at Brighton last night and it was......superb!

I wasn't sure what it would be like without Allan as the front man but it only took a couple of songs before I realised that Carl is a good singer in his own right and the harmonising between him, Tony and Alan (and Ray at times) was as good as I have heard from them when performing live.

It was a fairly recognisable set - they threw in an acoustic version of Bus Stop, and Tony got to play a mock-Sitar type thing as they did The Baby - sounded good. They ended the first half with Blowing In The Wind.

The second half flew by - my favourite song being Blackbird, not only because of the vocal aspect, but also for the opportunity to watch Tony motor around the fret board...which he then went on to do once more when they played Stop Stop Stop.

A couple of Move songs punctuated the play list - Flowers In The Rain and Blackberry Way...well received by one and all...especially the guy in the seat behind me who would have no problem securing the Bass part in a barbershop quartet!

Air came and went - sounded OK - and then they launched into the well-known medley, the only thing sounding funny was LCW, missing the third guitar part on the intro, but they carried it off well.

At the end of the medley Carl 'coolly' asked if they'd missed out one song in particular.   He got the response I think he was expecting!

At this point he paid tribute to Allan for his outstanding contribution to the band over the years and also wished Jen the best - it was very sincere and very well received by all...the audience applauding him and the Clarke's for quite some time.

When the clapping had stopped, Carl pulled a harmonica from his pocket and we were off once more. A great version of He Ain't Heavy to finish off the set and to generally bring the house down.

At the end, everyone took a bow (including Ian and Bobby - yes they were there!) and Carl received a few pats on the back from his colleagues.

All I can say is, that although Allan has gone, and things will inevitably sound different, I thought it was superb. A cracking night - and considering the amount that Carl has had to learn and take on board........

I wasn't sure about whether they had made the right decision to carry on. I now know.

They have.

If you're going to see them, enjoy. I certainly did!

Robert Bird