CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE          By Norah Adshead            19th May, 1998 

This was an unexpected extra for me. A real treat as I had resigned myself to the fact that I just couldn’t manage to do it. I didn’t decide to go until the end of the Liverpool concert on the Sunday night, after an offer that I just couldn’t and didn’t want to refuse. I was seated in row R for the first half but as there was a spare seat towards the front, I moved down to F for the second.

The lighting looks totally different when you sit further back than the front two rows and is much more effective. It was nice to see the whole stage at one time as well, instead of having to look at each individual band member in turn.

The show started with the usual three numbers, Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will. Tony welcomed us and apologised for any inconvenience caused by cancelling the previous date back in March. He just glanced over the reason and then they got on with I Can’t Let Go. This is a brilliant song that comes over so well live. One of my favourites, the harmonies were perfect, Ray’s bass, the lead guitar solo, Allan’s growl…..all of it is Hollies at their best.

Allan then told us that as this was to be the last one of their eighty gigs they would be having a party. "As you can see," he said, " they’re all stoned." I think he was referring to the crew at this point. Anyway it raised a chuckle from the audience .

Sandy was followed almost immediately by Sorry Suzanne.

Tony then began to introduce Don’t Let Me Down. He called it stupendous, this was of cause following Allan’s comment that he only ever introduces it as a really nice song. Allan said "Thank you." Allan then went on to comment about Tony’s suit saying Tony had been ironing his suit again, and adding that Tony was the only person Allan knew who put creases in his sleeves. Allan asked if it was a promise when Tony said the suit wouldn’t be appearing again as you only have to look at it and it creases. Allan told him to be careful as he had promised that before. Tony then informed us he would be wearing a suit, in the second half , which he had also promised he wouldn’t wear again. We all knew it had to be the brown one.

Allan then gave us a tremendous rendition of Don’t Let Me Down. This is an all time favourite of mine and I think it comes over beautifully live with Alan, Ray, Ian and Tony doing the backing to Allan’s solo guitar and lyrics. Allan then said we wouldn’t hear that anymore. My heart sank momentarily. It picked up again with the start of the lovely Helplessly Hoping, after which Tony said Alan would be taking centre stage to sing Butterfly, for the last time. He asked Alan how it had felt? "Comfortable" came the reply.

Everyone back on stage now for I’m Alive, Ian gives this that something extra now that he joins the others in the harmonies. Tony picked up the mandolin and they went straight into When I’m Dead And Gone. As usual the first half closed with On A Carousel .

Yes we were right the brown suit had been resurrected, it looked remarkably well. Allan was wearing the beige one with the buttons that just won’t stay done up.

Stop In The Name Of Love brought cheers from the audience. This was followed by Jennifer Eccles which features Alan Coates playing slide guitar, brilliant, everyone was clapping along . Just One Look, which already had such great bass playing from Ray ,is absolutely terrific now he’s added the extra vocals at the end. He has an amazingly deep voice.

We were then introduced to the extraordinary Ian Parker who plays the accordion like you have never heard it played before. Ian then gave us an example of his capabilities. The audience loved it and clapped along. Well done Ian, hope we’ll have the pleasure again next time.

We’re Through is fantastic, from Bobby’s intro to Allan’s new found talent on the keyboards, not forgetting Ray’s ay oh’s and Ian’s walk about you just can’t sit still to this. Ian however did not return to the stage , he was up in the balcony when the song came to an end. Tony had to ask him to return as they needed him on the next song Bus Stop.

Peggy Sue Got Married was received with great applause. Peggy Sue came next, which was a change from the more regular Maybe Baby . Tony plays it at such speed. Then Rave On which is a fabulous version of this super song. I just wish it were a bit longer.

Allan picked up that Ray was wearing his glasses and asked why, Tony said it was because he had driven down for the first time since his accident. It was good to hear that he is getting mobile again.

Look Through Any Window showed off Tony and Alan’s superb guitar playing then Carrie Anne. Tony and Alan changed sides ready for Stop Stop Stop while Ian did his psychedelic bit. Tony launched into the long introduction, which brought a cheer from the crowd .

The lovely Air That I Breathe filled my eyes with tears, He Ain’t Heavy is also much more moving towards the end of a tour. Tonight Allan sang them both beautifully.

Johnny Be Good, Let’s Dance and Long Cool Woman brought another brilliant tour to an end.

I’m just so grateful for the chance to get to this concert, it was far too good to miss. Thank you Rob.

Norah Adshead

VICTORIA THEATRE, HALIFAX          By Jennifer Cooper   15th May, 1998

If anyone out here reads this and has not been to a Hollies' Concert you do not know what you are missing. But then I am rather biased! I for one hope they carry on performing for many years to come.

Jennifer Cooper

HOLLIES TALES FROM CANTERBURY.       By Knut Skyberg  Friday 3rd April ,1998

We came to Canterbury on the 3rd of April via London for the second of two Marlowe concerts on the spring tour in this beautiful town. The old town is quite enchanting, and it was a pleasure for this my second time here to bring my wife and daughter.

Last time, in April 1993, I attended both concerts and surely the second night the sound balance was best. So this time it fitted well to give the second night priority. And it was a Friday night, too, before a sell-out audience with 3 generations of fans.

This venue is not too large, and sitting right in front of the mixing table gave a near perfect sound.

The concert kicked off with an old hits intro, consisting of Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will. Then Allan stated that they were asked last time why they didn't play I Can't Let Go, so this one followed.

The Bruce Springsteen song Sandy received the effective Hollies treatment. Then we were up to a difference from the night before, when Daddy Don't Mind was included.

Tonight Tony introduced an Abbey Road recording, which had been re-mixed lately. But he was too modest to say that this song is included on the latest Abbey Road CD with some additional playing by himself. This was written by Graham Nash and Terry Reid, and was included on the CSN box set under the title "Horses Through A Rainstorm".   The Hollies had also recorded the song before Graham left, and it first surfaced on the US anniversary box. The vocals come across much more clearly in concert version on the present tour, Alan Coates really has a stronger voice than Graham had.

Then we're given Sorry Suzanne, which is an audience pleasure.

Allan then introduces another song that could well have been a Bruce Springsteen composition, Don't Let Me Down, given a full acoustic treatment, with only Bobby not taking part in the harmonies. The unplugged section continues with Helplessly Hoping, and then Alan Coates take the centre role for a beautiful Butterfly. Ian Parker had done a good job programming his synthesiser, like Johnny Scott's orchestra.

A complete contrast for the next song, with a techno-intro, with sampled doo-doo's progressing into I'm Alive. Oh, how I enjoy those 90's versions of the old hits!

Tony plays a main part in the classic When I'm Dead And Gone, and On A Carousel completes the first half.

The second half opens with the 83 reunion hit Stop In The Name Of Love, followed by Jennifer Eccles and Just One Look.

For the next track, We're Through, Ian Parker walks around in the audience with his accordion.

Bus Stop is then introduced by Ian as the Hollies first international hit, this can of course be questioned, unless you require success in the US to qualify for this characterisation.

The Buddy Holly section followed, Peggy Sue Got Married had the original recorded BH vocals, Maybe Baby was played acoustic, and the up-tempo Rave On completed the section. Then back to a modern version of an old song (luckily), Look Through Any Window with two lead guitars, producing a very rich sound.

Carrie Anne is welcomed by the audience and so is Stop!Stop!Stop! with Tony's banjo intro, this time played in East Indian style, almost like a sitar. The second set is complete with the greatest of hits Air That I Breathe and He Ain't Heavy, and they receive a standing ovation.

For the extra set we have the old rockers Johnny B. Goode and Let's Dance, and here Allan is as comfortable as during the acoustic sections. He really lets it go.

The whole show is ended with Long Cool Woman, as usual.

Once more the Hollies have shown that they know how to treat an audience of both loyal fans and people who only go for the occasional concert. On this tour they don't do as much stage talking as they did a few years back, but the band seems quite content to give the playing priority.

Maybe Allan should practise the names of the guys in the band before the next show, or maybe not, some unexpected event on stage certainly breaks the routine.

Personally, I enjoyed most the acoustic sections, and Ian Parker's contributions, so did my wife, who also likes the old rock'n'roll.  And I must of course mention Bobby's high quality drumming.

After the concert quite a few fans gathered at the stage door for autographs.

Thank you, Allan, Tony, Bobby, Alan, Ray and Ian for a great experience. Even my 13-year old daughter who prefers Celine Dion, Spice Girls and Janet Jackson had a good time.

Knut Skyberg

Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham        28 March  by Jeff & Margaret Martin

Yet another fantastic evening in the company of the Hollies was enjoyed by a packed audience at Nottingham's Royal Centre on 28th March.

Most of the bands many chart hits were included, as well as some lesser known numbers. These included an outstanding performance of the title track from their "Butterfly" Album, sung centre stage by Alan Coates.

There was much to enjoy throughout the concert. The powerful, distinctive voice of Allan Clarke, along with the talents of Tony Hicks, Ray Stiles and Alan Coates on guitar, banjo and vocals. Ian Parker's unique keyboard and accordion playing. All held together by Bobby Elliotts brilliant drumming.

The Hollies backing Buddy Holly was one of the many highlights. " The air that I breathe" and "He ain't heavy" brought the audience to their feet in time for the great Rock n Roll finale.

We were left wanting more.

The Hollies have been on the road for nearly 35 years and just when you think they can't get any better....they do.

Jeff & Margaret Martin

Northampton Derngate            13 March 1998   By Norah Adshead

As ever before a concert, the adrenaline was flowing, tonight I was feeling even more excited than ever.  This was to be my daughter Carrie Ann's first Hollies concert.   She was pretty excited herself as I introduced her to some of the many friends that I have made over the years.

We took our seats in the front row just to the left of Allan.  At Derngate the seats go right up to the stage so you sit really close.  Carrie beamed as the group took up their places on stage and the concert started.  Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will.   I love the way that Alan Coates picks up and finishes the lines on Yes I Will.   Carrie Ann was already on the edge of her seat.

Tony welcomed us saying how last night we'd been introduced to Allan's butcher, his baker, he stopped there in case they had come again tonight.

I Can't Let Go came next.  It is so typically Hollies with lovely harmonies and depth of sound, it will always rate very highly with me.

Tony talked a bit about the new Abbey Road releases during his introduction to Man With No Expression,  I have liked this song since it first appeared on the American 3 CD set released in 1993.  It sounds good live.  Sorry Suzanne followed.

The acoustic set started with Tony saying how Allan was worried about playing the wrong chords on the next number, but quickly adding "He usually plays the right chords but not always in the right places"  Don't Let Me Down is a special favourite of mine and I love this intermit version with Tony, Ian, Alan and Ray replacing the orchestra with vocal
harmonies, Allan playing solo guitar and vocals.  It's magic.

Next, Stephen Stills' Helplessly Hoping, which has become a Hollies classic in my book.   Now Alan Coates takes centre stage,  "Don't get used to it!"   Allan shouts from the wings. The mystical Butterfly.

The rest of the group came back on stage for I'm Alive,  Ian now joining the others for the harmonies.

Carrie is still on the edge of her seat with her beaming face reinforcing her obvious enjoyment and appreciation of what is going on.  Join the club Carrie,  I told you they are just fantastic.

Tony picks up the mandolin, Coatsie the banjo and Allan grabs his harmonica and we are into When I'm Dead And Gone.  The audience is in full swing, you just can't sit still to this one. On A Carousel brigs the first half to a close, everyone clapping along to the end.

We settled back into our seats eagerly awaiting the start of the second half.  Allan came out in the now famous cream suit.  Stop In The Name Of Love, Jennifer Eccles and Just One Look, all went down very well.  Alan Coates plays brilliant guitar on Jennifer but Ray completely steals Just One Look.

Allan then introduced Ian, saying that after 35 years it was hard to know what to do next, so they were going to feature Ian.  A ripple of applause from the regulars gathered momentum as Allen said. "He was a nice boy when he joined us.  See what touring with The Hollies does for you."  We're Through starts with Bobby,  Ian jumped from the stage with his accordion. He has really added something to the great song.   His accordion and keyboard playing are terrific, fitting so well with Bobby's brilliant drumming.  Cheers, whistles and loud applause confirmed just how much the packed audience enjoyed it.  Certainly one of the highlights for me.

Tony said there was no accordion when they recorded the next number.  He knew 'cos he was there.  Bus Stop in the original style is one that is loved by all, no matter where you are.

The introduction to Peggy Sue Got Married brought a cheer, followed by Maybe Baby and Rave On.  Allan clearly loves these numbers.  The harmonising on all three is terrific, Ray adding something special to Rave On with his deep, deep voice.  Allan told us how he and Graham had chased someone, who they thought was Buddy Holly, down the street in London only to find it was Hank Marvin.

The Subject of Alan Coates' and Ray's shirts were the next topic of conversation.   These were being worn outside the trousers and Tony and Allan wondered if they were hiding 'big tummies'.  This led nicely to what they were going to do the next night when they were to play at Sheffield.

They had promised something special for the front row.  This brought some squeals of delight from the regulars and laughter from everyone else when Allan asked if they should do a rehearsal now.

Back to the job in hand, Look Through Any Window, which shows off the musicianship and crystal clear harmonies of The Hollies so well, was next. Then Carrie Anne,  almost as if Allan was aware she was there, he looked
right into her face as he sang "Hey, Carrie Anne".

We were treated to the long run in to Stop Stop Stop as we had been the night before.   The Air That I Breathe heralded the beginning of the end, followed, after the usual bows by He Ain't Heavy.  These two numbers always bring a lump to my throat.

Now it was time for the rock'n'roll, Carrie joined us on our feet, as Allan belted out Johnny B Goode, Let's Dance and Long Cool Woman.

From the slowest ballad to the rock'n'roll and everything that comes between, just goes to show The Hollies are the greatest.  A Hollies concert is not just a brilliant nights musical entertainment, it is an emotional awakening that stays with you long after the night has ended.

Running Order

          
Bye for now
Love Norah

Here are some pictures from the concert and outside the stagedoor after the show.

I can't think where Norah got the idea from but her daughter is named......

"CARRIE ANN"  

Northampton Derngate            12 March 1998   By Sue Kelly

This was the first of two consecutive concerts at Allan's local venue. Much was made of the fact that he lives in the area and there seemed to be more than a touch of sincerity in his voice when he said how nerve-wracking it felt to be performing in front of people who know him simply as a neighbour or a customer. Whatever he may have felt about it, the audience certainly gave their local hero - and his mates! - a very warm welcome.

The concert got off to a flying start with Stay, Here I Go Again and Yes I Will, swiftly followed by the fantastic I Can't Let Go. Allan was on top form, everyone was playing well and the sound quality was great.

As ever, I listened to Sandy with my eyes closed. It really is the best way to hear those intricate harmonies and pick out what each member of the group is playing. I opened them only to watch Alan Coates seemingly effortlessly play his guitar solo.

This was the fifth concert of the tour and it was noticeable how much more at ease The Hollies seemed compared to the first week. The two new songs - Man With No Expression and Don't Let Me Down - sounded extremely polished. The harmonies were absolutely beautiful, and Alan, Ray, Ian and Tony looked deceptively angelic as they stood in pairs, hands clasped in front of them, singing backing vocals on Don't Let Me Down!

Tony announced that Alan Coates was going to sing Butterfly, saying rather wistfully that he wondered if he would ever the make centre stage position.

"One day", said Coatsie. "When you're a bit older!"

Much as the audience clearly loved the 'new' material, there was no doubt about their feeling for the hits, as the roars of approval for Sorry Suzanne - which featured some masterful drumming from Bobby! - I'm Alive and On A Carousel proved. I particularly enjoyed the latest re-vamped version of I'm Alive. As well as the 'front row', Ray and Ian joined in on backing vocals and it added up to the typically rich sound of The Hollies at their very best.***

The second half kicked off with Stop In The Name Of Love, before Allan got everyone clapping along to Jennifer Eccles. A swift drum roll heralded Just One Look in the original style. As the neat Sixties-style ending and the applause died away, Allan suddenly made a shock announcement! Speaking in a very dramatic voice, he said:

"Well, we nearly never had a second half!"

There was a collective sharp intake of breath from the audience as we all wondered what on earth could have happened. Allan duly confirmed our worst suspicions:  "Tony cut his finger!"

(Fortunately, the injury wasn't so severe that he was unable to complete the concert.....although the subject was resurrected at Sheffield, two nights later, when he very imaginatively told how there had been blood EVERYWHERE!)

Anyway, cut finger or no cut finger, his acoustic guitar playing on We're Through and Bus Stop was a highlight for me. Bus Stop is another song which has reverted to 'the original style' and it sounds terrific.

The Buddy Holly segment was, as ever, brilliant. Ray once again took the honours with his bass vocals on Rave On. It was then the turn of Alan and Tony to star with their amazing high-speed playing on Look Through Any Window, before they continued with Carrie Anne.

As Tony and Alan swapped places to prepare for Stop Stop Stop, Ian set the mood with his Eastern-style keyboard music and we were (at last!) treated to one of Tony's long banjo introductions.

A perfect version of The Air That I Breathe led finally to He Ain't Heavy and the inevitable rock 'n' roll section. There wasn't much room between the first row of seats and the edge of the stage and there was a mad scramble for the prized position at the front.

Some of the ladies had to make an undignified scramble over the backs of seats to get there....but, as that fantastic music brought another memorable concert to an end, no doubt it was worth it!

 NB *** When are they going to let Bobby sing??!!

 Sue Kelly

Fairfield Halls, Croydon     Friday 6 March 1998 by David Matthews

My concert notes

First half (19.40 hours)
Stay
Here I go again
Yes I will
I can't let go
Sandy
Man with no expression
Sorry Susanne
Don't let me down (acoustic)
Helplessly hoping (acoustic)
Butterfly (Alan Coates, vocals)
I'm alive
When I'm dead and gone (Tony Hicks/Alan Coates, vocals)
On a carousel

Interval (20.30 hours)

Second half (20.55 hours)
Stop in the name of love
Jennifer Eccles
Just one look
We're through
Bus stop
Peggy Sue got married (Buddy Holly, vocals)
Maybe baby (acoustic)
Rave on (acoustic)
Look through any window
Carrie Anne
Stop stop stop
The air that I breathe
He ain't heavy, he's my brother
Johnny B Goode
Let's dance
Long cool woman in a black dress

Close (22.00 hours)



I approached this concert whilst looking back to a very good performance at Wimbledon last November, and looking forward to the convention at Brighton and another concert the next day. I was also pleased to have been able to purchase and listen to the excellent new Abbey Road 1966 to 1970 CD the day before this concert (Why was 'Jennifer Eccles' omitted from this collection?).

I was certainly hoping for some variations to the songlist and ideally the inclusion of some of their excellent album tracks or 'B' sides instead of some of the cover versions they seem to favour.

The concert started unfortunately with some sound and microphone problems and with Allan's vocal on 'Stay' being somewhat inaudible. After this initial song these problems seemed to be fixed and I was better able to enjoy the show.

The first surprise of the evening was when Allan acknowledged the fans requests for album tracks to be played. He referred to the group's reputation as a singles band and how they recorded many albums that didn't get played.

He then began to introduce a song written by Graham Nash and Terry Reid only for Tony to stop him in mid-sentence to tell him that he was a song too early.  (Were they really going to perform 'Man with no expression'?)

So, after performing 'Sandy' they did indeed sing  'Man of no expression (horses through a rainstorm)'. This was a rare treat and it gave Alan Coates another showcase for his Nash style vocal.

This song, recorded by both The Hollies (August 1968) and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (December 1969) had only been released by both artists in the 1990's on compilations. By co-incidence I had just recently heard a version by John Mellencamp.

A further welcome surprise was the acoustic rendition of 'Don't let me down'. This is a well regarded track from a 1974 album when it featured a fuller orchestrated arrangement. This time it featured Allan on acoustic guitar and vocals, with Alan, Tony, Ray, and Ian on backing vocals.

This was followed by more vocal harmonies and acoustic guitars on 'Helplessly Hoping'.

A highlight from the autumn tour was repeated when Alan Coates took centre stage for 'Butterfly', a childlike period piece from 1967.

They still included 'When I'm dead and gone' in the set, and it was refreshing to hear Tony take a co-lead vocal with Coatsie on this McGuinness Flint hit from 1970.

Alongside these rarer items there was a trio of Buddy Holly songs, a Motown song, and a couple of rock'n'roll numbers, including 'Johnny B Goode' this time.

More importantly for the fans of the hits there were sixteen UK top ten hits plus the US smash 'Long cool woman' as the perennial show closer. As with the Wimbledon concert the arrangements for most of these hits placed a welcome emphasis on the guitar sounds that were such a feature of the recorded versions.

In conclusion this was another enjoyable concert with a good selection of the hits and the bonus of hearing some rarely heard but well regarded album tracks.

David Matthews

The Regent Ipswich              5th March 1998   By Lesley Haywood

This was my first night of the Spring Tour and after saying hello to some of the regular fans, I took my seat and waited for the start of the show. The Hollies came on stage to rapturous applause from the packed audience and launched into the familiar opening numbers of 'Stay', 'Here I Go' again and 'Yes I Will'.

Tony then greeted the audience and introduced a 'number one hit' 'I Can't Let Go'. After this great number Allan introduced the next song 'Sandy', saying that Bruce Springsteen is, in his mind, one of the best song writers around, adding that there is an autobiography of Bruce being produced in the autumn in which he has been asked to say a few words.

Sandy was followed by one of the surprises of the evening - the album track 'Man With No Expression'. It sounded wonderful and I am sure it will prove to be a great favourite with all future audiences. Allan and Tony commented after this song that they are trying to include a few album tracks, but that they are still trying to include a lot of their hits, so they led up to the first acoustic section with 'Sorry Suzanne'.

The acoustics started with the second change. 'If I Were The Priest'  has now been replaced by a terrific rendition of 'Don't Let Me Down'. Allan played guitar in the centre and he was joined by Alan and Ray on the left mike and Ian and Tony on the right, all harmonising together producing a wonderful sound. 'Helplessly Hoping' followed and this section finished with Alan Coates taking centre stage to sing the beautiful 'Butterfly'.

The rest of the group returned to the stage to sing 'I'm Alive' - this now has a new intro and sounded brilliant. The first half finished with 'Carousel' and 'When I'm Dead And Gone'.

The second half opened with 'Stop In The Name Of Love', 'Jennifer Eccles' and the slow version of 'Just One Look'. 'We're Through' followed, although Ian couldn't go ''walkabout' - the stage was too high and there was no way for him to go round - he did, however, wander about the stage! The original version of 'Bus Stop' followed, although there was some chatter between Allan and Ian on whether the accordion featured on the original hit. 'Peggy Sue Got Married' led them nicely into the second half acoustics where they sang 'Maybe Baby' and 'Rave On' - which I think is one of their best covers of a Buddy Holly song - Ray's bass voice is brilliant.

At this point John Pratt went to the toilet for a leak.

'Look Through Any Window' brought the rest of the band back on stage and the second half continued with the familiar routine of 'Carrie-Anne', 'Stop Stop Stop' and 'The Air That I Breathe'. After taking their first bow they then sang 'He Ain't Heavy' which finished to cheers and rapturous applause. They went into the Rock 'n roll section with a fantastic rendition of 'Johnny B Good'. 'Let's Dance' got people dancing at the front and, all too soon, the night finished with 'Long Cool Woman'.

A wonderful evening and I can't wait for Croydon and Brighton.

By Lesley Haywood Set List  

Alban Arena, St Albans             Wednesday 4th March 1998  by Sue Kelly

 
The eagerly awaited first concert of the 1998 Spring tour! The steward on the door said that the tickets were "like gold dust" and had "sold out months ago". That was a good start.

It was like a school reunion as the familiar faces of the regular fans started to arrive and, after the usual pre-concert natter, we settled ourselves into our front row seats.

Stay was the first song, with the group arriving to a burst of applause, followed by Here I Go Again and Yes I Will.

Allan was wearing a bright blue suit, Tony was in black and Coatsie was wearing black jeans and T-shirt with a red jacket. It was just like old times. However, there were a few changes in store...

Sandy was still there but Draggin' My Heels had gone, as had If I Were The Priest. In came the lovely Man With No Expression, featuring some great high harmonies from Alan Coates, Long Dark Road - Tony taking lead vocals - and Don't Let Me Down. As this song was introduced, Ray and Ian both came to the front of the stage and hovered. The idea was that Allan remained at the centre mike and accompanied himself on his acoustic guitar, while Ray joined Coatsie and Ian joined Tony to do backing vocals. This worked very well and the audience seemed to like it.

As he prepared to sing the song, Allan told Rod Shields to do something about the lighting because he couldn't see the words. A yellow spotlight promptly came on behind him. He made no secret of the fact that the lyrics were on the floor in front of him. In fact, he had worn his glasses for an earlier song, endearing himself to the audience by openly telling them that he needed them to read the words!

It turned out that we were privileged to have heard Long Dark Road because it was dropped the following night.

The first half ended, as it did on the Autumn tour, with Butterfly, I'm Alive, On A Carousel and When I'm Dead And Gone. By then, the audience was happily clapping along and the atmosphere was building.

The introduction to I'm Alive was new: as Ian played the opening notes, the sound of the boys singing the 'original style' beginning of the song could be heard echoing in the background. It was a nice idea and very effective.

The second half got underway with Stop In The Name Of Love, followed by Jennifer Eccles, (on which Coatsie played some very nice slide guitar). Next was my preferred What Goes Around version of Just One Look, featuring Ray's great bass playing. Lovely!

By now, the audience was getting well into the spirit of the occasion and they thoroughly enjoyed Ian's walkabout during We're Through. Encouraged by Tony, he leapt from the stage, complete with torch strapped to his head, and did a tour of the stalls. He didn't find it quite so easy to scramble back onto the high stage!

Bus Stop won a roar of approval from the audience before it was time for the Buddy Holly segment. Tonight, this consisted of just the three songs: Peggy Sue Got Married, Maybe Baby and Rave On. These also went down very well and Ray's bass harmony was brilliant. Allan gave a mention to Ray's career with Mud - which brought a selection of appreciative "oooh"s from the audience! - and even threw in a bit of a Mud dance.

Look Through Any Window was as popular as ever, and then Coatsie and Tony swapped sides for Stop Stop Stop. Sadly, Tony decided to go straight into this. As he and Coatsie returned to their own places, he played the introduction to The Air That I Breathe and then mimed the fact that Coatsie had left his microphone stand too high, discreetly lowering it several inches!

The inevitable He Ain't Heavy led the way to the end of the show and we Regulars - together with some natives of St Albans - gathered at the edge of the stage for the rock 'n' roll. There was another change here with Johnny B. Good being a great first choice. This featured some smashing guitar from Tony and was absolutely brilliant. Rock 'n' roll at its best! Next, the familiar pounding of Bob's drums led into Let's Dance. The show ended, naturally, with Long Cool Woman.

Overall, some nice surprises and good choices for the new songs, and a creditable first night. The audience obviously thoroughly approved, giving the group a standing ovation at the end.

By Sue Kelly Set List