The Hollies (formed Dec 1962, in Manchester, Lancashire): Bobby Elliott (born Robert Hartley Elliott, 8.12.1941, at 13 Chilton Avenue, Bolton, Lancashire); Graham Nash (born Graham William Nash, 2.2.1942, in Blackpool, Lancashire); Allan Clarke (born Harold Allan Clarke, 5.4.1942, in Salford, Lancashire); Bernard Calvert (born Bernard Bamford Calvert, 16.9.1942, in Brierield, Lancashire); Don Rathbone (born Donald Rathbone, 10.1942, in Wilmslow, Cheshire); Eric Haydock (born 3.2.1943, in Burnley, Lancashire); Tony Hicks (born Anthony Christopher Hicks, 16.12.1945, in Nelson, Lancashire).

Note inclusion of Sid and Eddie (Little and Large)

Memories

Where to start! I live in Finland  - been here since 65.

Met The Hollies or the boys in 62, knew all the manchester groups- wayne f and the m-benders, etc. We were friends not groupies, as  Iwent to art school and so did some of the boys around.

I remember Graham Nash coming back from the dentist with 4 new front teeth.  Allan and me were out side the Oais Club in Jackson Row waiting and we both thought that it was the best thing ever.  They were implanted and that was a new thing then.

Allan gave me his or there 1st demo disk by the Fourtones called Whimaway ,I still have it.

Many memories, we did a lot in 4 years before I came here , the only regret I have from those days is that I never took pictures.

Angela Reponen ne Wyner
19/4/10

I recall a gig The Hollies were playing in Rochdale around 1963. It was at the Champness Hall and they were booked as support act with Dusty Springfield as the main attraction.

I worked at a grocers shop and was delivering a basket of groceries to the venue when the doorman recognised me as being one of the Travellers pop group and invited me in to watch them rehearsing. I forgot myself and after some spontaneous applause was advised to leave.

I later found out that the show was a sham, Dusty wasn't even booked to appear and the guy who organised it had done a bunk with the ticket money. Dont know if they got paid for that one.  

Dave Brierley
8/8/10

The original lineup formed late 1962 was Allan Clarke, lead vocals, Graham Nash, rhythm guitar and vocals, Vic Steele (Vic Farrell), lead guitar, Eric Haydock, bass guitar and Don Rathbone, drums.

Vic Farrell decided he couldn’t become a full time musician and left the group in May 1963, shortly before they signed to Parlophone as label-mates of The Beatles.

Tony Hicks of the Nelson group “The Dolphins” replaced Farrell on lead guitar and later Bernie Calvert and then Bobby Elliott both also of The Dolphins replaced Haydock and Rathbone respectively.

Hope this is of help. Thanks,

Tony Farrell
14/5/11

I was The Hollies' first bass guitarist - for ten seconds!

Two lads, I'm sure Bobby was one, and I think Hicksy too, came down to my old house in Franklin Street, Patricroft.  They asked me to join and I said yes, until they  said they were going to turn pro.

Having an engineering apprenticeship at the time, I didn't want to suddenly change things, so I had to turn them down - but for ten seconds.  Now who's a fool!? 

Bernard Morris
12/9/11

59th Street Bridge were a Band from the Burnley, Nelson and Colne area in the mid to late 60's and as Bobby and Tony (as well as Bernie) from The Hollies were all local lads, we thought we could do the same.

Although we didn't hit the same heady heights as they did we worked solidly for a couple of years on a professional basis, mostly we worked with Paul Ingham of Sounds Entertainments Agency in Whitefield but also managed to secure a lot of our own work. Remember The 7 Stars in Heywood?

It was Paul Ingham who, after the Band split up in 1970, encouraged me to go solo and also to cut a demo disc ( acetate ) to send to The Hollies as Alan Clarke had just left to pursue his own career.  I had a very polite letter back from their Manager to say a Swedish guy (Michael Rickfors?) had got the job - temporarily as it happened!

Early in the 80's I was (and still am) in the Motor Trade and sold cars to Bobbie Elliot (and his cousin) and from then on we have had a good few drinks together at The Sparrow Hawk in Fence .. a tiny village outside Burnley.

I've continued singing and playing over the years, having recorded approx. 70 tracks, some of which can be heard on my web site. I would send Bobbie copies of any new CD which I'd produced and he always replied along with kind and encouraging comments.

There are 2 tracks on my site from " Staying Power ", all vocals and harmonies by myself.

For me The Hollies have everything musically and I will continue to cheer them on while wishing them well for their 50th Anniversary Tour.

Geoff Lingard
28/12/11

Just recalled a gig at the Mirlees Social Club, Hazel Grove. I was lead vocals with The Estelles, on the same bill was The Hollies. 

The reason I am recalling this gig is to verify what real genlemen The Hollies were, especially Graham.  Pprior to us doing our set, The Hollies had already set up their eqipment, which was all brand new, provided by there record company,as they had already recorded their first disc.

Graham came to me in the dressing room and invited us to use their eqipment, everything included except the drums. I accepted the offer and when we performed it improved our performance 100 per cent, as our p/a consisted of the ever popular reslo mikes and a 100watt amp.

I could not believe the system  - they had made my job so much easier. After we had finished we were packing our gear up (by the way gear has a different connotation these days, ,back to the story)

In the dressing room The Hollies were taking their strings off their guitars and replacing the strings with actual cotton strings.  When I asked why, Graham replied that they were going to London to do some filming either for t/o/t/pops or a film, I can't quite remember.

Another time they borrowed our van to go to London,and the van broke down but needless to say they returned it to us in running order - showing once more what true gents they were and still are.

If anyone wants to recall a few more stories about the 60s, Rick the lead guitarist with The Estelles, had a book published called The 60s remembered.  Unfortunately Rick has passed away RIP but the book makes him live on with all his recollections of the r/r scene in the 60s.

yours truly
Colin Reeves.
7/3/12

PS I am still gigging and keep getting encores so while I can do it i will keep on ROCKIN.